Kobo launches the Libra Colour and Clara Colour e-readers

Canadian company Rakuten Kobo Inc., simply known as Kobo, is well-known for its e-ink e-readers as well as software and subscription services. Today, it finally steps into the world of e-readers that use a colour e-ink display. In the case of the new Libra Colour and Clara Colour, the display involved is the Kobo-optimized Kaleido 3. The list of highlights includes storage capacity for thousands of books, generous autonomy, 24/7 access to the Kobo bookstore, as well as OverDrive integration.

In addition to the above, it should also be mentioned that the two new e-readers come with Bluetooth wireless support, allowing their users to easily enjoy Kobo Audiobooks. Kobo Libra Colour is the company's first 7-inch device with Google Drive and Dropbox support, as well as Kobo Stylus 2 compatibility (sold separately for $69.99). The 32 GB of local storage can accommodate up to 24,000 e-books or 150 audiobooks. Kobo claims that the battery life can hit 40 days when reading for 30 minutes per day with the front light on, at 30% brightness, and WiFi alongside Bluetooth turned off. The more affordable Clara Colour has a 6-inch display and 16 GB of storage. Both are IPX8 waterproof.

The prices are these: $219.99 for the Libra Colour, $179.99 for the Clara Colour, and $129.99 for the black and white version of the Clara. Pre-orders are already live, and the devices will hit stores across multiple countries (including Canada, the US, the UK, France, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, Australia, Singapore, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Japan, Turkey) at the end of the month. 

Those in a hurry can currently grab the Kobo Libra 2 off Amazon for $169.99 instead of $179.99.