Engadget http://www.engadget.com Engadget http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[How would you change the Kobo Vox?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/13/how-would-you-change-the-kobo-vox/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/13/how-would-you-change-the-kobo-vox/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/13/how-would-you-change-the-kobo-vox/#comments Image

Kobo is the underdog trying to scrape points while the e-reader heavy hitters of Amazon and B&N duke it out. The Vox was the Canadian outfits response to the Nook and Kindle Fire, but despite a similar price tag, our e-reader expert found that its last-generation hardware was no match for the big boys. That said, plenty of people must have bought them so tell us; how has it been? Do you regret shunning the other two for it, or does it have hidden charms that we didn't see first time around? Let us know in the comments below.

How would you change the Kobo Vox? originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 13 May 2012 23:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Androide booke bookse readere readerse-booke-bookse-readerE-reader Tablete-readersE-readerTabletGetJarGingerbreadHow Would You ChangeHowWouldYouChangeHWYCKindle FireKindleFireKoboKobo VoxKoboVoxNookSun, 13 May 2012 23:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Rakuten completes purchase of Kobo]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/11/rakuten-completes-purchase-of-kobo/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/11/rakuten-completes-purchase-of-kobo/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/11/rakuten-completes-purchase-of-kobo/#comments Kobo It's been just over two months since Rakuten announced its intention to snatch up all of Kobo's shares for $315 million, following the collapse of the eReading company's primary retail partner -- Borders. Even though its new parent company is based out of Japan Kobo's headquarters will remain in Toronto. The two were also quick to tout the potential expanded marketplace that will be available to Kobo thanks to the popularity of Rakuten's various properties, including Buy.com. If you're particularly curious about the deal you can check out the PR after the break.

Continue reading Rakuten completes purchase of Kobo

Rakuten completes purchase of Kobo originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 11 Jan 2012 17:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>buy outbuy.comBuyOute booke bookse readere readerse-booke-bookse-readere-readerskobomergerpurchaseRakutenWed, 11 Jan 2012 17:47:00 EST<![CDATA[Tech's biggest misfires of 2011]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/29/techs-biggest-misfires-of-2011/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/29/techs-biggest-misfires-of-2011/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/29/techs-biggest-misfires-of-2011/#comments
The past 12 months have been a boon of technological innovation, particularly in the world of mobile devices, where top companies have been waging an arms race for the top of the smartphone and tablet hills. Not everything has been smooth sailing, however -- 2011 has also been dotted by delays, false starts, security breeches and straight up technological turf outs. Check out some of the lowlights from the year that was after the break.

Continue reading Tech's biggest misfires of 2011

Tech's biggest misfires of 2011 originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 29 Dec 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsappleattblackberryblackberry playbookBlackberryPlaybookcarrier iqCarrierIqcircle pad proCirclePadProciscodojduke nukem foreverDukeNukemForevere booke bookse readere readerse-booke-bookse-readere-readersfccflipflip camFlipCamfusion garageFusionGaragegrid10gridoshphp touchpadHpTouchpadhtchtc thunderboltHtcThunderboltiphone 4siphone 5Iphone4sIphone5jawbonejawbone upJawboneUpjoojooknokno tabletKnoTabletkobokobo voxKoboVoxnetflixnintendonintendo 3dsNintendo3dsnotion inknotion ink adamNotionInkNotionInkAdampalmplaybookplaystation networkPlaystationNetworkpsnqwiksterresearch in motionResearchInMotionrimsonyt-mobiletablettabletsthunderbolttouchpadwebosThu, 29 Dec 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Kobo Vox review]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/08/kobo-vox-review/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/08/kobo-vox-review/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/08/kobo-vox-review/#comments
Kobo has long been happy to position itself as the underdog in the e-reader race, a spin that's based on more than a few grains of truth. After all, what else should this small Canadian company call itself after years of going head to head with giants like Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Sony? In spite of its perceived disadvantages, though, it's remained competitive with products like the eReader Touch Edition, a device that matched the Nook and Kindle feature-for-feature.

Now, the company is attempting to pull off a similar feat with the Vox, its first entry in the tablet space -- and a clear shot across the bow at a couple low-cost slates from Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Can the e-reader David pull off an upset against a couple of Goliaths this go 'round, or have the company's limited resources finally gotten the better of it? Watch the battle unfold before your eyes, after the break.

Gallery: Kobo Vox review

Kobo Vox review

Continue reading Kobo Vox review

Kobo Vox review originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 08 Dec 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid gingerbreadAndroidGingerbreade booke bookse readere readerse-booke-bookse-readere-readersgingerbreadkobokobo voxKoboVoxreviewtabletvideovoxThu, 08 Dec 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Kobo offers one free book a month, brings peashooter to the e-reader gunfight]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/04/kobo-offers-one-free-book-a-month-brings-peashooter-to-the-e-re/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/04/kobo-offers-one-free-book-a-month-brings-peashooter-to-the-e-re/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/04/kobo-offers-one-free-book-a-month-brings-peashooter-to-the-e-re/#comments In a slightly underwhelming attempt to match Amazon's Lending Library proposition, Kobo will start to offer a free download each month to new Touch eReader owners. Starting in January, customers will be able to pick from the decidedly broad selection of Pride and Prejudice, HBR's 10 Must Reads: On Managing People and Star Wars Vs. Star Trek. Unfortunately, the offer is limited to devices purchased between November 24 and March 31 2012, but Kobo is hoping that the ability to hold on to the titles indefinitely will cancel out Amazon's legion of free rentals. Users can sign up to the ebook's offers mailing list for the full details. Remember: A book is for life, not just for Christmas.

Kobo offers one free book a month, brings peashooter to the e-reader gunfight originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 04 Dec 2011 16:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e booke bookse readere readerse-booke-bookse-readere-readersfree booksFreeBooksKobokobo touchkobo touch ereaderkobo touch with OffersKoboTouchKoboTouchEreaderKoboTouchWithOffersSun, 04 Dec 2011 16:18:00 EST<![CDATA[Engadget's holiday gift guide 2011: e-readers]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/21/engadgets-holiday-gift-guide-e-readers/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/21/engadgets-holiday-gift-guide-e-readers/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/21/engadgets-holiday-gift-guide-e-readers/#commentsWelcome to the Engadget Holiday Gift Guide! We're well aware of the heartbreaking difficulties surrounding the seasonal shopping experience, so we're here to help you sort out this year's tech treasures. Below is today's bevy of curated picks, and you can head back to the Gift Guide hub to see the rest of the product guides as they're added throughout the holiday season.

The e-reader space is really -- if you'll pardon the expression -- heating up just in time for the holiday season. Industry leader Amazon dropped the gauntlet yet again, with the introduction of three new devices, including the entry-level fourth generation Kindle (which starts at an enticing $79 for the ad-supported version) and the Kindle Fire, which is helping to further blur the lines between the e-reader and tablet worlds. Not to be outdone, Barnes & Noble, Kobo and Sony are also offering up impressive new devices for the holiday season. All in all, there's never been a more exciting time to give the gift of reading.

