Toronto-based e-reader Kobo lays off 63 people - Page 4

corroonb · 05-01-2014, 06:19 PM

I buy from both Kobo and Amazon and I use their apps on my Android tablet. I don't care how well Kobo does as long as the store and their app continues to work. Their firmware has always had issues and issues always seem to crop up as others are fixed. Their Android app by comparison is stable and very usable. It's actually better than the Kindle Android app which has less font/text options and is much less stable , at least on the Nexus 2012 which should be one of the most tested Android platforms.

They are owned by a Japanese multinational retailer so I can't see them just folding when they have a decent market presence in many countries. Like everyone else, they can't really directly compete with Amazon on price or selection. They do offer a viable alternative though, especially for heavy readers who can save a lot (we like to think) using their coupon codes.

I can see them eventually only having a single low-cost E-Ink device for those who refuse to use tablets but they will be shifting resources to their Android app and other platforms as tablets become more ubiquitous. I don't think there is really any future in E-Ink devices for anyone but Amazon.

kellynj · 05-04-2014, 07:06 PM

Maybe I just don't see it. When I can't do a basic search feature on the site, when I can't make collections on a desktop (that whole mouse & scroll thing come in handy!), when I can't sort the collections in "MY" order - this to me is REALLY basic shit! I can get more functionality out of a basic Google search then I can from a site search! I can probably find 3rd party sites for the books from this point forward, but it's infuriating that I need to.

Slightly off topic - does anyone know of some threads/sites to walk me through unlocking all my Sony stuff? I can buy new (used) ereaders, but I can't get them authorized with no store - I think if the books are open then I can load them - anyone have any suggestions on that?

CWatkinsNash · 05-04-2014, 07:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kellynj

Slightly off topic - does anyone know of some threads/sites to walk me through unlocking all my Sony stuff? I can buy new (used) ereaders, but I can't get them authorized with no store - I think if the books are open then I can load them - anyone have any suggestions on that?

There is updated firmware available - use the "model specific support" searchbox on the right side of: http://esupport.sony.com/US/p/select...pl?PRODTYPE=74 to get to the applicable downloads.

The update replaces the Sony store with Kobo.

theinfamousj · 05-05-2014, 02:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ProfCrash

I have not seen a Kobo in person in the US. I have not seen it at a store or being used. The only advertising I hear for it is on NPR which reaches a niche audience. A niche audience that probably already has e-readers and those who don't are part of the "I only read paper books" crowd. No problem with that attitude but not the best marketing. Toss in a wonky firmware and you have an e-reader that could be a competitor but is not really working all that hard at it.

Come hang out near me and you'll see one in use in the US. Most people who see me with mine automatically assume it is a Kindle.

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05-01-2014, 06:19 PM	#46
corroonb Addict Posts: 317 Karma: 1232685 Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Ireland Device: Kindle Voyage, Kobo Aura, Nexus 9	I buy from both Kobo and Amazon and I use their apps on my Android tablet. I don't care how well Kobo does as long as the store and their app continues to work. Their firmware has always had issues and issues always seem to crop up as others are fixed. Their Android app by comparison is stable and very usable. It's actually better than the Kindle Android app which has less font/text options and is much less stable , at least on the Nexus 2012 which should be one of the most tested Android platforms. They are owned by a Japanese multinational retailer so I can't see them just folding when they have a decent market presence in many countries. Like everyone else, they can't really directly compete with Amazon on price or selection. They do offer a viable alternative though, especially for heavy readers who can save a lot (we like to think) using their coupon codes. I can see them eventually only having a single low-cost E-Ink device for those who refuse to use tablets but they will be shifting resources to their Android app and other platforms as tablets become more ubiquitous. I don't think there is really any future in E-Ink devices for anyone but Amazon.

05-04-2014, 07:06 PM	#47
kellynj Member Posts: 15 Karma: 10 Join Date: May 2009 Device: PRS 505	Maybe I just don't see it. When I can't do a basic search feature on the site, when I can't make collections on a desktop (that whole mouse & scroll thing come in handy!), when I can't sort the collections in "MY" order - this to me is REALLY basic shit! I can get more functionality out of a basic Google search then I can from a site search! I can probably find 3rd party sites for the books from this point forward, but it's infuriating that I need to. Slightly off topic - does anyone know of some threads/sites to walk me through unlocking all my Sony stuff? I can buy new (used) ereaders, but I can't get them authorized with no store - I think if the books are open then I can load them - anyone have any suggestions on that?

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