Kobo launches global eReading applications for iPad

Kobo, a global eReading service, today announced availability of its popular iPad application in all markets where iPad is available. Additionally, Kobo today released regional versions for Canada, UK and Australia and announced a New Zealand application is coming soon. The regionalized applications, built specifically for the iPad, feature local content, merchandising, and currency. All Kobo iPad applications come pre-loaded with five free eBooks and connect to the Kobo eBook store, which features more than two million titles including current best sellers, classics, and thousands of free titles.

Kobo is a global eReading service with customers in more than 200 countries today. The company offers free applications for a wide variety of mobile devices, including smartphones, tablets, netbooks and eReaders. Kobo also recently started selling the affordable eInk Kobo eReader, with a goal of making eReading more accessible for consumers. Kobo’s open approach enables consumers to read their content on any device anytime, anyplace – including downloading purchases and reading on popular third-party devices and software. Kobo believes customers should have freedom of choice, and be able to build their eBook libraries independent of any device or service.

“We’re excited for iPad owners around the world to experience Kobo on this amazing device,” said Michael Serbinis, CEO of Kobo. “Our customers around the world can read free books and hot new bestsellers on our new iPad app, access their existing libraries and make new purchases from the Kobo store. People don’t want their content locked to one specific device, so we’ve given them the ability to read what they want, on the device that they want.”

In Australia and New Zealand, Kobo recently announced it will power regional stores for Borders Australia, Angus & Robertson and Whitcoulls. The retailers also joined Indigo Books and Music (Canada), Borders (US) and Walmart Canada in selling the Kobo eReader.

Kobo’s iPad application was developed specifically for iPad’s large screen and takes advantage of the device’s unique features. Users can personalize the application by creating a custom bookshelf, choosing their ideal font and font size, adjusting brightness and colors, selecting unique bookmarks and more. Existing Kobo users will be able to read all the books they already own, which will be downloaded automatically when the user logs in to their Kobo account from the Kobo iPad app.