Jump to content

Kobo Touch: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous editNext edit →
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
Updated Kobo firmware version, added successor to device (Kobo Glo), and removed unnecessary space.
Added a lot of stuff. Separated sections.
Line 43: Line 43:
}}
}}


⚫
The '''Kobo Touch''' (also called the "'''Kobo Touch eReader'''") is the third generation of the [[Kobo eReader|Kobo]] [[E-book|e-reader]] device designed by [[Kobo Inc.]] It was revealed on 23 May 2011 and hit shelves in the U.S on 10 June 2011 at a price of $129.99.<ref name="gizmag">{{cite web|url=http://www.gizmag.com/kobo-ereader-touch-edition/18712/|title=Kobo launches new e-Reader Touch edition|last=Ridden|first=Paul|date=25 May 2011|publisher=Gizmag|accessdate=26 May 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Husna|first=Haq|title=Kobo eReader Touch Edition could push e-reader prices low, low, low|url=http://www.csmonitor.com/Books/chapter-and-verse/2011/0615/Kobo-eReader-Touch-Edition-could-push-e-reader-prices-low-low-low?cmpid=addthis_twitter|work=Christian Science Monitor|accessdate=17 June 2011}}</ref>
The '''Kobo Touch''' (also called the "'''Kobo Touch eReader'''") is the third generation of the [[Kobo eReader|Kobo]] [[E-book|e-reader]] device by [[Kobo Inc.]]


== Hardware ==
⚫
A new Kobo model featuring an infrared touch-screen interface was revealed on 23 May 2011 and hit shelves in the U.S on 10 June for $129.99.<ref name="gizmag">{{cite web|url=http://www.gizmag.com/kobo-ereader-touch-edition/18712/|title=Kobo launches new e-Reader Touch edition|last=Ridden|first=Paul|date=25 May 2011|publisher=Gizmag|accessdate=26 May 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Husna|first=Haq|title=Kobo eReader Touch Edition could push e-reader prices low, low, low|url=http://www.csmonitor.com/Books/chapter-and-verse/2011/0615/Kobo-eReader-Touch-Edition-could-push-e-reader-prices-low-low-low?cmpid=addthis_twitter|work=Christian Science Monitor|accessdate=17 June 2011}}</ref> Other improvements include an [[E Ink]] Pearl screen, a faster processor capable of smooth PDF panning, [[802.11n]] [[Wi-Fi]] capability, and reduced size and weight.<ref name="touchtech">{{cite web|title=Kobo eReader Touch Specs|url=http://kobobooks.com/touch_tech|publisher=Kobo Inc.|accessdate=7 September 2012}}</ref>
This model of the Kobo Touch improved upon its predecessors by using a [[zForce]] touch-sensitive display; hence its name, the Kobo Touch. The infrared based touch inferface does not require electrical conductivity, allowing for the user to interact with the device when wearing gloves.<ref>{{Cite web|url = http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/ereading/gifts/kobo-touch-black/817866000668-item.html|title = Kobo Tuch: Black|date = |accessdate = |website = |publisher = |last = |first = }}</ref> Other improvements included an [[E Ink]] Pearl screen, a faster processor capable of smooth PDF panning, [[802.11n]] [[Wi-Fi]] capability, and reduced size and weight.<ref name="touchtech">{{cite web|title=Kobo eReader Touch Specs|url=http://kobobooks.com/touch_tech|publisher=Kobo Inc.|accessdate=7 September 2012}}</ref>


15 free previews of select books are included, rather than the 100 public domain books included on previous models. Like the original Kobo model, the Touch is manufactured in China.<ref>[https://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/oetcf/eas/reports/ViewExhibitReport.cfm?mode=Exhibits&RequestTimeout=500&calledFromFrame=N&application_id=894294&fcc_id=%27ZJLKOBON905%27 FCC OET Exhibits List for Kobo N905]</ref>
The Kobo Touch shipped in five colours: lilac, blue, silver, black, and white.<ref name="touchtech" /> It is made of a soft matte plastic. The back of every Kobo device features a quilted pattern. Like the original Kobo model, the Touch is manufactured in China.<ref>[https://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/oetcf/eas/reports/ViewExhibitReport.cfm?mode=Exhibits&RequestTimeout=500&calledFromFrame=N&application_id=894294&fcc_id=%27ZJLKOBON905%27 FCC OET Exhibits List for Kobo N905]</ref>