Continue reading Engadget's holiday gift guide 2011: e-readers

Engadget's holiday gift guide 2011: e-readers originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 21 Nov 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonamazon kindleamazon kindle 2011amazon kindle fireAmazonKindleAmazonKindle2011AmazonKindleFirebarnes and noblebarnes and noble nookBarnesAndNobleBarnesAndNobleNooke booke bookse readere readerse-booke-bookse-readere-readersgift guideGiftGuidehgghgg2011holidayholiday gift guideholiday gift guide 2011HolidayGiftGuideHolidayGiftGuide2011holidayskindle fireKindleFirekoboKobo eReader Touch Editionkobo voxKoboEreaderTouchEditionKoboVoxnook touchnook wifiNookTouchNookWifisonysony readersony reader wifisony Reader WiFi PRS-T1SonyReaderSonyReaderWifiSonyReaderWifiPrs-t1Mon, 21 Nov 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Kobo Vox unboxing and hands-on (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/17/kobo-vox-unboxing-and-hands-on-video/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/17/kobo-vox-unboxing-and-hands-on-video/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/17/kobo-vox-unboxing-and-hands-on-video/#comments
Kobo is something of a perpetual underdog. That may well change, after Rakuten acquisition of the company goes through, but for now, it's still a small organization battling giants like Amazon, Barnes & Noble and, to a lesser extent, Sony. With that in mind, the timing for the Vox's release certainly could have been better -- the tablet has to go head to head with the Nook Tablet and Kindle Fire, both on sale this week. Well, we just received ours, and with that in mind, we immediately did what any other geek would do -- we started playing with it alongside its bigger-named competitors. We'll be back with a full review soon enough, but for now, join us for an unboxing and some early impressions.

Gallery: Kobo tablet unboxing

Gallery: Kobo tablet review

Gallery: Kobo tablet comparison shots

Continue reading Kobo Vox unboxing and hands-on (video)

Kobo Vox unboxing and hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 17 Nov 2011 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid gingerbreadandroid tabletAndroidGingerbreadAndroidTablete booke bookse readere readerse-booke-bookse-readere-readersfacebookgingerbreadhands-onkobokobo voxKoboVoxreading lifeReadingLifevideoThu, 17 Nov 2011 12:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Kobo partners with Rdio to pre-load app on Vox tablet]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/16/kobo-partners-with-rdio-to-pre-load-app-on-vox-tablet/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/16/kobo-partners-with-rdio-to-pre-load-app-on-vox-tablet/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/16/kobo-partners-with-rdio-to-pre-load-app-on-vox-tablet/#comments Amazon and Barnes & Noble aren't the only companies touting some high-profile apps for their Android-based tablets. Kobo has now also announced a partnership with Rdio, which will see the latter company's app (and access to a catalog of more than 12 million tracks) come pre-loaded on the new Kobo Vox tablet. Of course, the Rdio app is already available for other Android devices, but this is certainly at least a small boon for Kobo, which doesn't offer Android Market access on the Vox tablet.

Continue reading Kobo partners with Rdio to pre-load app on Vox tablet

Kobo partners with Rdio to pre-load app on Vox tablet originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 16 Nov 2011 01:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidappkobokobo voxKoboVoxminipostmusicmusic streamingMusicStreamingrdiostreaming musicStreamingMusictabletvoxWed, 16 Nov 2011 01:18:00 EST<![CDATA[$100 Kobo Touch with Offers ships in '2-3 weeks,' serves you ads between reads for a one-time discount]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/12/100-kobo-touch-with-offers-ships-in-2-3-weeks-serves-you-ads/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/12/100-kobo-touch-with-offers-ships-in-2-3-weeks-serves-you-ads/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/12/100-kobo-touch-with-offers-ships-in-2-3-weeks-serves-you-ads/#comments
Well, would ya look at this? Apparently, Kobo's unceremoniously launched a new variant of the Touch eReader on its webstore -- this time "with offers," priced at $99.99 (down from the regular's $130). According the company, this six-incher is identical to its original Kobo Touch, but will display advertisements when you're not reading -- namely, while it's off, in sleep mode and across other "discreet" areas when it's on. Notably, the device is only available in the US in black and currently unavailable for pre-order, although Kobo's listed it as "shipping within two to three weeks." There's no word on what sorts of "sponsored content" you can expect to see, but we'd bet that Amazon-related items won't be on the table. Ad-tolerating eBook aficionados will find all the details at the source link below.

$100 Kobo Touch with Offers ships in '2-3 weeks,' serves you ads between reads for a one-time discount originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 12 Nov 2011 16:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adse booke bookse readere readerse-booke-bookse-readere-readersebookskobokobo touchkobo touch with OffersKoboTouchKoboTouchWithOffersSat, 12 Nov 2011 16:17:00 EST<![CDATA[The Engadget Interview: Kobo's Michael Serbinis]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/09/the-engadget-interview-kobos-michael-serbinis/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/09/the-engadget-interview-kobos-michael-serbinis/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/09/the-engadget-interview-kobos-michael-serbinis/#comments
Kobo celebrated the launch of its eReader Touch Edition with a decidedly low-key event, inviting a handful of journalists to a dimly lit brunch place in midtown Manhattan. The company's CEO Michael Serbinis presided over the event, framing his company as a David in the fight against e-reading Goliaths. It was a stark and fitting contrast to the Nook event that Barnes & Noble would hold a few days later and 40 blocks away -- not to mention the increasingly grandiose productions orchestrated by Amazon's Jeff Bezos.

In spite of all of this, the company has managed to maintain a high profile in the e-reader space, as it did this week, when between the announcement of the Nook Tablet and the release of the Kindle Fire, it let the world know that it had been acquired by Rakuten, something of an equivalent to Amazon in its native Japan. The announcement followed the bankruptcy and subsequent closure of once giant bookstore chain Borders earlier this year, a company to which Kobo had long been closely tied. In a conference call last night, Serbinis denied a connection between these events, insisting instead that the deal just made good business sense for the Canadian company.

How will the deal affect Kobo? Does this move ultimately impair Serbinis's ability to frame his 200-odd person company's battles as an old testament fight against corporate giants? Or does this simply offer a bit of assistance in its sometimes uphill push for market share? We sat down with the executive to discuss the acquisition, the crowded tablet space and the future of e-reading.

Continue reading The Engadget Interview: Kobo's Michael Serbinis

The Engadget Interview: Kobo's Michael Serbinis originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 09 Nov 2011 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonbarnes and nobleBarnesAndNoblee booke bookse readere readerse-booke-bookse-readere-readersengadget interviewEngadgetInterviewinterviewkoboKobo eReader Touch Editionkobo voxKoboEreaderTouchEditionKoboVoxthe engadget interviewTheEngadgetInterviewWed, 09 Nov 2011 19:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Rakuten signs agreement to purchase Kobo]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/08/rakuten-signs-agreement-to-purchase-kobo/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/08/rakuten-signs-agreement-to-purchase-kobo/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/08/rakuten-signs-agreement-to-purchase-kobo/#comments Rakuten, Inc. has just announced that it has signed a "definitive agreement" to "to acquire 100% of total issued and outstanding shares" of Kobo for a total of $315 million in cash. According to the press release, Rakuten is "one of the world's top 3 e-commerce companies by revenue." Just this February, Kobo's major American retail partner, Borders, filed for bankruptcy. Rakuten CEO Hiroshi Mikitani had this to say about the acquisition:

We are very excited about this next step. Kobo provides one of the world's most communal eBook reading experiences with its innovative integration of social media, such as Facebook and Twitter; while Rakuten offers Kobo unparalleled opportunities to extend its reach through some of the world's largest regional e-commerce companies, including Buy.com in the US, Tradoria in Germany, Rakuten Brazil, Rakuten Taiwan, Lekutian in China, TARAD in Thailand, and Rakuten Belanja Online in Indonesia, and of course, Rakuten Ichiba in Japan.

