Electronic readers manufactured by Rakuten Kobo to receive revisions in accessibility enhancements
The much-anticipated software update for the Kobo Clara BW, Kobo Clara Colour, and Kobo Libra Colour e-readers is on the horizon, bringing a host of new features designed to improve accessibility and reading experience.
One of the key additions is the introduction of new accessibility features. Users will now be able to increase system font sizes globally, outside of e-books, enhancing readability throughout the device interface. Previously available as a beta feature, this option will now be officially available in the accessibility settings.
Another significant feature is the Screen Recorder system. Despite its name, this system functions as a text-to-speech feature, reading all e-books aloud, effectively turning any e-book into an audiobook. To hear the screen reader, users will need to pair wireless speakers, earbuds, or headphones. The Screen Recorder can be activated from the accessibility menu.
It's important to note that the update is optional and will not install automatically. Installing the update will require a full device wipe, deleting all stored content, including purchased Kobo books, sideloaded books, library loans, PDFs, and audiobooks. However, books purchased from Kobo can be redownloaded from the cloud after the update.
In addition to these changes, Kobo is replacing the now-defunct Pocket integration with Instapaper for "read-it-later" article reading on supported devices by the end of summer 2025.
Michael Kozlowski, a seasoned author who has been writing about audiobooks, e-books, and e-readers for 18 years, resides in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. You can reach him at michael@our website.
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- As more people embrace smart-home-devices and gadgets, the new accessibility features in the Kobo Clara BW, Kobo Clara Colour, and Kobo Libra Colour e-readers could mark a significant leap in the accessibility of technology, allowing users to increase system font sizes, activate a text-to-speech feature, and pair with wireless devices for an enriched reading experience.
- The update for Kobo e-readers also includes an addition of Instapaper, replacing the now-defunct Pocket integration, which will enable users to read articles for later on supported devices by the end of summer 2025, broadening the functionality of these e-gadgets beyond just books.