;Specifications<ref name="touchtech" /><ref>{{cite web|last=Covert|first=Adrian|title=Kobo Touch E-Reader: You’ll Want to Love It, But…|url=http://gizmodo.com/5812387/kobo-touch-e+reader-youll-want-to-love-it-but|work=Gizmodo.com|accessdate=17 June 2011}}</ref>
The Kobo Touch was introduced to compete with Amazon's [[Amazon Kindle|Kindle]] and Barnes and Noble's [[Nook Simple Touch|Nook]]. By not including a physical keyboard like the Kindle Keyboard, and leaving only a home button on the front face of the device, Kobo was able to further shrink down the dimensions of the Touch.<ref name=":0">{{cite web|last=Covert|first=Adrian|title=Kobo Touch E-Reader: You’ll Want to Love It, But…|url=http://gizmodo.com/5812387/kobo-touch-e+reader-youll-want-to-love-it-but|work=Gizmodo.com|accessdate=17 June 2011}}</ref> The 2GB of memory was similar to what competitors offered; this memory allows for the storage of approximately 1 000 books. With a 32GB microSD card that can be inserted in the side of the Kobo Touch, the number of books that can be stored rises to 30 000.<ref name="touchtech" />


Battery life of the Kobo Touch is estimated to be approximately one month, assuming reading for 30 minutes a day and Wi-Fi turned off.<ref name="touchtech" />
* Screen: 6-inch (90mm x 122mm), 800 × 600 Pearl E Ink Display
* Weight: {{convert|184|g|oz}}
* Size: 114&nbsp;mm × 165&nbsp;mm × 10&nbsp;mm (4.5 in. × 6.5 in. × 0.4 in.)
* Processor: 800&nbsp;MHz [[i.MX#i.MX50 family|Freescale i.MX508]]
* Storage Capacity: 2GB (1GB for content)
* Connectivity: [[Wi-Fi]], [[MicroSD]], [[Micro USB]]
* Formats: [[EPUB|ePub]], [[PDF]], Adobe DRM, [[MOBI]] (only raw markup text), [[Rich Text Format|RTF]], [[HTML]], [[Text file|TXT]], [[Comic Book Archive file]], [[JPEG]], [[Portable Network Graphics|PNG]], [[BMP file format|BMP]], [[GIF]], [[TIFF]]
* Kobo Store Library: Approx. 500,000 premium books and 1,800,000 free books
* Battery Life: up to 1 month (depending on usage)


Three variants of the Kobo Touch were released: N905, N905B, and N905C. The first was the original Kobo Touch; the second was the model with advertisements; the third was the low-cost model introduced after the release of the Kobo Glo.<ref>{{Cite web|url = http://download.kobobooks.com/magento/userguides/downloads/KoboTouch/kobotouch_DoC_N905C_en.pdf|title = Kobo Touch: N905C|date = |accessdate = |website = |publisher = |last = |first = }}</ref>

== Software ==
Kobo Touch runs on the Kobo Tuch Firmware, based on the [[Linux]] kernel. The software is available in 8 languages and 2 variants: English, French, Canadian French, Japanese, German, Dutch, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, and Brazilian Portuguese.

