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kumaryu · 07-06-2012, 07:46 AM

It would certainly make sense to unify the code for KT in both JP and non-JP markets.

OTOH, ebook reader devices are merely a means to sell content. If releasing new unified firmware upgrades would stimulate the sales of content to existing KT customers, I would imagine they may consider it. If by releasing such a significant upgrade, Rakuten/Kobo can engineer an exceptional brand loyalty, it would certainly be attractive.

That said however, the introduction of a totally different reader software and the process required to upgrade existing firmware will result in additional support costs.

All this would need to be considered in the light of imminent release of Kindle for the JP market by Amazon. My own personal view is that in order for Rakuten/Kobo to retain market share against Amazon, they would need to leverage something like brand loyalty/image.

That said, w/o understanding Rakuten/Kobo's view on these matters, it would be difficult to predict whether v2.0 of KT firmware will be released.

07-06-2012, 07:46 AM	#14
kumaryu Zealot Posts: 105 Karma: 222128 Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Carteya Guadarranque, Andalucia Device: PRS-300, Kobo: Touch, Glo, Arc, Aura, Glo HD, Nexus7, nergy Pro HD	It would certainly make sense to unify the code for KT in both JP and non-JP markets. OTOH, ebook reader devices are merely a means to sell content. If releasing new unified firmware upgrades would stimulate the sales of content to existing KT customers, I would imagine they may consider it. If by releasing such a significant upgrade, Rakuten/Kobo can engineer an exceptional brand loyalty, it would certainly be attractive. That said however, the introduction of a totally different reader software and the process required to upgrade existing firmware will result in additional support costs. All this would need to be considered in the light of imminent release of Kindle for the JP market by Amazon. My own personal view is that in order for Rakuten/Kobo to retain market share against Amazon, they would need to leverage something like brand loyalty/image. That said, w/o understanding Rakuten/Kobo's view on these matters, it would be difficult to predict whether v2.0 of KT firmware will be released. Last edited by kumaryu; 07-06-2012 at 07:48 AM.