Rakuten has indicated that its latest acquisition will maintain its headquarters, management and employees following the final purchase. We'll be listening in on the conference call and will keep you posted on any more details. In the meantime, a full press release is available for your reading pleasure after the break.

We just got off a conference call with Kobo CEO Michael Serbinis, and he stressed that the acquisition was made to help Kobo expand its market share internationally and to gain the resources needed to continue to grow the company. It wasn't borne of necessity after the Borders liquidation, and Kobo was never shopping itself to potential buyers -- the partnership with Rakuten just made good business sense. And it's not just about making money abroad, either. Serbinis was also quick to point out that partnering up with Rakuten-owned Buy.com gives Kobo a channel to increase its presence in the US as well. Looks like the e-reader market's about to really heat up, and not just because of the Fire.

Continue reading Rakuten signs agreement to purchase Kobo

Rakuten signs agreement to purchase Kobo originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 08 Nov 2011 17:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acquiresacquisitionbreaking newsdigital publishingDigitalPublishinge booke bookse readere readerse-booke-bookse-readere-readersedeadersereaderkobokobo ereaderKoboEreaderrakutenRakutenE-bookStoreTue, 08 Nov 2011 17:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Kobo quietly launches Vox Android tablet with 7-inch display, Gingerbread, $200 price tag]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/19/kobo-quietly-launches-vox-android-tablet-with-7-inch-display-gi/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/19/kobo-quietly-launches-vox-android-tablet-with-7-inch-display-gi/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/19/kobo-quietly-launches-vox-android-tablet-with-7-inch-display-gi/#comments Canadian retailer Future Shop gave us an accidental sneak peek at the tablet last month, but now Kobo is making Vox official, complete with a 7-inch 1024 x 600 resolution AFFS+ display with multi-touch, a 7-hour battery and 8 gigs of internal memory with support for up to 32GB of SD storage. The $200 tablet is running Android 2.3 Gingerbread, and is powered by an 800 MHz processor and 512MB of RAM. There's also a built-in speaker and 3.5mm headphone jack, 802.11 b/g/n WiFi and a variety of pre-loaded apps (naturally you'll have access to Android Market as well). Vox is listed as in-stock on Kobo's online store, though you'll have to wait until October 28th for yours to ship. It'll also be available at Best Buy and Fry's Electronics stores in the U.S., and Best Buy, Future Shop and Indigo in Canada. Jump past the break for the PR from Kobo.

[Thanks, Mankie]

Continue reading Kobo quietly launches Vox Android tablet with 7-inch display, Gingerbread, $200 price tag

Kobo quietly launches Vox Android tablet with 7-inch display, Gingerbread, $200 price tag originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 19 Oct 2011 10:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2.3androidandroid 2.3android 2.3 gingerbreadandroid tabletAndroid2.3Android2.3GingerbreadAndroidTablete booke bookse readere readerse-booke-bookse-readere-readersEBookEBooksEReaderEReadersfuture shopFutureShopgingerbreadkobokobo voxKoboVoxtablettabletsvoxWed, 19 Oct 2011 10:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Kobo's Vox Android tablet appears online briefly, gets Canadian release date and pricing]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/29/kobos-vox-android-tablet-appears-online-briefly-gets-canadian/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/29/kobos-vox-android-tablet-appears-online-briefly-gets-canadian/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/29/kobos-vox-android-tablet-appears-online-briefly-gets-canadian/#comments
A day after another little-known e-reader manufacturer announced a tablet, a new Android slate from Kobo made a brief online appearance on Future Shop's site, only to be quickly taken down. According to the Canadian retailer, the FCC-approved tablet will offer up a 7-inch display with a 1024 x 600 resolution, WiFi, a speaker (perhaps the reason behind the Vox name) and 8GB of storage. The tablet is apparently set for an October 17th release in that country, priced at $250 Canadian.

[Thanks, Carolyn and Bart]

Kobo's Vox Android tablet appears online briefly, gets Canadian release date and pricing originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 29 Sep 2011 14:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid tabletAndroidTablete booke bookse readere readerse-booke-bookse-readere-readersfuture shopFutureShopkobokobo voxKoboVoxtabletvoxThu, 29 Sep 2011 14:53:00 EST<![CDATA[Kobo Vox eReader Tablet hits the FCC, shrouded in bookish mystery]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/23/kobo-vox-ereader-tablet-hits-the-fcc-shrouded-in-bookish-myster/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/23/kobo-vox-ereader-tablet-hits-the-fcc-shrouded-in-bookish-myster/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/23/kobo-vox-ereader-tablet-hits-the-fcc-shrouded-in-bookish-myster/#comments
What's this mystery e-reader? It's the Kobo Vox, and it just made its debut on the FCC's site. Is it a reworked version of the relatively recently released Touch Edition? Is it a brand new reader from the company? The device is listed as being an "eReader Tablet," so perhaps it's something more akin to Barnes & Noble's Nook Color or the Kindle tablet reportedly in the works from Amazon. And will Kobo's recent appearance at f8 play into the equation? It's hard to say, but there are a few things worth noting here. First, if the above rough image is to be believed, the device is touchscreen, as with the company's current product. The design, however, looks a lot more like the latest version of the Nook than the new Kobo. A side shot reveals what appears to be a microUSB slot (no shocker there) and a headphone jack, something missing on both the latest Kobo and Nook (though both the latest Kindle and the Nook Color rock one), while a "multimedia headset" was used in the testing. Also listed among the testing materials is a microSD card, so there seems a pretty good chance that this thing has expandable memory -- again, not a surprise, nor is the fact that the reader is listed as being WiFi-enabled.

Continue reading Kobo Vox eReader Tablet hits the FCC, shrouded in bookish mystery

Kobo Vox eReader Tablet hits the FCC, shrouded in bookish mystery originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 23 Sep 2011 10:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e booke bookse readere readerse-booke-bookse-readere-readersfccheadphonekobokobo ereaderKobo eReader Touch Editionkobo voxKoboEreaderKoboEreaderTouchEditionKoboVoxmicrousbvoxwifiFri, 23 Sep 2011 10:51:00 EST<![CDATA[FCC Fridays: September 23, 2011]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/23/fcc-fridays-september-23-2011/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/23/fcc-fridays-september-23-2011/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/23/fcc-fridays-september-23-2011/#comments We here at Engadget Mobile tend to spend a lot of way too much time poring over the latest FCC filings, be it on the net or directly on the ol' Federal Communications Commission's site. Since we couldn't possibly (want to) cover all the stuff that goes down there, we've gathered up all the raw info you may want (but probably don't need). Enjoy!