The main screen shows tiles that automtically update based on actions the user has performed. Tiles may appear for books, newspapers, magazines, store categories, or games the user has recently read, browsed, or played, respectively. The main screen is called "Reading Life".<ref>{{Cite web|url = http://www.kobo.com/kobotouch#readinglife|title = Kobo Touch: Reading Life|date = |accessdate = |website = |publisher = |last = |first = }}</ref>

The main application, the digital reader, supports a variety of ebook formats: [[EPUB|ePub]], [[PDF]], Adobe DRM, [[MOBI]], [[Rich Text Format|RTF]], [[HTML]], [[Text file|TXT]], [[Comic Book Archive file]], [[JPEG]], [[Portable Network Graphics|PNG]], [[BMP file format|BMP]], [[GIF]], [[Tiffani Thiessen|TIFF]].<ref name="touchtech" /> By flicking or tapping a side of the screen, the user may advance to the next page or previous page. Adjusting the font is possible with a feature called TypeGenius: users can change the weight, sharpness, and font size of any preinstalled fonts on the Kobo.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|url = http://www.kobo.com/kobotouch#overview|title = Kobo Touch: Overview|date = |accessdate = |website = |publisher = |last = |first = }}</ref> Highlighting, adding notes, and looking up definitions in the built-in dictionaries is also possible by long-tapping a passage in any part of the book.<ref name=":1" /> The Kobo Touch also provides statistics about reading progress: average reading time per session, total time read, pages turned, and the percentage of books completed.

Books can be viewed in a list view or grid view in the user's library. They can be arranged based on title, author, file size, file type, and when they were last opened. Users can also arrange their books into collections.

Users may also download books through the use of the Kobo Bookstore. Adding books to a wishlist, purchasing books, and browsing through the library can be done on the Kobo itself thanks to the Wi-Fi chip. Once purchased, books are saved in the cloud and can be redownloaded at any time if the user has deleted the book from his/her device. This feature also allows for reading location, bookmarks, highlights, and notes to be synced across many devices.<ref>{{Cite web|url = http://www.kobo.com/whyereading/|title = Kobo: Why eReading?|date = |accessdate = |website = |publisher = |last = |first = }}</ref>

eBooks compatible with the Kobo Touch can be borrowed from many public libraries, including the [[Ottawa Public Library]]<ref>{{Cite web|url = http://biblioottawalibrary.ca/sites/default/files/Kobo%20Family_Next%20Gen_EN_June2013_0.pdf|title = Kobo (Original, Touch, Mini, Glo, and Aura)|date = |accessdate = |website = |publisher = |last = |first = }}</ref> and the [[Toronto Public Library]]<ref>{{Cite web|url = http://toronto.lib.overdrive.com/|title = Toronto Overdrive Library|date = |accessdate = |website = |publisher = |last = |first = }}</ref>. These books with [[Digital rights management|DRM]] require authentication from [[Adobe]] in order to be read on the device. Books may be added to the device with the [http://www.kobobooks.com/desktops Kobo Desktop] app or third party apps such as [[Calibre (software)|Calibre]].

The Kobo Touch also includes integration with the read-it-later service [[Pocket (application)|Pocket]]. Once a user has signed in with their Pocket account, articles saved to Pocket can be read on the Kobo Touch.<ref>{{Cite web|url = http://help.getpocket.com/customer/portal/articles/1299217-connecting-pocket-to-kobo|title = Pocket: Connecting Pocket to Kobo|date = |accessdate = |website = |publisher = |last = |first = }}</ref>

Four applications are included with the Kobo Touch: a web browser, sudoku, cheese, and a sketch pad. The web browser allows for downloading of files that can be read on the device. Kobo does not provide technical support for these applications.

Orignally, 15 free previews of select books were included, although Kobo ceased including books with their devices.

