Kobo Libra Color e-reader

The Kobo Libra is a popular line of e-readers known for their ergonomic design and waterproof capabilities. Originally developed by the Canadian company Kobo Inc., the product line has evolved significantly since its inception. The brand was founded in Toronto, Canada, as a spin-off from the bookstore chain Indigo Books & Music, aiming to provide a direct alternative to the Amazon Kindle ecosystem.

In 2012, Kobo was acquired by the Japanese e-commerce giant Rakuten, which remains the ultimate owner of the brand. While the design and software engineering often involve teams in Canada and Japan, the hardware manufacturing is primarily outsourced to facilities in China. Today, the Kobo Libra series is a cornerstone of Rakuten Kobo's global strategy, offering specialized E-ink technology and integration with various international digital library services.