Phones

Read - Fujitsu F04D
Read - HTC PI06110 Radar (AWS)
Read - Huawei C2931
Read - Huawei C8511
Read - Huawei C8651
Read - Huawei G6050
Read - LG E510G
Read - LG L85C
Read - Motorola WX306
Read - Samsung GT-E2600
Read - Samsung SGH-I857
Read - Samsung SGH-I937 (Focus S)
Read - ZTE Movistar Vega
Read - ZTE V860

Tablets and peripherals

Read - Archos A100H
Read - Kobo Vox
Read - Motorola HZ720
Read - Motorola KZ500 bluetooth keyboard
Read - Samsung HM6000

FCC Fridays: September 23, 2011 originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 23 Sep 2011 10:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>archosawsc2931c8511c8651e2600e510e510gfccfcc fridayfcc fridaysFccFridayFccFridaysfffocus sFocusSfridayfridaysfujitsuFujitsu F04DFujitsuF04dG6050htcHTC PI06110htc radarHtcPi06110HtcRadarhuaweiHuawei C2931Huawei C8511Huawei C8651Huawei G6050HuaweiC2931HuaweiC8511HuaweiC8651HuaweiG6050i857i937kobokobo voxKoboVoxl85clgLG E510GLG L85CLgE510gLgL85cmobilepostminimotorolaMotorola WX306MotorolaWx306Movistar VegaMovistarVegapi06110samsungsamsung focus sSamsung GT-E2600samsung i857samsung i937Samsung SGH-I857SamsungFocusSSamsungGt-e2600SamsungI857SamsungI937SamsungSgh-i857v860vegawx306ztezte movistar vegaZTE V860zte vegaZteMovistarVegaZteV860ZteVegaFri, 23 Sep 2011 10:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Engadget's back to school guide 2011: e-readers]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/03/engadgets-back-to-school-guide-2011-e-readers/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/03/engadgets-back-to-school-guide-2011-e-readers/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/03/engadgets-back-to-school-guide-2011-e-readers/#commentsWelcome to Engadget's Back to School guide! We know that this time of year can be pretty annoying and stressful for everyone, so we're here to help out with the heartbreaking process of gadget buying for the school-aged crowd. Today, we've got our optical viewfinders set firmly on digital cameras -- and you can head to the Back to School hub to see the rest of the product guides as they're added throughout the month. Be sure to keep checking back -- at the end of the month we'll be giving away a ton of the gear featured in our guides -- and hit up the hub page right here!
Most of us are still walking around hunchbacked from years of carrying heavy textbooks in our overstuffed backpacks. Thankfully, an e-reader can significantly lighten the loads for students everywhere. Sure, we've still got a ways to go before electronic devices can replace textbooks altogether, but in the long run, it's a purpose that could significantly impact the postures of backpack wearers all over. Jump past the break for our recommendations, and another opportunity to enter our back to school giveaway. Simply leave a comment below to be entered to win, and head over to our giveaway page for more details.

Continue reading Engadget's back to school guide 2011: e-readers

Engadget's back to school guide 2011: e-readers originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 03 Aug 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonamazon kindleAmazonKindleback to schoolback to school 2011back to school guideBackToSchoolBackToSchool2011BackToSchoolGuidebarnes and noblebarnes and noble nookBarnesAndNobleBarnesAndNobleNookbtsbts 2011Bts2011e booke bookse readere readerse-booke-bookse-readere-readersiriveririver story hdIriverStoryHdkindlekoboKobo eReader Touch EditionKoboEreaderTouchEditionnook colorNookColorsonysony readerSony Reader Pocket EditionSonyReaderSonyReaderPocketEditionWed, 03 Aug 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Google Books, Kobo, more get iOS App Store shakedown (update: Kindle too)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/25/google-books-kobo-more-get-ios-app-store-shakedown/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/25/google-books-kobo-more-get-ios-app-store-shakedown/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/25/google-books-kobo-more-get-ios-app-store-shakedown/#comments Heat waves aside, this last weekend has proven to be a fairly rough one for e-book sellers. In spite of backing off a bit from its initial demands, there have apparently been some major changes afoot in the iOS App Store, with a number of apps scaling back access to their online e-book markets or being pulled from the store altogether. Kobo, one of the former, told The Wall Street Journal (which also reported on its own iOS woes) it was informed on Saturday that it needs to stop selling books through its app. The Google Books app, meanwhile, has been removed altogether, though Google has yet to comment on the matter, possibly revamping the app to comply with the stricter rules. While the adjustments will certainly be a nuisance for the companies involved, selling books through Apple devices will not be an impossibility, so long as customers can still access the markets through Safari.

Update: You can now add Amazon to the list as well. The latest version of the Kindle app removes the Kindle Store button that previously allowed you to purchase e-books on your iOS device.

Google Books, Kobo, more get iOS App Store shakedown (update: Kindle too) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 25 Jul 2011 10:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>app storeappleAppStoree booke bookse readere readerse-booke-bookse-readere-readersgoogle booksGoogleBooksiosipadkindlekobonookpublishingsubscrptionsMon, 25 Jul 2011 10:40:00 EST<![CDATA[The Engadget Show - 022: Gadgets get smashed, Rick Karr talks broadband, Peter Rojas and Ryan Block tell us what moved them]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/28/the-engadget-show-022-gadgets-get-smashed-rick-karr-talks-br/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/28/the-engadget-show-022-gadgets-get-smashed-rick-karr-talks-br/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/28/the-engadget-show-022-gadgets-get-smashed-rick-karr-talks-br/#comments
The Engadget Show is back! Last time it was gaming, this time we go for something with a bit more variety. The show starts with Tim and Brian taking a quick look over some of the month's biggest gadgets, like the Samsung Chromebook Series 5, the HTC EVO 3D, and a pair of new readers: the Barnes & Noble Nook WiFi and the Kobo eReader Touch Edition.

After that it's sledgehammer time, where Brian and Terrence work through some pent-up frustrations by beating the silicon out of a series of durable gadgets, all captured in delicious slow motion. Some survived, some did not. Then, we all learn a lesson as Rick Karr stops by to talk about the (sorry) state of US broadband compared to the rest of the world.

Next, we take it to the streets to ask you what your most important gadgets are before being joined in the studio by the Engadget founder Peter Rojas and Editor Emeritus Ryan Block, the duo behind gdgt, to talk about the gadgets that most affected them in their time at the site and beyond, also taking some questions from eager audience members about, well, gadgety things. Finally, we all get carried deep into the aural environment of Chrome Canyon.

It's a tech-heavy, action-packed show this week that you won't want to miss. So what are you waiting for? Watch it now! The video stream is above, or download the show in HD below!