== Reception ==
The initial reaction to the Kobo Touch was mixed to positive. Reviewers lauded the design of the device<ref>{{Cite web|url = http://gizmodo.com/5804729/i-wish-this-kobo-touchscreen-e-ink-ereader-was-the-next-kindle?tag=kobo|title = I Wish This Kobo Touchscreen E-ink Reader was the Next Kindle|date = |accessdate = |website = |publisher = |last = |first = }}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite web|url = http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2387185,00.asp|title = Kobo eReader Touch Edition|date = |accessdate = |website = |publisher = |last = |first = }}</ref>, and the software<ref name=":3">{{Cite web|url = http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/13/kobo-ereader-touch-edition-review/|title = Kobo eReader Touch Edition Review|date = |accessdate = |website = |publisher = |last = |first = }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url = http://goodereader.com/blog/electronic-readers/review-of-the-kobo-touch-e-reader|title = Review of the Kobo Touch eReader|date = |accessdate = |website = |publisher = |last = |first = }}</ref>, most notably praising the inclusion of a touch screen, a new E-ink panel, a microSD card slot, included applications<ref>{{Cite web|url = http://manybooks.net/ereaders/kobo-touch-ereader-review/|title = Kobo Touch eReader Review|date = |accessdate = |website = |publisher = |last = |first = }}</ref>, and the minimalism of the device. Complains included an overall sluggishness to the interface<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":0" /> and the lack of hardware buttons for turning pages<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":3" />.
==See also==
==See also==
* [[Comparison of e-book readers]]
* [[Comparison of e-book readers]]


==References==
==References[1]==
{{reflist|2}}
{{reflist|2}}


Revision as of 20:08, 24 May 2014

Kobo Touch
ManufacturerKobo Inc.
TypeE-book reader
Release date23 May 2011 (2011-05-23)
Introductory priceUSD $129
Operating systemKobo Touch Firmware 3.3.0
CPUFreescale i.MX508
Storage2GB
Display6 in diagonal,
16-level grayscale
electronic paper
InputUSB 2.0 port (micro-USB connector),
SD card,
AC power adapter jack
ConnectivityWi-Fi (802.11 b/g/n)
Dimensions165 X 114 x 10mm (6.5 X 4.5 x 0.4 in.)
Mass6.5 oz (185 g)
Best-selling gameSudoku
PredecessorKobo Wi-Fi
SuccessorKobo Glo
WebsiteKobo eReader Touch

The Kobo Touch (also called the "Kobo Touch eReader") is the third generation of the Kobo e-reader device designed by Kobo Inc. It was revealed on 23 May 2011 and hit shelves in the U.S on 10 June 2011 at a price of $129.99.[1][2]

Hardware

This model of the Kobo Touch improved upon its predecessors by using a zForce touch-sensitive display; hence its name, the Kobo Touch. The infrared based touch inferface does not require electrical conductivity, allowing for the user to interact with the device when wearing gloves.[3] Other improvements included an E Ink Pearl screen, a faster processor capable of smooth PDF panning, 802.11n Wi-Fi capability, and reduced size and weight.[4]

The Kobo Touch shipped in five colours: lilac, blue, silver, black, and white.[4] It is made of a soft matte plastic. The back of every Kobo device features a quilted pattern. Like the original Kobo model, the Touch is manufactured in China.[5]

The Kobo Touch was introduced to compete with Amazon's Kindle and Barnes and Noble's Nook. By not including a physical keyboard like the Kindle Keyboard, and leaving only a home button on the front face of the device, Kobo was able to further shrink down the dimensions of the Touch.[6] The 2GB of memory was similar to what competitors offered; this memory allows for the storage of approximately 1 000 books. With a 32GB microSD card that can be inserted in the side of the Kobo Touch, the number of books that can be stored rises to 30 000.[4]

Battery life of the Kobo Touch is estimated to be approximately one month, assuming reading for 30 minutes a day and Wi-Fi turned off.[4]

Three variants of the Kobo Touch were released: N905, N905B, and N905C. The first was the original Kobo Touch; the second was the model with advertisements; the third was the low-cost model introduced after the release of the Kobo Glo.[7]

Software

Kobo Touch runs on the Kobo Tuch Firmware, based on the Linux kernel. The software is available in 8 languages and 2 variants: English, French, Canadian French, Japanese, German, Dutch, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, and Brazilian Portuguese.

