Kobo has officially replaced Pocket with Instapaper as the default read-it-later service on its e-readers. The change comes after Mozilla announced in late May that it would shut down Pocket in July, leaving Kobo users without the long-standing feature. In response, Kobo confirmed in late July that Instapaper would take its place, and support is now live for all currently supported Kobo devices.
The update is available as a free firmware upgrade, and Kobo has ensured compatibility across a wide range of its e-readers, including many older models that are still actively supported. The decision to integrate Instapaper gives Kobo users a straightforward solution for saving and reading online articles, with no premium subscription required to use the service.
A smooth transition for Kobo users
For years, Pocket integration has been a key feature for Kobo, allowing readers to send web content directly to their devices for offline reading. However, Mozilla’s decision to discontinue Pocket meant users were left searching for alternatives, particularly as saved data is set to be permanently removed from the platform on 8 October.
Instapaper’s arrival provides a seamless replacement, helping Kobo maintain its reputation for offering versatile e-reading tools. The switch also demonstrates the company’s commitment to updating its software regularly and supporting customers, even as third-party services evolve or shut down.
Instapaper is positioned as the long-term solution
Instapaper has been a mainstay in the read-it-later market for years, offering a clean reading experience and cross-platform functionality. Its integration into Kobo devices strengthens its appeal for e-reader enthusiasts. Kobo’s partnership with Instapaper is also seen as an upgrade over the Pocket integration, which had seen minimal development in recent years and faced a near shutdown in 2023 before Mozilla ultimately decided to discontinue it entirely.
The transition to Instapaper is expected to be well-received, as it offers features that cater to both casual readers and those looking for a distraction-free reading experience. Kobo’s proactive approach ensures that users will not lose access to a convenient way of saving and organising reading material, even after Pocket’s shutdown.
With this update, Kobo has quickly adapted to industry changes while reinforcing its commitment to providing readers with robust and easy-to-use features.
