Huge Kobo update finally rivals Amazon's Kindle
Discerning bookworms who prefer not to buy their e-books from Amazon or use an Amazon Kindle don’t have too many alternative options, but one great rival is the Kobo range of e-readers. For comparable prices, Kobo offers the same vast store of titles at similar prices, giving readers a bit of choice when it comes to taking their reading digital.
But those looking to use a Kobo have sometimes been deterred because of Goodreads, the reading social media platform owned by Amazon that lets readers track their current reads, rate books they’ve finished, line up a wishlist and see their friends’ latest book choices.
You don’t have to use a Kindle to use Goodreads - Kobo owners or those still hooked on paperbacks can manually log their latest finds on the app - but only Kindle owners have integration that syncs reading progress. That means when users read 50 pages on their Kindle, their progress is logged on Goodreads. Start a new book? Goodreads marks it as started.
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Those over on Kobo haven’t had such a feature - until now. This week, Kobo has announced integration with StoryGraph, the data-centric service that is the closest rival to Amazon’s Goodreads. StoryGraph for desktop or mobile lets readers log their reads just like Goodreads, but leans into showing the user data on their reading habits, as well as tailoring recommendations based on previous reads.
“We'll help you track your reading and choose your next book based on your mood and your favourite topics and themes,” StoryGraph says.
Kobo Clara Colour
The Kobo Clara Colour is on sale from Argos, making it £90 cheaper than the Kindle Colorsoft.
“Because life's too short for a book you're not in the mood for.” Where all StoryGraph users once had to manually update all their activity, now Kobo owners can digitally connect their Kobo and StoryGraph accounts, and enjoy the automatic synchronisation previously only available to Kindle owners with Goodreads.
Kobo said features included auto-sync current reads, which automatically logs a book as being read if you open it on your Kobo; progress tracking that syncs percentages between Kobo and StoryGraph; finished status syncing; support for e-books and audiobooks; plus the ability to manually override the automatic updates if desired.
“The integration creates a more connected reading experience, allowing readers to spend less time tracking and more time getting lost in their next great read,” Kobo said.
Those looking to switch away from Amazon products or the Kindle can currently get the Kobo Clara Colour on sale for £149.99, a £20 discount. This compact e-reader has a six-inch colour screen with great battery life - I reviewed it here. It’s a much better value than the cheapest colour Kindle, the £239 Kindle Colorsoft.
Standout features include its compact design and 6-inch colour screen. However, while the design is a perk, the feel of the plastic doesn't feel premium.
There are cheaper Kindles, though. Those who want to spend less can get the base Kindle for £94.99, but it has a black and white screen and displays ads that you can’t get rid of. Buyers must pay for the £104.99 version to not have ads.
Daily Mirror
