New Delhi, October 17, 2013 – Global leader in eReading, Canada-headquartered Kobo, has brought its digital reading platform to India, partnering leading Indian booksellers for distribution.
Readers will now have access to one of the largest content catalogues in the world, along with Kobo’s top-ranked apps for iOS, Android, Microsoft, and BlackBerry platforms. The device line-up, featuring a range of E Ink and tablet devices, includes the Kobo Touch, Kobo Glo, Kobo Arc and Kobo Aura HD.
Starting today, Kobo will be available in retail locations across India through its partnerships with Crossword, WHSmith and Croma. Readers will also have access to Kobo’s eBookstore, one of the largest in the world, featuring nearly 4-million titles across 68 languages including ninety-five percent of India’s bestselling content featuring work from top-selling Indian authors including Jhumpa Lahiri, Ramachandra Guha and Sachin Garg to international bestselling authors like Dan Brown, John Grisham and Lee Child.
“As e-commerce continues to expand and demand for digital content continues to grow, we are thrilled to be launching in India and look forward to introducing passionate Readers to our world-class digital reading platform,” says Wayne White, Executive Vice President & General Manager, Kobo. “India is in the early stages of what we believe is a 25-year transformation from print to digital reading. In partnership with some of the leading booksellers and retailers in the country, Kobo is poised to lead this transformation, by delivering a fully localized experience designed to meet the increased demand for digital content in India.”
Adds Michael Tamblyn, Chief Content Officer, Kobo: “Traditionally known as the land of storytelling, it was important to us that we enter the Indian market with an offering that met the expectations of a discerning Indian audience who are passionate about the books they read. We are delivering an experience that delivers the very best from around the world and titles from the most beloved local authors. In partnership with some of the best retailers, we’ll set the standard for digital reading in India."
“With e-commerce in the midst of a rebirth and a steady increase in demand for more digital content, the time is right for Kobo in India,” says Haja Sheriff, Country Director – India, Kobo. “Literature and the love of storytelling are ingrained in our culture and the Kobo platform will make it easier than ever before for Indians to access to the stories they love – anytime, anyplace and on any device.”
In a survey commissioned by Kobo and conducted by Ipsos India, 93 percent of self-identified Readers, said they are familiar with eReading devices or apps that allow for reading across a variety of devices and 56 percent said they would prefer to read digital content on a dedicated eReading device. Furthermore, 54 percent of respondents said they would read more if they had an eReader that provided them with access to their own digital library anytime, anywhere, anyplace.
To celebrate Kobo’s launch in India, special Diwali pricing will be available until November 3 on select Kobo devices including:Kobo Arc available at Rs. 9999 (regularly priced at Rs.11, 999) and Kobo Touch at Rs. 6999 (regularly priced at Rs. 7,999