Kobo is launching Aura H2O, a new eBook reader which is the first waterproof eReader in the world. The design allows users to enjoy their eBooks wherever they want.
The Aura H2O from Kobo is IP67 certified. This means that the eBook reader remains safe even when submerged into the water with a depth of 1 meter for up to half an hour with the port cover kept closed. The feature provides users with some peace of mind knowing that their eReader can continue to work even when it accidentally drops in the bath.
The new Aura H2O features a touchscreen display of 6.8 inches and an enhanced technology known as Carta E Ink which Kobo boasts as offering the nearest experience to reading on print. It also has a processor of 1GHz and an onboard storage of 4GB which can be expanded of up to 32GB.
Users of the Aura H2O will be given access to more than 4 million world-class eBooks, comics, and children's titles. All of these titles can be searched through Kobo's eBook store. Users can also receive personal recommendations by referring to different categories such as hidden gems, indie titles, bestsellers, and new releases. As the device has an onboard memory of 4GB, it can contain up to 3,000 titles which can be increased to reach up to 30,000 titles with an expanded memory.
The company is releasing the eReader after it has learned that readers couldn't buy more eBooks because they couldn't use them near water.
"When we asked our customers what held them back from reading more eBooks, many told us they love to read in the bath, by the pool, or on the beach, but believed that devices and water didn't mix. As we dug deeper, we found that more than 60 percent of customers surveyed said they would love to be able to read near water without worry," says Michael Tambly, Kobo's president and chief content officer. He adds that the Aura H2O is designed in such a way that will make eBooks a common companion when one is going to the beach, lingering in the bath, taking a bus ride, or sprawled lazily on the bed.
The new device from Kobo is gearing up to compete with Amazon's Kindle which has been dubbed as the eReader market leader. While Kindle may be a more popular name, Amazon is yet to produce a waterproof version of Kindle.
The new Aura H2O from Kobo will hit the store shelves starting on October 1. It will be available in the U.S., Canada, U.K, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, Germany, and France. The price is set at $179 which is equivalent to £139.99 and €179.99. Users from the U.S., Canada, and the U.K. can pre-order at Kobo.com.
