Kobo this morning put itself back into contention in the e-reader space at BookExpo America by launching the eReader Touch Edition. Its new model has a namesake six-inch, infrared-based touchscreen that simplifies the interface even further with swipe and zoom gestures along with taps. The reader should also be an upgrade to the experience itself, getting both a faster, higher-contrast E Ink Pearl screen as well as a faster Freescale i.MX507 processor to speed screen redraws.
The design still has the Wi-Fi of the Wireless eReader for shopping and syncing books.
Price will be one of the cornerstones for the Touch Edition. Where past Kobo readers have typically been more expensive for the features, the new model is expected to cost $129, or both $10 less than the regular Wi-Fi Kindle and only $15 more than the ad-supported Kindle. Kobo ships the new touch model in June and will be accompanied by a price slash on the existing Wireless eReader to $99.
