Kobo’s new device is meant to drive users away with Amazon’s affordable entry-level Kindle, which presently offers a top-notch reading experience to users for USD 89.99.

Rakuten Kobo Inc., a Canadian company that sells e-readers, tablet, audiobooks, and computers, has reportedly introduced a new e-reader named ‘Kobo Nia’, which is an alternative to the existing cheapest option for Kindle device.

According to sources familiar with the knowledge of matter, the new device costs USD 99.99, which is cheaper than its Kobo Clara HD gadget. Even though both gadgets feature a 6-inch display, Nia has a bit worse specification. However, it features a high-resolution display and backlight and will be available for sale from 21st July.

E-commerce giant Amazon has a strong grip on the e-book landscape, but rivals like Kobo give it though competition across numerous price points. Kobo’s new device is meant to drive users away with Amazon’s affordable entry-level Kindle, which presently offers a top-notch reading experience to users for USD 89.99.

The Nia could change that as it features sharper 212 PPI display (more than  Kindle's low resolution 147 PPI screen), making it convenient  for users for hours of relaxed reading. Moreover, the new device also comes with 8GB storage compared to Amazon's rival of 4GB storage. The new device is spacious enough to store up to 6,000 books from the company’s built-in-store and other sources.

However, when compared to Amazon’s newest Paperwhite model, it lacks numerous features. Amazon’s Paperwhite model comes with 300 PPI display and offers IPX8 waterproofing. At USD 129.99, it is more expensive than Clara HD and Nia, but it can be found on sale as low as USD 84.99, which makes the choice a bit difficult.

Over the past few months, companies like Kobo have seen exceptional growth as most of the nations have imposed lockdowns to reduce the COVID-19 outbreak.

Source Credit - https://www.techspot.com/news/86004-kobo-announces-9999-nia-entry-level-rival-amazon.html