For once, my crystal ball did not let me down. Kobo today announced a new addition to the Kobo eReader family. The new Kobo Wireless eReader adds a number of new features and enhancements, including WiFi connectivity, and a sharper eInk screen. According to Michael Serbinis, CEO of Kobo:
“Today, we are excited to introduce our latest generation, the Kobo Wireless eReader, enabling customers to shop and update their library on the go with superior performance for only $149 CAD. The launch of the new Kobo Wireless eReader caps a very busy month for Kobo, in which we announced a new application that will come preloaded on the Samsung Galaxy, introduced the new Kobo Desktop and updates to our iPhone and Android apps, and unveiled the first social reading application for Blackberry. The market for eReading continues to grow at an unparalleled pace, and Kobo is advancing even faster.”
The Kobo Wireless eReader comes with new features like 802.11 b/g Wi-Fi supporting wireless shopping and wireless newspaper delivery, an improved 16-greyscale, 6-inch eInk display, improved battery life (up to 10,000 page turns per charge), improved performance including faster page turning, a built-in dictionary, and a poker game. It measures 120 by 184 by 10 millimeters and weighs 221 grams. It will be available in three colours: Onyx, Porcelain with Metallic Silver back, and Porcelain with a Pearlized Lilac back.
The Kobo Wireless eReader is now available for pre-order for US$129 (CA$149) with shipments set to begin in October. It will also be available from a number of retailers including Indigo Books & Music and Walmart in Canada and Borders in the US.