Kobo has introduced a second waterproof e-reader and updated its entry-level Aura model.
The Aura One features a 7.8-inch Carta E Ink touchscreen with 300 ppi resolution, which Kobo said permits more words to fit on a page than other e-readers. It offers a choice of 11 fonts and 50 font sizes, and users can also adjust margins, highlight passages, write notes, and look up words with the on-board dictionary.
The device features 8GB of storage, 512MB of RAM and a one-month battery life. It also has an IPX8 waterproof rating, meaning it can be submerged for up to 60 minutes in up to 6.6 feet of water without damage. The Kobo Aura H20, in contrast, has a 6.8-inch screen and is only waterproof for up to 30 minutes in 3.3 feet of water.
To reduce blue-light exposure, which can potentially interrupt sleep, the Aura One’s ComfortLight Pro employs an ambient light sensor to adjust display brightness. Users can also manually adjust the brightness settings.
The device measures 7.7 inches by 5.5 inches by 0.3 inches and weighs 8.1 ounces. It ships Sept. 6 in the U.S. and will carry a $229 suggested retail.
Kobo is also updating its entry-level Aura e-reader, known as the Aura Edition 2, which will carry a $119 suggested retail when it too ships Sept. 6. The Edition 2 has a 6-inch Carta E Ink screen with a 212 ppi resolution. It contains 4GB of memory and boasts a two-month battery life.
Kobo users can purchase books on the Kobo eBookstore or borrow them from local libraries via the OverDrive access system.
Although Amazon offers lower-priced Kindle e-readers, none of its models are waterproof.
