Electronic readers manufactured by Rakuten Kobo will receive updates featuring improved accessibility options
The Kobo Clara BW, Clara Colour, and Libra Colour e-readers are set to receive an upcoming software update that aims to enhance accessibility for users. While the source of this information remains unspecified, the update is expected to introduce several features that cater to users with vision or reading difficulties.
One of the key additions is the Screen Recorder feature, which uses a text-to-speech (TTS) system to read aloud any e-book, effectively turning it into an audiobook. To make the most of this functionality, users will need to pair a wireless speaker, earbuds, or headphones to their device. The Screen Recorder can be enabled from the accessibility section in the settings menu.
Another notable feature is the Global Font Size Adjustments, allowing users to increase the font sizes of all system-level text outside of e-books. This feature, previously in beta, is now formally integrated into the accessibility menu, offering users the ability to customize font sizes to better suit their needs.
It is important to note that the update is optional and will not install automatically. Installing the update will wipe the entire device, deleting all content including purchased Kobo e-books, library books, sideloaded files, PDFs, and audiobooks. Purchased Kobo books remain available for re-download from the cloud, but other content must be manually restored.
Michael Kozlowski, a renowned expert in the field of audiobooks, e-books, and e-readers with eighteen years of experience, has been writing about these topics for a specific website. His email address is michael@our website.
The update is expected to significantly improve the reading experience for users, making e-books more accessible and versatile. Users will need to manually re-add sideloaded books, library books, and PDF files after the update. Books purchased from Kobo can be downloaded again after the update.
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- With the upcoming software update for Kobo e-readers, the Screen Recorder feature, which utilizes a text-to-speech (TTS) system to convert e-books into audiobooks, can be found in the accessibility section of the settings menu, making it accessible for users with vision or reading difficulties.
- In addition to accessibility improvements, the software update will introduce Global Font Size Adjustments, allowing users to customize the font sizes of all system-level text, offering a more tailored reading experience for users with varying needs. However, it's crucial to remember that the update is optional and installing it will wipe the entire device, requiring users to manually restore all content except for purchased Kobo books.