Kobo launches new e-reading app for Windows 8

Kobo has finally launched an e-reading app for tablets, notebooks and desktops running the Windows 8 operating system.

Windows users can now make use of Kobo's e-reading ecosystem with the launch of a new free app for Windows 8 tablets, notebooks and laptops. The app includes the Kobo ebook store and a built-in e-reader that is compatible with epub, mobi, pdf and comic book file types. As with the apps for Android and iOS, the Windows 8 app will also sync to other logged-in Kobo apps and devices, so that each time you read a book, you can pick up where you left off on another device.

"We are excited to give our Readers access to their Kobo eBooks on the Microsoft Windows ecosystem," said Kobo's Sameer Hasan. "Just like Kobo, Microsoft understands the importance of providing users with greater mobility and new ways to enjoy their favourite content. The Kobo for Windows app is designed to make Kobo content come alive on Windows devices."

The app doesn't seem to include Kobo's Reading Life feature, which allows readers to earn achievements and share books and passages via social media, but it does allow users to pin their favourite books as a tile to their home screen.

Kobo will be releasing the app for Windows Phone in the coming months.

Kobo for Windows is currently available for other devices through the Windows app store.