Kobo to launch new tablet device, more compact e-reader

Kobo is launching a new tablet device and a more compact e-reader as it seeks to expand its market share and battle with Apple Inc and Amazon.com Kobo is launching a new tablet device and a more compact e-reader as it seeks to expand its market share and battle with Apple Inc and Amazon.com Inc in the ultra-competitive mobile device marketplace. Toronto-based Kobo, owned by Rakuten Inc, Japan’s top e-commerce operator, will launch the new devices in the next two months, as Amazon – the world’s largest Internet retailer – reportedly prepares to unveil a new tablet, along with an update of its popular Kindle e-reader. The company is also launching a new e-reader dubbed the ‘Kobo Mini’, a pocket-sized 5-inch device which will come with an e-ink touchscreen and 2 gigabytes of storage. Kobo is also launching an improved version of its flagship e-reader that will be called the ‘Kobo Glo’, a new 6-inch e-ink touchscreen device that will come with an adjustable front light.