Kobo Arc

Kobo Arc owners should be very happy today. You’ll be receiving Android 4.1 Jelly Bean the next time you connect to Wi-Fi.

What does this get you? Well, it gets you Google Now, which I reviewed for GadgeTell in January. Although I said back then that I thought it was a bit creepy at times, I’ve grown to really like it and depend on it for my daily activities. My favorite Google Now feature is the card that gives me navigation information to my next appointment, including warning me of delays. In the Washington, D.C., area, that’s extremely helpful.

You’ll also get the notifications area, which is one of my favorite features of Android Jelly Bean. Notifications show up in the top right section of your screen, visible enough that you know they are there, but easy to ignore if you’re busy. I also like being able to clear all notifications with one tap, unlike iOS, where you have to dismiss them for each individual app.

You’ll also get improved searches and a better keyboard. Complete details in the press release.

You’re getting some nice features, and I think Arc owners will really enjoy this update. Feel free to try it out and discuss the features you like in the comments.

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  1. I’m a fairly casual user, but I could easily see the update does indeed make apps load faster. There seems to be no glitches. Good work, Kobo.

    On a similar note, it seems the reading app for the Arc has been updated as well. It now supports shelves, including a shelf that automatically stores finished books. It’s a good step in the right direction.

  2. @Jason, thanks for mentioning the reading app part of the update. Since I don’t own an Arc, I didn’t know about that, and they didn’t mention it in the press release. Sadly, even a gadget blogger can only own and use so many gadgets. 🙁

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