Kobo can run apps now

	Kobo can run apps now(bandarlabs.github.io)
	572 points by thepoet 19 hours ago \| 191 comments
	tl;dr: Cobalt is an open-source app platform for Kobo e-readers, providing a launcher, signed App Store, Rust SDK, and sandboxed runtime — installed once via USB, with all subsequent apps and platform updates delivered over Wi-Fi. Apps are single-file Rust binaries using a declarative UI with capability-gated access to hardware; included apps range from arXiv and Hacker News readers to a terminal, Sudoku, and OPDS ebook browser. Currently only hardware-tested on the Kobo Clara BW, and unaffiliated with Rakuten Kobo.
	HN Discussion: ~Existing solutions like NickelMenu, KOReader, and PostmarketOS already provide similar functionality on Kobo ↓E-readers should remain distraction-free reading devices, not app platforms ↑Excited about the possibilities for custom apps like manga readers, note viewers, and highlight review tools ~Disappointment that Cobalt only supports Clara BW and not other Kobo models like Clara Colour ↓Tinkering with devices leads to endless optimization rabbit holes; locked-down devices have value