Gallery: Engadget Show 022




Hosts: Tim Stevens, Brian Heater
Special guests: Terrence O'Brien, Rick Karr, Peter Rojas, Ryan Block
Producer: Guy Streit
Director: Michelle Stahl
Executive Producers: Joshua Fruhlinger and Michael Rubens
Broadband Segment Producers: Chad Mumm, Rick Karr, and Betsy Rate
Broadband Segment Animation and Editing: Danny Madden
Music and visuals by: Chrome Canyon

Taped live at AOL Studios

Download the Show: The Engadget Show - 022 (HD) / The Engadget Show - 022 (iPod / iPhone / Zune formatted) / The Engadget Show - 022 (Small)

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The Engadget Show - 022: Gadgets get smashed, Rick Karr talks broadband, Peter Rojas and Ryan Block tell us what moved them originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 28 Jun 2011 15:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chrome canyonchromebookChromeCanyonengadgetengadget showEngadgetShowengadgetshowcastereader touch editionEreaderTouchEditionevo 3dEvo3dhtckobopeter rojasPeterRojasryan blockRyanBlocksamsungseries 5Series5the engadget showTheEngadgetShowvideoTue, 28 Jun 2011 15:19:00 EST<![CDATA[Kobo eReader Touch Edition goes on sale in the US and Canada]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/18/kobo-ereader-touch-edition-goes-on-sale-in-the-us-and-canada/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/18/kobo-ereader-touch-edition-goes-on-sale-in-the-us-and-canada/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/18/kobo-ereader-touch-edition-goes-on-sale-in-the-us-and-canada/#comments
At the moment, there are two very similar-looking e-readers with black-and-white Pearl E Ink touchscreens on the market, and now, the smaller and less expensive of the pair is up for grabs. The Kobo eReader Touch Edition went on sale today in the US and Canada for $129.99 (or $139.99 Canadian) at Best Buy, Borders, Walmart, and the Canadian bookseller Indigo. If you'll recall, the 6-inch Kobo is thinner, lighter, and more compact than the Nook Touch, even though its screen is the same size. It also undercuts it by $10 but it lacks the convenience of any physical buttons. Could these trade-offs be worth the trimmer design? We'll leave that to you and your wallet (and the guy who may or may not receive this as a last-minute Father's Day gift).

Continue reading Kobo eReader Touch Edition goes on sale in the US and Canada

Kobo eReader Touch Edition goes on sale in the US and Canada originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 18 Jun 2011 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>available nowAvailableNowe booke bookse readere readerse-booke-bookse-readere-readersfreescale i.MX508FreescaleI.mx508i.MX508KoboKobo eReader Touch EditionKoboEreaderTouchEditionon sale nowOnSaleNowPearl E InkPearlEInkTouch EditionTouchEditionSat, 18 Jun 2011 07:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Kobo eReader Touch does more than words, handles Sudoku and web browsing on the side (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/14/kobo-ereader-touch-does-more-than-words-handles-sudoku-and-web/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/14/kobo-ereader-touch-does-more-than-words-handles-sudoku-and-web/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/14/kobo-ereader-touch-does-more-than-words-handles-sudoku-and-web/#comments
The Nook WiFi may have been rooted to play Angry Birds, but Kobo's competing eReader Touch Edition can apparently show off its gaming capabilities with factory settings. It turns out that aside from the Nook-like embedded web browser we uncovered in our review, the e-reader also comes pre-loaded with Sudoku -- perfect for some pattern deducing fun between reads. YouTube user codystheory has posted a video showing the quick sequence of taps needed to access the game, and we can definitely say it looks much easier than installing a custom ROM. We've placed the short clip after the break if you'd like to see for yourself.

[Thanks, Nate]

Continue reading Kobo eReader Touch does more than words, handles Sudoku and web browsing on the side (video)

Kobo eReader Touch does more than words, handles Sudoku and web browsing on the side (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 14 Jun 2011 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>booke booke bookse readere readerse-booke-bookse-readere-readersgamingkobokobo browserkobo ereaderkobo ereader sudokuKobo eReader Touch EditionKoboBrowserKoboEreaderKoboEreaderSudokuKoboEreaderTouchEditionmagazinenook wifiNookWifiPearl E InkPearlEInksudokuvideoweb browserWebBrowserTue, 14 Jun 2011 08:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Kobo eReader Touch Edition review]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/13/kobo-ereader-touch-edition-review/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/13/kobo-ereader-touch-edition-review/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/13/kobo-ereader-touch-edition-review/#comments When it first announced the launch of its eReader Touch Edition late last month, Kobo referred to itself again and again as the "David" in a reader market full of "Goliaths." It's not difficult to see why -- the company's chief competition in the space is Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Sony, all giants in their respective fields. In spite of overwhelming odds, however, Kobo has managed to stay afloat, and even competitive. True to form, however, Barnes & Noble launched its own device a mere day after Kobo, which for most intents and purposes, looks an awful lot like the eReader Touch Edition. In fact, the devices were seemingly so alike that we created a head to head, in order to see for ourselves precisely what set them apart.

The new Nook also managed to beat Kobo's device to market, offering a more than worthy competitor to Amazon's latest. The question with the launch of the Kobo then, is not only whether the David can compete in a market so dominated by the Kindle, but if the eReader Touch Edition has enough to set it apart from the superficially identical Nook.

Gallery: Kobo eReader Touch Edition review

Kobo eReader Touch Edition review

Continue reading Kobo eReader Touch Edition review

Kobo eReader Touch Edition review originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 13 Jun 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e booke bookse inke ink displaye readere readerse-booke-bookse-readere-readersEInkEInkDisplayFreescale i.MX508FreescaleI.mx508kobokobo ereaderKobo eReader Touch EditionKoboEreaderKoboEreaderTouchEditionPearl E InkPearlEInkreviewvideozforceMon, 13 Jun 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Engadget Podcast 241 - 05.27.2011]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/27/engadget-podcast-241-05-27-2011/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/27/engadget-podcast-241-05-27-2011/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/27/engadget-podcast-241-05-27-2011/#comments It's all about doing new stuff, right? This week, we're doing a lot of new stuff: paying for soda pop with our cell phones, reading books on E Ink displays, and waiting for Duke Nukem Forever. OK, well maybe none of those things are actually new, but we're doing them in new ways this week, kind of. Listen to the podcast, is all we're saying.

Host: Tim Stevens
Guests: Brian Heater
Producer: Trent Wolbe
Music: 10yr - Regulate

02:30 - Kobo unbuttons for $129 eReader Touch Edition, we go hands-on (video)
03:52 - Barnes & Noble announces new touch-enabled Nook for $139 (video)
13:43 - Barnes & Noble selling Nooks for $99 on eBay
18:03 - Live from Microsoft's Windows Phone VIP preview event!
22:00 - Windows Phone 'Mango' search offers location-specific results, app integration (video)
29:36 - Windows Phone Mango and Bing Vision hands-on
32:05 - Live from the Google Wallet press event!
33:50 - Google Wallet mobile payment service, Google Offers announced
35:16 - Google Wallet vending on Nexus S hands-on
43:21 - Droid Incredible 2 review
48:53 - Spotify and Facebook partner up, send Europe a friend request?
50:55 - Sony makes good, doles out identity protection activation codes for PSN and Qriocity users
51:28 - TweetDeck and Twitter, together at last
54:00 - Duke Nukem Forever goes gold, will meet promised June deadline (really!)




