Kobo, a global leader in eReading, has today launched Kobo Aura H2O – the world’s first premium waterproof E Ink eReader.

Kobo’s constant focus on the needs of passionate book lovers has resulted in a new high definition device that allows readers to enjoy ebooks anywhere they want to read, including previously risky places like the bath or at the beach.

Kobo Aura H2O will be available in black from October 1st in Canada, the US, the UK, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, and Spain – with more countries to follow.

This new addition to Kobo’s line-up of award-winning devices expands on the success of Kobo Aura HD, however, the Kobo H2O is thinner and lighter than Aura HD with an upgraded high definition display – and a design that beats the elements – Kobo Aura H2O provides a beautiful reading experience.

“We are most interested in those people who put books at the centre of their lives – what they want to see next, what gets them excited.

“When we asked our customers what held them back from reading more ebooks, many told us they love to read in the bath, by the pool, or on the beach, but believed that devices and water didn’t mix,” said Michael Tamblyn, Kobo.

“As we dug deeper, we found that more than 60 per cent of customers surveyed said they would love to be able read near water without worry.

“We designed the Kobo Aura H2O, our latest premium eReader, so that ebooks could be just as common at the beach or in the bath as they are on the bus or in bed.”

Kobo Aura H2O is IP67 certified, which means it is waterproof for up to 30 minutes in one metre of water with the port cover closed.

This enables people to read more, more often, anywhere they like worry-free without damaging their device if accidentally dropped in or splashed with water.

Reading on a sun-drenched beach is also encouraged, due to the device’s dustproof design and anti-glare display.

Kobo Aura H2O combines ground-breaking hardware with a software experience focused on the perfect reading experience.

of Kobo Aura H2O’s ten fonts were perfected pixel-by-pixel to display each letter with crisp, clear perfection; with 24 font sizes, with adjustable font sharpness and weight setting, people can truly customise their reading experience and read exactly the way they want.

Kobo Aura H2O also makes the discovery of new titles a breeze, with on-device recommendations based on Readers’ activity and preferences.

From romance to thrillers, biographies and memoirs to business books, non-fiction to literary fiction, Kobo has something for every Reader.

Reading Life also gives people the ability to take notes, highlight text, make bookmarks, and track stats to learn more about their own reading habits; passionate Readers can even share favourite passages, quotes, and books to Facebook Timeline.