It’s official: Shortcovers, the Indigo-owned e-book service launched less than a year ago, has a new name. At midnight last night, the company was rechristened Kobo (an anagram of “book”), and along with a redesigned website and mobile app, introduced several new features. However, no mention was made of a branded e-reading device, despite recent speculation.
What does the name change mean? Presumably, if the Shortcovers brand is starting from scratch all over again, we can expect more than simply a new “look and feel.” But the initial changes, outlined in a blog post by Kobo CEO Mike Serbinis, seem fairly minor. They include the ability to browse by category (fiction, romance, sci-fi & fantasy, etc.), a regularly updated bestsellers list, and recommended reading lists.
Serbinis says to also expect new apps, new “supported devices,” and expanded international offerings, including the ability for consumers around the world to make purchases in their local currency.
To experience the new Shortcovers, go to kobobooks.com.
Michael Serbinis: I’m going to translate “New supported devices…” as a Kobo-branded device, and sleep easily tonight
I just checked out this site. What I want to know is why would I pay the same price for an ebook as a regular paperback? The publishing companies don’t have the same cost associated with publishing an ebook so why isn’t that reflected in the price? I would probably buy ebooks if they weren’t so expensive. As it is, I’ll stick to my paperbacks until the ebook prices drop.
[...] Shortcovers announced earlier today that it was re-branding itself as Kobo, it was clear some big changes were afoot at the company, which was founded just 10 months ago by [...]