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Engadget Podcast 241 - 05.27.2011 originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 27 May 2011 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>barnes and nobleBarnesAndNoblebingdroiddroid incredible 2DroidIncredible2Duke Nukem ForeverDukeNukemForeverfacebookfacebook musicFacebookMusicgooglegoogle walletGoogleWalletkobokobo ereader touch editionKoboEreaderTouchEditionmangomotorolanookpodcastpodcastspsnpsn hackpsn outage 2011PsnHackPsnOutage2011sonysony psnSonyPsnspotifyspotify on facebookSpotifyOnFacebooktouchtouchscreentweetdecktwitterwindows phone 7.1WindowsPhone7.1Fri, 27 May 2011 15:59:00 ESTEngadget Podcast 241Tim Stevens01:03:27podcasts<![CDATA[Nook WiFi and Kobo eReader Touch Edition assault the Amazon Kindle fortress: a chart]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/26/nook-wifi-and-kobo-ereader-touch-edition-assault-the-amazon-kind/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/26/nook-wifi-and-kobo-ereader-touch-edition-assault-the-amazon-kind/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/26/nook-wifi-and-kobo-ereader-touch-edition-assault-the-amazon-kind/#comments
The e-reader market just got a lot more crowded this week with the launch of the touch-enabled Nook and Kobo eReader Touch Edition. Will either device be able to take down the Amazon's industry defining Kindle? We've broken down the specs on the two new readers, the Kindle, and Sony's comparable Reader Pocket Edition (PRS-350SC) to find out which device will come out on top. There's a lot of overlap features between the different readers, like infrared touchscreens and Pearl E Ink displays. All of those important details and more in the chart after the break. Check it out, because you obviously like reading things.

Continue reading Nook WiFi and Kobo eReader Touch Edition assault the Amazon Kindle fortress: a chart

Nook WiFi and Kobo eReader Touch Edition assault the Amazon Kindle fortress: a chart originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 26 May 2011 17:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonamazon kindleAmazonKindlebarnes and noblebarnes and noble nookBarnesAndNobleBarnesAndNobleNookchartchartse booke bookse readere readerse-booke-bookse-readere-readershead to headHeadToHeadkindlekoboKobo eReader Touch EditionKoboEreaderTouchEditionnookPRS-350SCreadersonysony readerSony Reader Pocket EditionSonyReaderSonyReaderPocketEditionversusThu, 26 May 2011 17:17:00 EST<![CDATA[Kobo unbuttons for $129 eReader Touch Edition, we go hands-on (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/23/dnp-kobo-unbuttons-for-129-ereader-touch-edition-we-go-hands/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/23/dnp-kobo-unbuttons-for-129-ereader-touch-edition-we-go-hands/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/23/dnp-kobo-unbuttons-for-129-ereader-touch-edition-we-go-hands/#comments Kobo today kicked off Book Expo America with the launch of a new six-inch, one-button touchscreen e-reader -- named, appropriately enough, the Kobo eReader Touch Edition. Priced at $130 -- $10 cheaper than Amazon's Kindle -- the pocket-sized device strives for a reading experience more akin to that of old timey paper books, courtesy of a Zeforce infrared touchscreen, new Pearl eInk technology, and a freescale i.MX507 processor for faster page turning. Click on through for more details and our impressions of this little reader.

Gallery: Kobo eReader Touch Edition Hands-on

Continue reading Kobo unbuttons for $129 eReader Touch Edition, we go hands-on (video)

Kobo unbuttons for $129 eReader Touch Edition, we go hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 23 May 2011 10:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dictionarye booke bookse readere readerse-booke-bookse-readere-readerseinkeink pearlEinkPearleReader Touch EditionEreaderTouchEditionhands-onimpressionskoboKobo eReader Touch EditionKoboEreaderTouchEditionMerriam WebsterMerriamWebstertouchtouchscreenvideoMon, 23 May 2011 10:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Borders files for bankruptcy, plans to keep operating but close 30 percent of its stores]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/16/borders-files-for-bankruptcy-plans-to-keep-operating-but-close/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/16/borders-files-for-bankruptcy-plans-to-keep-operating-but-close/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/16/borders-files-for-bankruptcy-plans-to-keep-operating-but-close/#comments
We heard the news was coming, and now it's official -- Borders, the second-biggest bookstore chain the U.S., has filed for bankruptcy. As expected, the company will continue to operate while it restructures, but it will hardly be the same company it once was. It's being forced to close around 200 (or 30 percent) of its stores, and it may need to close another 75 if it's not able to gain some concessions from landlords, according to Bloomberg. This is news on Engadget, of course, because Borders has also been trying to compete with Amazon and Barnes & Noble beyond its core brick-and-mortar bookselling business in recent years (and not exactly succeeding). While the company hasn't produced its own e-book reader, it has partnered with Kobo to sell its device, and it has established its own e-book store that's also used by its various e-reader apps for smartphones and tablets. There's no indication as of yet that the bankruptcy will affect those endeavors.

Update: Kobo has now commented on the situation on its blog, saying that Borders' bankruptcy means "nothing" for Kobo customers, and that it is an "independent, financially secure company."

Borders files for bankruptcy, plans to keep operating but close 30 percent of its stores originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 16 Feb 2011 13:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bankruptbankruptcybooksborderse booke bookse readere readerse-booke-bookse-readere-readersebookebookskoboWed, 16 Feb 2011 13:47:00 EST<![CDATA[New Kobo eReader gets wireless connection, faster processor, pretty colors]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/29/new-kobo-ereader-gets-wireless-connection-faster-processor-pre/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/29/new-kobo-ereader-gets-wireless-connection-faster-processor-pre/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/29/new-kobo-ereader-gets-wireless-connection-faster-processor-pre/#commentsNew Kobo eReader gets wireless connection, faster processor, retail availability at Borders When we reviewed the $150 Kobo e-reader this summer we liked the value it offered, but didn't particularly appreciate the poor performance nor the missing wireless connectivity. Now it's back, a new version offering fixes to those two issues (the system works!) and selling for $10 cheaper to boot. The new Kobo Wireless eReader adds WiFi into the mix, enabling on-device book downloads whenever you're in range of a suitably accommodating hotspot. There's also a new processor to speed things up, but at this point we don't know by how much. That question will be answered on November 1 when the thing starts shipping in your choice of three colors (black, silver, and lovely lavender), but as it's currently up for pre-order now at Borders you'd better hurry and make with the clicking if you want yours by the holidays.

Gallery: Kobo Wireless eReader

Continue reading New Kobo eReader gets wireless connection, faster processor, pretty colors

New Kobo eReader gets wireless connection, faster processor, pretty colors originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 29 Sep 2010 07:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bordersborders booksBordersBookse booke bookse readere readerse-booke-bookse-readere-readerskobokobo wireless ereaderKoboWirelessEreaderwifiWed, 29 Sep 2010 07:13:00 EST<![CDATA[Kobo rolls out desktop application for Windows and Mac]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/09/kobo-rolls-out-desktop-application-for-windows-and-mac/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/09/kobo-rolls-out-desktop-application-for-windows-and-mac/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/09/kobo-rolls-out-desktop-application-for-windows-and-mac/#comments
It may be facing an uphill battle against the likes of Amazon, but it looks like Kobo's footprint is only continuing to get bigger, with it now matching Amazon with a desktop application of its own for Windows and Mac. That will naturally let you access your current library and buy new books from the Kobo eBook Store, and maintain bookmarks from your Kobo eReader or other devices using the Kobo app. Otherwise, the application is about as simple as you'd expect, with it boasting some basic font customization options and a full-screen mode for some distraction-free reading -- and it's free, of course. Head on past the break for the complete press release, and hit up the link below to download the application.

