Kobo eBook Reader Firmware 3.8.0 Update: New Gesture Controls and Bug Fixes
Kobo fans have known for a while that the Canadian eBook reader specialist released a new software version for other devices along with the introduction of the Kobo Aura H2O. As usual, however, the firmware updates aren’t made available to all users simultaneously, so the OTA feature updates the device software only some time after the actual release.
The time should have come for all owners of a Kobo Glo, Aura, Touch or Aura HD by now, because as soon as you connect to a wireless network and press the virtual sync button, the new firmware with version number 3.8.0 will be found and downloaded.
Once that’s done, you can proceed with the software update immediately. This usually takes less than 5 minutes. Afterwards, you’ll return to the home screen and be greeted by the familiar tile view from previous versions.
Gesture Control for Light Adjustment
The main new feature on the Glo and Aura HD—and the only one highlighted after the update—is the new and quite easy-to-use brightness control. By sliding your finger up or down along the left edge of the screen, you can adjust the lighting. This works really well and very intuitively. Of course, this option isn’t entirely new, as Kobo Aura users will recognize this gesture when using two fingers.
Additionally, you can now sort collections again. Aside from that, there are essentially only bug fixes, as was mostly the case with previous updates. This way, Kobo continues to improve the stability of the software that has become increasingly comprehensive over time.
If your eBook reader doesn’t find an update, you can download the firmware images at Mobileread. You can check which version is installed on your Kobo device under Settings -> Device Information.
