iLiad Firmware with long-awaited Mobipocket Reader (almost)

Alexander Turcic · 04-25-2007, 11:45 AM

Thanks to our member VillageReader who was the first to report that iRex has released a long-awaited firmware upgrade for the iLiad e-reader. Upgrade 2.9.5 includes the following new features and bug fixes (update: just received word from Matthijs that the Mobipocket Viewer is not yet included, but will be very shortly after this release (rumored as early as next week)):

Mobipocket Viewer: This viewer will give the ability to read books and documents protected with the popular DRM format as well as offline RSS feeds. More details will follow.
Full GPL Compliance of the software running on your iLiad: The Linux kernel is now 100% identical to what we’ve published online.
System prepared for Recovery function: A way for the end-user to go back to the iRex-supplied working software version using a CF card. The actual recovery software is sent as a separate software update.
Bug fix for a minor bug in the WiFi drive has been resolved which should make software upgrades seamless from the next releases onwards; specific with automatic restarting and reconnecting to iDS using WiFi.

Unlike previous upgrades, this one will actually destroy all the data on your reader. Therefore you must make sure to backup all your documents beforehand through the iLiad Companion Software (do not use the Companion software, it does not work with this update as intended. Instead connect your iLiad via USB to copy all files and folders from the iLiad to your computer).

update 2: apparently the upgrader is not 100% foolproof with custom registry files (er_registry.txt). For more check out Scotty's comments in this thread.

Matthijs · 04-25-2007, 12:00 PM

Mobipocket is not yet in there, although you had to carefully read the email to spot that.

See http://forum.irexnet.com/viewtopic.php?t=1206 for more details.

Alexander Turcic · 04-25-2007, 12:05 PM

Thanks for the hint, Matthijs. First post edited accordingly.

scotty1024 · 04-25-2007, 12:57 PM

Alex, you should also mention that iRex says NOT to use the companion software to back up the iLiad. Apparently when you hook your now empty iLiad back up to the companion software it deletes everything you backed up since it is now missing from the iLiad!

BTW their 2.9.5 er_registry.txt upgrade script also seems to not have been well crafted either. If you have updated your er_registry.txt then you need to be VERY CAREFUL about applying this update. In fact you might want to go back to a backup of your original er_registry.txt prior to the upgrade.

Otherwise you may be waiting for them to release their CF flasher (or sending your iLiad back for a reflash.)

NatCh · 04-25-2007, 01:01 PM

Heh, nice catch, scotty1024.

Alexander Turcic · 04-25-2007, 01:11 PM

Arggg... very nice indeed! Thank you for the pointer, Scotty.

drazvan · 04-25-2007, 01:15 PM

Another thing to note is that recent units shipped out by iRex already have the 2.9.5 software installed. Mine came about 10 days ago and it has 2.9.5 on it already.

scotty1024 · 04-25-2007, 01:19 PM

Alex, I also suggest you add a warning for those using 3rd party software about er_registry.txt (they may not read this far down before committing themselves).

If that file gets too mangled you get a boat anchor. The thing I find totally fascinating is that their script fails to properly handle a er_registry.txt file hacked by the iDS supplied Shell Hack!

Now how embarrassing is that?

Alexander Turcic · 04-25-2007, 01:27 PM

Scotty, what procedure do you suggest in this case? Writing back the original er_registry.txt before executing the update?

Adam B. · 04-25-2007, 01:49 PM

My er_registry was hacked quite a bit. I didn't have any problems with the upgrade...

scotty1024 · 04-25-2007, 01:58 PM

Yes, their script for upgrading the er_registry.txt doesn't properly check for the existence of certain blocks, such as the SHELL block (and the FBReader)

I suspect they just kept extending my original shell hack and as was pointed out in Jurassic Park: if you don't make the investment to own the technology, the technology eats you.

I've also noticed FBReader's font handling is negatively impacted by 2.9.5 (it does CHM files). My emacs is not working, the TI Calculator Emulator forces one to reset the iLiad. M still hasn't put the !@#$ XBM .so into the distribution so Sylpheed Claws is unhappy.

OK, time to tap my shoes together and whisper "there is no place like the Sony Reader"...

scotty1024 · 04-25-2007, 01:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Adam B.

My er_registry was hacked quite a bit. I didn't have any problems with the upgrade...

You didn't notice duplicate FBREADER blocks? Duplicate SHELL blocks? (I assume you have both of those setup)

Adam B. · 04-25-2007, 02:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scotty1024

You didn't notice duplicate FBREADER blocks? Duplicate SHELL blocks? (I assume you have both of those setup)

I didn't, but I have been messing with my er_registry since I've updated. I may have deleted it.

