Libra Are we expecting a Kobo Libra BW?

[lumping-sugar66]

Hello folks,

I’m considering getting another Kobo, and for once, I think a 7” device might be a good addition to my setup. I’m a black-and-white reader, so the color Kaleido displays are a no-go for me. That means I’ll be looking at either a Carta 1200 or 1300 device, and I really want to try 1300.

The obvious issue is that there’s currently no black-and-white Kobo Libra, even though there is a 7” E Ink Carta 1300 display spec out there.

So my question is: is it reasonable to wait for a black-and-white Kobo Libra to be released? Are there any rumors or speculations about such a device, or does it seem like Kobo is going all-in on color displays from now on?

[Sirtel]

No one knows. No, there aren't any rumors about new black and white Kobos. Or any rumors about any new Kobos, tbh.

[DNSB]

At this time, there are no pending FCC applications for a new Kobo ereader that I can find.

[meeera]

Anyone who knows isn't allowed to speak publicly about it.

[xor_]

Originally Posted by meeera

Anyone who knows isn't allowed to speak publicly about it.

That's something I've been wondering about. Wouldn't it be in Kobo's interest to occasionally have someone on a board like this, explaining their position and managing expectations a bit? Especially when there's so much uncertainty among a group of people that is generally sympathetic to their products? (Of course they would take a lot of heat and abuse as well...)

[meeera]

Originally Posted by xor_

That's something I've been wondering about. Wouldn't it be in Kobo's interest to occasionally have someone on a board like this, explaining their position and managing expectations a bit? Especially when there's so much uncertainty among a group of people that is generally sympathetic to their products? (Of course they would take a lot of heat and abuse as well...)

I'm sure that like all tech companies they have an information release strategy. Like them dropping the social media clues about a small piece of hardware coming, for the page turner.

[xor_]

Originally Posted by meeera

I'm sure that like all tech companies they have an information release strategy.

I'm sure they do in some way. But I find it hard to believe that the current extended period of uncertainty about some of their core products is optimal for them.

[Apollyon202]

Kobo does the exact opposite what they actually should:

They should release a BW reader: they only release a colour reader.
They should update the larger screen devices: they only update the colour 6 inch device.
At least they should release a new ereader: they release a page turner.
Okay, but what about the software: well, if the latest firmware haven't bricked your existing device, it will be buggy as hell.

[kandwo]

Originally Posted by Apollyon202

Kobo does the exact opposite what they actually should:

They should release a BW reader: they only release a colour reader.
They should update the larger screen devices: they only update the colour 6 inch device.
At least they should release a new ereader: they release a page turner.
Okay, but what about the software: well, if the latest firmware haven't bricked your existing device, it will be buggy as hell.

I agree.

They might have a strategy, but I don't see any evidence that it's working for them. On the contrary, they are very slow releasing what people are clamouring to buy.

And looking at sales for Bigme and Boox - they are doing great with their small readers like Palma and Hibreak Pro (that is a fully fledged Android phone). So why doesn't Kobo release a new Mini, for instance?

[Aleron Ives]

Originally Posted by kandwo

they are very slow releasing what people are clamouring to buy.

Do we have any actual sales data to back that up? Most people probably think Kaleido is a pure upgrade from a BW screen and either aren't aware or don't care about the shortcomings. The people on this forum are not representative of average customers.

[JSWolf]

Originally Posted by Apollyon202

They should update the larger screen devices: they only update the colour 6 inch device.

They also update the Clara BW. But do they do what would be better for them and make a 7" Libra BW? Nope.

[Quoth]

Originally Posted by Aleron Ives

Do we have any actual sales data to back that up? Most people probably think Kaleido is a pure upgrade from a BW screen and either aren't aware or don't care about the shortcomings. The people on this forum are not representative of average customers.

A Kaleido based Boox and Pocketbook are in local shops. I've showed those to people with me that have regular mono readers (Paperwhite 1, Libra 2, Sage) and they thought it was rubbish.

Edit:
The majority of people don't use eink, but phone and tablet.
The vast majority of ebooks sold are mono only novels.

[JSWolf]

Originally Posted by Apollyon202

Okay, but what about the software: well, if the latest firmware haven't bricked your existing device, it will be buggy as hell.

I've not read of the newest firmware being buggy as hell. The only thing I am reading about it some external things that worked with the previous firmware not working with the new firmware. A good example is the patches. The programs to do the patches had to be updated and not all of the patches work. Fortunately most of the important patches work.

So please don't say the firmware is buggy as hell when it's not.

[JSWolf]

Originally Posted by kandwo

I agree.

They might have a strategy, but I don't see any evidence that it's working for them. On the contrary, they are very slow releasing what people are clamouring to buy.

And looking at sales for Bigme and Boox - they are doing great with their small readers like Palma and Hibreak Pro (that is a fully fledged Android phone). So why doesn't Kobo release a new Mini, for instance?

Kobo needs a 7" BW, a new 8"BW, and a 10.3" BW before they need a smaller then 6".

[JSWolf]

Originally Posted by Aleron Ives

Do we have any actual sales data to back that up? Most people probably think Kaleido is a pure upgrade from a BW screen and either aren't aware or don't care about the shortcomings. The people on this forum are not representative of average customers.

When the first color Kobo Readers were announced and it was known that the Libra 2 was going to be discontinued, the Libra 2 sold like crazy. That should have told Kobo that people want a 7" BW Reader.