Continue reading Kobo rolls out desktop application for Windows and Mac

Kobo rolls out desktop application for Windows and Mac originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 09 Sep 2010 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applicationdesktope booke bookse readere readerse-booke-bookse-readere-readersebookebooksereaderereaderskobokobo desktop appkobo desktop applicationKoboDesktopAppKoboDesktopApplicationThu, 09 Sep 2010 09:29:00 EST<![CDATA[CVS to sell $100 Sylvania netbook and $179 e-reader this fall, Tylenol not included]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/19/cvs-to-sell-100-sylvania-netbook-and-179-e-reader-this-fall-t/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/19/cvs-to-sell-100-sylvania-netbook-and-179-e-reader-this-fall-t/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/19/cvs-to-sell-100-sylvania-netbook-and-179-e-reader-this-fall-t/#comments
 Watch out Kmart, CVS is getting its very own $100 smartbook and $180 e-reader and there's nothing you can do about it! We've gotten a hold of some marketing materials which confirm that this fall your neighborhood drugstore will be stocking a Sylvania netbook running Windows CE and a color e-reader. There aren't too many details on the little laptop itself, although we can only guess that the thing will be very similar to many of the other cheap smartbooks we've seen lately. Oh, it does claim to be able to stream video / YouTube, but we'll believe it when we see it play Bieber's Segway escape without freezing up. There are a few more details on the 7-inch LookBook e-reader after the break, but it will pack 512MB of storage space, a full keyboard and will have access to Kobo's e-book store. Seems like some good old cheap tech to us, but we're willing to bet that more than a few CVS shoppers will be tempted to throw one of these into the basket along with the deodorant and shampoo.

Continue reading CVS to sell $100 Sylvania netbook and $179 e-reader this fall, Tylenol not included

CVS to sell $100 Sylvania netbook and $179 e-reader this fall, Tylenol not included originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 19 Aug 2010 16:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cvse booke bookse readere readerse-booke-bookse-readere-readerskoboLookBooknetbooksylvaniaSylvania netbookSylvania smartbookSylvaniaNetbookSylvaniaSmartbookwindows ceWindowsCeThu, 19 Aug 2010 16:48:00 EST<![CDATA[Kobo e-reader sashays into ten Fairmont hotel properties, adds to your poolside experience]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/11/kobo-e-reader-sashays-into-ten-fairmont-hotel-properties-adds-t/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/11/kobo-e-reader-sashays-into-ten-fairmont-hotel-properties-adds-t/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/11/kobo-e-reader-sashays-into-ten-fairmont-hotel-properties-adds-t/#comments Oh sure, you've been able to get your hands on iPads, iPhones and Kindles when checking in before, but a Kobo? Nah. Well, until now. Announced today, the a-okay e-reader company has landed a deal with Fairmont that'll put e-book readers into the hands of select guests at select properties. Specifically, Fairmont Gold-level guests that are members of the (free to join) President's Club will be able to trial a Kobo during their stay free of charge, and they'll find each one brimming with a variety of fiction, non-fiction and high drama titles. Upon returning the device (as if there's another alternative, right?), patrons will be gifted with a $2 off coupon for Random House titles, and if you're curious as to which ten properties will be involved in the offer, head on past the break and have a look.

Continue reading Kobo e-reader sashays into ten Fairmont hotel properties, adds to your poolside experience

Kobo e-reader sashays into ten Fairmont hotel properties, adds to your poolside experience originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 11 Aug 2010 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>canadae booke book readere bookse readere readerse-booke-book readerE-bookReadere-bookse-readere-readersEBookReaderEReaderfairmontfairmont goldFairmontGoldhotelKoborandom houseRandomHousetraveltravelingusvacationWed, 11 Aug 2010 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Kobo e-reader review]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/19/kobo-e-reader-review/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/19/kobo-e-reader-review/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/19/kobo-e-reader-review/#comments
When the Kobo e-reader first appeared, its very affordable price point of $149 made it an attractive proposition. It's been a few months, however, and the market is ever-more crowded, with both dedicated e-readers as well as multi-taskers (such as the iPad) moving into the space big time, and there are also plenty of similarly priced options, including the WiFi version of the Nook. In fact, almost anything qualifies as an e-reader these days -- but there's still room for a thin, light dedicated device that reads books in an enjoyable way for an affordable price... or at least that's the story that Kobo is trying to tell.

We've spent the last few weeks reading with the Kobo, with the main goal being to find out if the simple device has enough features to contend with the host of options (and price points) available to consumers today. Read on for our thoughts.

Continue reading Kobo e-reader review

Kobo e-reader review originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 19 Jul 2010 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bookbooksbordersborders booksBordersBookse booke bookse readere readerse-booke-bookse-readere-readerskoboreviewMon, 19 Jul 2010 12:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Borders' Kobo-powered eBook Store now live with 1.5 million titles, Android and BlackBerry apps (update)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/07/borders-kobo-powered-ebook-store-now-live-with-1-5-million-titl/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/07/borders-kobo-powered-ebook-store-now-live-with-1-5-million-titl/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/07/borders-kobo-powered-ebook-store-now-live-with-1-5-million-titl/#comments Exactly how many eBook stores do we need? Depends. If you own a dedicated e-reader then one is all you get. Own a tablet or smartphone and the world of eBook stores is pretty much yours for the taking through competing apps. Borders looks to be taking a hybrid approach by offering up the $150 Kobo, $120 Aluratek Libre (available July 20th), $170 Sony Touch, and $150 Sony Pocket eReaders and today's launch of a self-branded eBook store powered by Kobo's catalog of more than 1.5 million titles -- "thousands" of which are free and available in a variety of formats including ePub (primarily) and PDF. Borders also has desktop PC and Mac apps ready for download in addition to a few apps listed as "coming soon" for both Android and BlackBerry devices -- these join the apps already released for Apple's iOS. It just went live so why not hit the source and have a browse.

P.S. Funny enough, there's not a single mention of Spring Design's Alex on Borders' new site. Funny sad, not ha ha.

Update: The Android and BlackBerry apps are now live.

Continue reading Borders' Kobo-powered eBook Store now live with 1.5 million titles, Android and BlackBerry apps (update)

Borders' Kobo-powered eBook Store now live with 1.5 million titles, Android and BlackBerry apps (update) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 07 Jul 2010 07:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aluratekAluratek ebook proAluratekEbookProAluratekLibreappappleapplicationbordersdailydaily editionDailyEditione booke bookse readere readerse-booke-book storee-booksE-bookStoree-readere-readersebook storeEbookStoreereaderioskobolaunchlaunhcLibrelibre ebook reader proLibreEbookReaderProsonysony readerSonyReaderspring designSpringDesigntouchtouch editionTouchEditionWed, 07 Jul 2010 07:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Kobo launches e-reader app for Android]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/18/kobo-launches-e-reader-app-for-android/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/18/kobo-launches-e-reader-app-for-android/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/18/kobo-launches-e-reader-app-for-android/#comments Kobo -- perhaps best known for its e-reader tie-up with Borders -- is bringing its platform and bookstore to Android, beating bigger players like Amazon to the game. If you've already got a Kobo account, you can just log in and get instant access to your already-purchased books, but if you're new, you can buy stuff right from your phone; it supports ePub and counts more than two million titles to its library (some of which are free). Strangely, Kobo is circulating a picture of what appears to be a Nokia 5800 with its Android announcement -- but if you can get past that, the app should be available in the Market right now. Follow the break for the full press release.

