Kobo charges monthly fee for syncing personal ebooks across devices

Kobo is charging readers a monthly fee to sync their personal ebooks and documents across multiple devices. The service, called Stack, allows users to upload EPUB and PDF files to Kobo servers for access on e-readers, mobile apps, and the web. This move differs from Amazon's Send to Kindle feature, which offers similar file transfer capabilities at no cost. Kobo positions Stack as a paid option for readers who frequently switch between different hardware.

The feature launches with the version 6.0 update to Kobo's e-reader software. The update is currently available as an optional beta upgrade. Kobo plans a wider official release in the near future. The service supports files up to 200MB in size. Users can upload documents via a drag-and-drop interface on the Kobo website or by emailing files to a custom address provided during subscription.

Hardware support for Stack initially covers recent models including the Clara BW, Clara Colour, Libra Colour, and Elipsa 2E. Kobo states that compatibility for older devices manufactured between 2018 and 2024 will arrive soon. The service is currently available only in Canada, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and Spain. The United States is not included in this first wave of availability. Kobo CEO Michael Tamblyn confirmed the geographic limitations on the social platform Threads.

Pricing varies by region. Canadian subscribers pay 3.99 Canadian dollars per month. UK subscribers pay 2.99 British pounds per month. Kobo offers a free 90-day trial to new users to encourage adoption. If a subscriber cancels, they receive a 60-day grace period to back up their data. During this window, users can download their files and export notes and annotations. After the 60 days, Kobo permanently deletes all uploaded data from the cloud.

The version 6.0 update includes several other features. Users can now add multiple library cards to borrow books from different institutions through the Libby service. The update reduces stylus latency on devices with pen support. Accessibility options have expanded to include larger font choices. The software now supports EPUB files protected by LCP DRM.