Kobo believes tablets are a significant new form factor for eReading

Jan 25, 2010 14:59 GMT  ·  By

In what seems an effort to capitalize on the hype surrounding Apple’s unconfirmed tablet computer, Kobo Inc. has announced plans to extend the availability of its eReading service across “various tablet and slate computers” beginning with February 2010. The company has applications in development for Windows 7, Google’s Android OS and other operating systems, and is featured in the App Store with a free app for iPhone and iPod touch.

Kobo is a global eReading service that offers applications for various platforms and devices, including the iPhone. Kobo will stay in sync across various devices, allowing users to read on their iPhone, then switch to their tablet and continue where they left off, according to the company. Kobo’s free iPhone app – eBooks by Kobo – acts like a digital destination for customers looking to experience the next great read. The app offers the ability to create a customized digital library, choosing from tens of thousands of ebooks, and other impressive capabilities.

“This announcement is in line with our mission to deliver the best eReading experience on any device,” Michael Serbinis, chief executive officer of Kobo, said. “2010 is proving to be the year of the tablet and we are working with major OEMs to ensure that Kobo apps are made available on those devices. Tablets give Kobo an opportunity to deliver eBooks, newspapers, and magazines to readers on yet another screen that is well equipped for reading.”

The service currently offers more than two million titles with content from major publishers including Random House, Harper Collins, Hachette, Simon & Schuster, Penguin and Harlequin, Kobo adds. The company claims its strategy is to make eReading available everywhere and on any device.

“Applications in Development for Windows 7, Android, and Additional Operating Systems,” the press release mentions. Since Apple imposes quite the restrictions when it comes to its own software, it is reasonable to assume that even with SDK 4.0 on its hands, Kobo will be mum until Apple gives it the green light to talk.

Whether Kobo has been in talks with Apple on the tablet matter remains unclear. However, the company upholds that, “The tablet platform is a significant new form factor for eReading.” “Kobo aggressively supports open standards like ePUB format, which gives readers the flexibility to read on any device,” Kobo, which believes consumers should be able to read any book on any device, points out. The link below takes readers to the App Store, where Kobo's free iPhone app is hosted.

Download eBooks by Kobo (Free)