Continue reading Kobo launches e-reader app for Android

Kobo launches e-reader app for Android originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 18 Jun 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androide readere-readerEReaderkobomobilereaderFri, 18 Jun 2010 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Borders' Kobo eReader available for pre-order, ships June 17th]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/10/borders-kobo-ereader-available-for-pre-order-ships-june-17th/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/10/borders-kobo-ereader-available-for-pre-order-ships-june-17th/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/10/borders-kobo-ereader-available-for-pre-order-ships-june-17th/#comments Looking for a no-frills alternative to the Kindle or Nook? For $150, you'll probably find it in the Kobo eReader -- now available for purchase at Borders, and shipping June 17th. We went hands-on with Kobo in March and rather enjoyed the barebones aesthetic; though an early review cited long load times, we thought the 6-inch E Ink slate got the basics just about right. That's just us, though -- if you get it for Father's Day as Borders clearly suggests, we're not sure your picky old man will agree.

Borders' Kobo eReader available for pre-order, ships June 17th originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 10 May 2010 02:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bordersborders booksBordersBookse booke bookse readere readerse-booke-bookse-readere-readersKobokobo bookkobo booksKoboBookKoboBookspreorderPreordersMon, 10 May 2010 02:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Kobo's $149 eReader gets reviewed]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/11/kobos-149-ereader-gets-reviewed/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/11/kobos-149-ereader-gets-reviewed/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/11/kobos-149-ereader-gets-reviewed/#comments So, how much e-book reader can $149 get you? Well, Kobo's eReader might not be heavy on the feature set, but based on the general impressions from Electronista's review, we'd say quite a bit. In exchange for dropping the 3G, WiFi, color screen and audio playback frills of the Kindle and Nook, Kobo's barebones device puts a pretty and intuitive face on simple book reading for a pretty lovable price. The biggest complaint hinges around some slow performance when closing and opening books, but with 100 pre-loaded titles and a fairly budget friendly online library, it seems like the device has you covered when it comes to actually reading things. We also covered Kobo in our iPad book and comics roundup, if more hardware isn't your thing.

Kobo's $149 eReader gets reviewed originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 11 Apr 2010 06:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e-book readerE-bookReadere-readerkobokobo ereaderKoboEreaderreviewSun, 11 Apr 2010 06:14:00 EST<![CDATA[iPad apps: books and comics galore]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/07/ipad-apps-books-and-comics-galore/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/07/ipad-apps-books-and-comics-galore/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/07/ipad-apps-books-and-comics-galore/#comments
Reading on the iPad is something that is part of the device's DNA. Whether or not you think that LED-backlit display is a killer or a cure for the world's third favorite bedtime activity, you can't deny that Apple has pushed the idea of the iPad as e-reader pretty heavily. So, if you've got one you must be thinking about what kinds of reading choices you really have. Unlike a lot of platforms, you're not just locked into Apple's iTunes-integrated iBookstore for getting your textual kicks -- you can also utilize Amazon's Kindle service and a handful of other distribution channels for the books and comics of your choosing. So, which ones stand out? Take a look beyond the break and see our picks for reading on your magical new device. Oh, and be sure to check out our other app roundups right here.

Continue reading iPad apps: books and comics galore

iPad apps: books and comics galore originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 07 Apr 2010 09:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>app storeappleapple ipadAppleIpadappsAppStorecomic booksComicBookscomicse booke bookse readere readerse-booke-bookse-readere-readersEBookEBooksEReaderEReadersfree booksFreeBooksibooksibookstoreidw comicsIdwComicsipadipad app roundupIpadAppRoundupkobomarvelmarvel comicsMarvelComicsreadingreviewyahoo entertainmentYahooEntertainmentWed, 07 Apr 2010 09:54:00 EST<![CDATA[Kobo eReader is Kobo's $149 E Ink play for Borders, we thumb through its virtual pages]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/24/kobo-ereader-is-kobos-149-e-ink-play-for-borders-we-thumb-thr/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/24/kobo-ereader-is-kobos-149-e-ink-play-for-borders-we-thumb-thr/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/24/kobo-ereader-is-kobos-149-e-ink-play-for-borders-we-thumb-thr/#comments We've seen so many e-book readers of late that it's difficult to get excited about another, but Kobo's angle here might just make the Kobo eReader worth a look. Kobo's game is ecosystem, and in fact it doesn't plan on making a big splash in the actual e-reader market, since it's primarily about building branded software and delivering branded e-book stores for others, including manufacturers (like Plastic Logic), and booksellers (like Borders). Still, the 6-inch E Ink reader is fine hardware in its own right, with quality plastics throughout, a nice patterned rubber back, and a big friendly d-pad for paging through books. The device is actually laid out to mitigate accidental button presses -- even the menu buttons labelled on the front are actually located on the side of the device. As far as software and capabilities, the device is utterly barebones, but at least it keeps its aesthetics throughout, and everything seems responsive and intuitive. There's no 3G onboard (you sync your e-pub titles with a desktop app over USB), no specific word on storage (our guess is in the 1GB to 4GB range), and there don't seem to be any other activities available to reading books. Hopefully you're into that sort of thing, and Kobo at least pre-loaded 100 public domain titles to get you started. The unit will be sold at Borders this summer for $149, preceded by Indigo Books & Music in Canada in May.

Meanwhile, Kobo isn't neglecting its devices strategy. It already has BlackBerry, iPhone, Android, Mac, and PC (and some others we're likely forgetting), but it's also showing an iPad app that looks all ready to go. There aren't many details about it, but like all things Kobo it looks pretty single purpose and slick -- check out the screenshots below.

Editor's note: due to the horrible lighting conditions at the CTIA event we were attending, we had to photograph the device under the warm lights of a meat-cutting station, hence the incongruous backdrop of these hands-on photos.

Gallery: Kobo eReader hands-on

Gallery: Kobo eReader press shots

Gallery: Kobo iPad app screenshots

Kobo eReader is Kobo's $149 E Ink play for Borders, we thumb through its virtual pages originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 24 Mar 2010 13:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ctiactia 2010Ctia2010e booke bookse readere readerse-booke-bookse-readere-readersereaderhands-onkobokobo ereaderKoboEreaderWed, 24 Mar 2010 13:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Borders and Kobo join forces for e-reader device they can call their own]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/15/borders-and-kobo-join-forces-for-e-reader-device-they-can-call-t/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/15/borders-and-kobo-join-forces-for-e-reader-device-they-can-call-t/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/15/borders-and-kobo-join-forces-for-e-reader-device-they-can-call-t/#commentsFashionably late to the e-book handheld party, Borders and Kobo announced today a partnership that includes plans to develop and release both an e-reader and e-book service. Mum's the official word on hardware, but The New York Times Bits blog is claiming there'll be "more than one version" released, all with wireless connectivity and all sold at Borders retail locations, naturally. Unfortunately, there's no release date or window mentioned on that front. As for the service, the duo are taking a page from Barnes & Noble's playbook and claiming device neutrality, meaning they'd like to see their ePub-focused platform available to any and all devices possible, form mobile to desktop and everything in between. Sounds great, but what we're really keen to hear about is this new e-reader -- let's hope they've been taking notes on the successes and failures of their most immediate competitors.

Borders and Kobo join forces for e-reader device they can call their own originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 15 Dec 2009 22:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>borderse booke book readere readere-booke-book readerE-bookReadere-readerEBookEBookReaderEReaderkobokobo bookkobo booksKoboBookKoboBooksTue, 15 Dec 2009 22:43:00 EST