The main screen shows tiles that automtically update based on actions the user has performed. Tiles may appear for books, newspapers, magazines, store categories, or games the user has recently read, browsed, or played, respectively. The main screen is called "Reading Life".[8]

The main application, the digital reader, supports a variety of ebook formats: ePub, PDF, Adobe DRM, MOBI, RTF, HTML, TXT, Comic Book Archive file, JPEG, PNG, BMP, GIF, TIFF.[4] By flicking or tapping a side of the screen, the user may advance to the next page or previous page. Adjusting the font is possible with a feature called TypeGenius: users can change the weight, sharpness, and font size of any preinstalled fonts on the Kobo.[9] Highlighting, adding notes, and looking up definitions in the built-in dictionaries is also possible by long-tapping a passage in any part of the book.[9] The Kobo Touch also provides statistics about reading progress: average reading time per session, total time read, pages turned, and the percentage of books completed.

Books can be viewed in a list view or grid view in the user's library. They can be arranged based on title, author, file size, file type, and when they were last opened. Users can also arrange their books into collections.

Users may also download books through the use of the Kobo Bookstore. Adding books to a wishlist, purchasing books, and browsing through the library can be done on the Kobo itself thanks to the Wi-Fi chip. Once purchased, books are saved in the cloud and can be redownloaded at any time if the user has deleted the book from his/her device. This feature also allows for reading location, bookmarks, highlights, and notes to be synced across many devices.[10]

eBooks compatible with the Kobo Touch can be borrowed from many public libraries, including the Ottawa Public Library[11] and the Toronto Public Library[12]. These books with DRM require authentication from Adobe in order to be read on the device. Books may be added to the device with the Kobo Desktop app or third party apps such as Calibre.

The Kobo Touch also includes integration with the read-it-later service Pocket. Once a user has signed in with their Pocket account, articles saved to Pocket can be read on the Kobo Touch.[13]

Four applications are included with the Kobo Touch: a web browser, sudoku, cheese, and a sketch pad. The web browser allows for downloading of files that can be read on the device. Kobo does not provide technical support for these applications.

Orignally, 15 free previews of select books were included, although Kobo ceased including books with their devices.

Reception

The initial reaction to the Kobo Touch was mixed to positive. Reviewers lauded the design of the device[14][15], and the software[16][17], most notably praising the inclusion of a touch screen, a new E-ink panel, a microSD card slot, included applications[18], and the minimalism of the device. Complains included an overall sluggishness to the interface[15][6] and the lack of hardware buttons for turning pages[15][16].

See also

References[1]

  1. ^ Ridden, Paul (25 May 2011). "Kobo launches new e-Reader Touch edition". Gizmag. Retrieved 26 May 2011.
  2. ^ Husna, Haq. "Kobo eReader Touch Edition could push e-reader prices low, low, low". Christian Science Monitor. Retrieved 17 June 2011.
  3. ^ "Kobo Tuch: Black".
  4. ^ a b c d e "Kobo eReader Touch Specs". Kobo Inc. Retrieved 7 September 2012.
  5. ^ FCC OET Exhibits List for Kobo N905
  6. ^ a b Covert, Adrian. "Kobo Touch E-Reader: You'll Want to Love It, But…". Gizmodo.com. Retrieved 17 June 2011.
  7. ^ "Kobo Touch: N905C" (PDF).
  8. ^ "Kobo Touch: Reading Life".
  9. ^ a b "Kobo Touch: Overview".
  10. ^ "Kobo: Why eReading?".
  11. ^ "Kobo (Original, Touch, Mini, Glo, and Aura)" (PDF).
  12. ^ "Toronto Overdrive Library".
  13. ^ "Pocket: Connecting Pocket to Kobo".
  14. ^ "I Wish This Kobo Touchscreen E-ink Reader was the Next Kindle".
  15. ^ a b c "Kobo eReader Touch Edition".
  16. ^ a b "Kobo eReader Touch Edition Review".
  17. ^ "Review of the Kobo Touch eReader".
  18. ^ "Kobo Touch eReader Review".
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Kobo_Touch&oldid=609984814"