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BookCon 2026: E-readers Absent, Physical Books Reign Supreme
21 Apr
Summary
- BookCon 2026 saw a surprising lack of e-readers, with a focus on physical books.
- Rakuten Kobo was the only e-reader brand present, showcasing new color models.
- Attendees utilized portable tools like collapsible stools and utility carts for the event.
BookCon 2026 marked a significant return after a six-year hiatus, drawing massive crowds eager to engage with physical books. The event's exhibition floor revealed a curious trend: a distinct lack of e-reader devices, with a clear emphasis placed on traditional print. Rakuten Kobo was the sole e-reader brand featured, presenting their innovative color e-readers such as the Kobo Clara and Kobo Libra, alongside the novel Kobo Remote.
Beyond e-readers, attendees showcased their preparedness for the convention's energetic atmosphere. Many were seen using portable devices like DJI Osmo cameras and DJI Mic Mini to capture content for social media platforms. Personal fans were a common sight, offering relief from the warm conditions. Ingenious solutions for navigating long queues and managing event acquisitions were also prevalent, including collapsible stools and popular folding utility carts, some doubling as portable seating.
The event also featured unique literary-themed technology. The Author Clock offered a distinctive way to tell time by displaying literary quotes related to each minute. A new Author Forecast device was also introduced, connecting to Wi-Fi to provide weather updates through literary passages. The overarching theme of BookCon 2026 was the abundance of free books, with publishers and authors distributing advanced reader copies.
