Kobo is set to release a new affordable e-reader this year, replacing the Kobo Nia.
This information comes from an application made by Kobo to the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) in the USA.
The Kobo e-reader brand has indicated that it will market a new e-reader under the reference Kobo NOIKBN367.
This reference NOIKBN367 is very similar to the current Kobo Nia reference NOIKBN306. So everything suggests that this new e-reader will be a 6-inch model, replacing the current Kobo Nia, which is getting on in years (to be taken with a pinch of salt, as nothing is official).
As for the release date, expect it to arrive in autumn or late 2024. We have no name for this e-reader, but it might be one of those:
- Kobo Nia 2
- Kobo Nia 2E
In fact, this is the third new Kobo e-reader announced for 2024. And, as yet, no e-reader has been released or officially unveiled.
For the record, we should also see a replacement for the already excellent Kobo Libra 2 in 2024, as well as the Kobo Sage (with a better battery).
Today, the Kobo Nia is one of the most affordable 6-inch e-readers on the market. It is rivalled only by the Pocketbook Verse, the Pocketbook Basic Lux 4 and the Kindle e-reader.
The problem with the Kobo Nia is its slow system. It's slower than other e-readers, and even though this problem has been partially solved by an update, this puts it at a disadvantage compared with other affordable e-readers.
Apart from this speed issue, this Kobo Nia offers a convincing screen that displays characters well. So it's a good choice if you like the Kobo e-reader ecosystem.
So Kobo is right to release a new version of this e-reader by the end of 2024. A new Kobo Nia with a sweet price tag could well be a hit!
For the time being, however, this is just speculation, and if you're looking for a Kobo e-reader, you can turn to the current models in the range.