Kobo can run apps now (bandarlabs.github.io)

Article summary

Cobalt is an open-source application platform for Kobo e-readers, allowing users to install and run apps on their devices. The platform includes a launcher, app store, and runtime, and supports the development of new apps using a Rust SDK. Users can install Cobalt on their Kobo Clara BW devices and access a range of apps, including an arXiv reader, Sudoku, and a Hacker News client. The platform is designed to be safe and recovery-friendly, with verified signatures and independent app releases.

Main themes

• e-reader customization
• open-source development
• device flexibility
• single-purpose vs multi-purpose devices
• user control and freedom
• AI-generated content
• community-driven development

What commenters say

• Some users prefer single-purpose devices like the Kindle, while others value the flexibility and customizability of a multi-purpose device like the Kobo with Cobalt.
• The ability to run apps on an e-reader can be seen as a positive development, offering more choice and control for users.
• Others argue that adding apps to an e-reader can introduce complexity, security problems, and distractions, undermining the device's primary purpose.
• The use of open-source software and community-driven development can be beneficial for device owners, allowing them to modify and extend their devices as needed.
• Some users are concerned about the potential for vendors to lock down devices and restrict user freedom, highlighting the importance of open-source alternatives.
• The development of Cobalt has sparked interest in the potential for similar projects on other devices, such as the Tolino.
• There are differing opinions on the value of AI-generated content and 'vibe coding' in software development, with some seeing it as a useful tool and others as a potential liability.