Kobo to demo Kobo eReading app for Android on Freescale i.MX53 SABRE for tablets reference design

2011 International CES, LAS VEGAS, USA: Kobo, the only pure-play global eReading service built on an open platform, announced that its application is being demonstrated on Freescale Semiconductor’s new Smart Application Blueprint for Rapid Engineering (SABRE) for Tablets based on i.MX53 running Android OS.

OEMs turn to Freescale to help them quickly manufacture and market cost-efficient tablets that feature powerful performance and processing capabilities. By including the Kobo eReading App, OEMs now have a simple path to meeting customer expectations for a compelling tablet reading experience. The Kobo eReading app will be demonstrated on the i.MX53 prototype in Freescale’s meeting space at the 2011 Consumer Electronics Show.

The first wave of in market tablets has proven that there is incredible customer appetite for buying and reading eBooks on tablet devices. Offering the largest global store and an exceptional reading experience, Kobo is uniquely positioned to enable OEMs to meet this need and generate a new revenue stream.

The Kobo store offers over 2.2 million eBooks, including today’s hottest new releases and bestsellers plus over 1 million engaging free classics. Beyond its global store, Kobo offers geo-merchandised stores that are rich in local content and support local currency in several markets with new stores launching in 2011.

“As the market-leading semiconductor vendor for eReaders and other smart mobile devices, Freescale is closely attuned to the needs of our OEM partners, who must bring to market not only a compelling device but also the right applications, backed by content that suits the tastes and preferences of their customers,” said Ken Obuszewski product marketing director for Freescale’s Multimedia Applications Division “Integrating Kobo’s exceptional eReading experience will help our OEM customers more easily compete and succeed in today's competitive market.”

Freescale’s new reference design uses the i.MX53 which enriches the next generation of tablets through 1.2GHz of processing power, 1080P video output and 27 million triangles per second of graphics acceleration all driving a 10.1” 1366x760 LVDS Display with Capacitive Touch. Freescale’s new reference design is targeting availability Q1 2011.

“With its inclusion in Freescale’s reference design, Kobo’s open-platform eReading application provides a powerful backbone for manufacturers to expand and shape the eReader industry,” said Todd Humphrey, EVP of business development at Kobo. “Kobo believes that people should be able to read and store their lifetime libraries on any device, and combining forces with Freescale, along with retailers, OEMs and mobile operators, is a keystone to building our vision.”