We recently reported on a leak about new Kobo eReaders, which will apparently be available in a few weeks. Many of us are scouring the web for news about Pika and Alyssum . One of these researchers didn't find anything about these new eReaders, but did uncover something very interesting about the Kobo Aura H2O: a way to hack the eReader that could change its appeal.
If you recall from this post about how to convert a Kobo eReader into an Android tablet, one essential step was inserting an Android image onto a microSD card, which had to replace the main image. Another method was similar, but in exchange, you had to do without the external microSD card reader.
What was found recently in the reports about the Kobo Aura H2O is that the internal microsd card is not soldered to the board as in previous models but is a microsd card inserted in a slot. This gives owners a lot of freedom and, needless to say, hackers, since anyone who wants to insert an Android or Ubuntu image can do so without changing the eReader software or losing data or device warranty.
The Kobo Aura H2O's storage device is tuned for hackers
This seems silly that has been overlooked by many, is actually something important because it not only allows hackers to make modifications in the reader but also implies that Kobo itself is in a way consenting to such developments being made.
I recently had the opportunity to see and examine the Tagus Lux 2015, an Android-based eReader that, with root access, allowed you to install any reading app, from those offered by Casa del Libro to those from Amazon. I believe the Kobo Aura H2O will offer the same functionality, but what will Kobo achieve with this?