Your font issue may be related to the fact that the settings for fbreader were stored in the home directory. My chm's look just fine...

bedwere · 04-25-2007, 03:22 PM

Can still I use the ipdf reader with power saving after I upgrade to 2.9.5?

nekokami · 04-25-2007, 03:25 PM

I think I'll wait for the CF reflash function before upgrading, unless someone can think of a compelling reason to go earlier than that.

04-25-2007, 11:45 AM	#1
Alexander Turcic Fully Converged Posts: 18,163 Karma: 14021202 Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Switzerland Device: Too many to count here.	iLiad Firmware with long-awaited Mobipocket Reader (almost) Thanks to our member VillageReader who was the first to report that iRex has released a long-awaited firmware upgrade for the iLiad e-reader. Upgrade 2.9.5 includes the following new features and bug fixes (update: just received word from Matthijs that the Mobipocket Viewer is not yet included, but will be very shortly after this release (rumored as early as next week)): Mobipocket Viewer: This viewer will give the ability to read books and documents protected with the popular DRM format as well as offline RSS feeds. More details will follow. Full GPL Compliance of the software running on your iLiad: The Linux kernel is now 100% identical to what we’ve published online. System prepared for Recovery function: A way for the end-user to go back to the iRex-supplied working software version using a CF card. The actual recovery software is sent as a separate software update. Bug fix for a minor bug in the WiFi drive has been resolved which should make software upgrades seamless from the next releases onwards; specific with automatic restarting and reconnecting to iDS using WiFi. Unlike previous upgrades, this one will actually destroy all the data on your reader. Therefore you must make sure to backup all your documents beforehand through the iLiad Companion Software (do not use the Companion software, it does not work with this update as intended. Instead connect your iLiad via USB to copy all files and folders from the iLiad to your computer). update 2: apparently the upgrader is not 100% foolproof with custom registry files (er_registry.txt). For more check out Scotty's comments in this thread.

04-25-2007, 12:57 PM	#4
scotty1024 Banned Posts: 1,300 Karma: 1479 Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Peoples Republic of Washington Device: Reader / iPhone / Librie / Kindle	Alex, you should also mention that iRex says NOT to use the companion software to back up the iLiad. Apparently when you hook your now empty iLiad back up to the companion software it deletes everything you backed up since it is now missing from the iLiad! BTW their 2.9.5 er_registry.txt upgrade script also seems to not have been well crafted either. If you have updated your er_registry.txt then you need to be VERY CAREFUL about applying this update. In fact you might want to go back to a backup of your original er_registry.txt prior to the upgrade. Otherwise you may be waiting for them to release their CF flasher (or sending your iLiad back for a reflash.) Last edited by scotty1024; 04-25-2007 at 01:03 PM.

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04-25-2007, 12:00 PM	#2
Matthijs Groupie Posts: 199 Karma: 666 Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Eindhoven, the Netherlands Device: iLiad, DR1000S, DR800SG	Mobipocket is not yet in there, although you had to carefully read the email to spot that. See http://forum.irexnet.com/viewtopic.php?t=1206 for more details.

04-25-2007, 12:05 PM	#3
Alexander Turcic Fully Converged Posts: 18,163 Karma: 14021202 Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Switzerland Device: Too many to count here.	Thanks for the hint, Matthijs. First post edited accordingly.

04-25-2007, 01:01 PM	#5
NatCh Gizmologist Posts: 11,615 Karma: 929550 Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Republic of Texas Embassy at Jackson, TN Device: Pocketbook Touch HD3	Heh, nice catch, scotty1024.

04-25-2007, 01:11 PM	#6
Alexander Turcic Fully Converged Posts: 18,163 Karma: 14021202 Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Switzerland Device: Too many to count here.	Arggg... very nice indeed! Thank you for the pointer, Scotty.

04-25-2007, 01:15 PM	#7
drazvan Member Posts: 22 Karma: 68 Join Date: Mar 2007	Another thing to note is that recent units shipped out by iRex already have the 2.9.5 software installed. Mine came about 10 days ago and it has 2.9.5 on it already.

04-25-2007, 01:19 PM	#8
scotty1024 Banned Posts: 1,300 Karma: 1479 Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Peoples Republic of Washington Device: Reader / iPhone / Librie / Kindle	Alex, I also suggest you add a warning for those using 3rd party software about er_registry.txt (they may not read this far down before committing themselves). If that file gets too mangled you get a boat anchor. The thing I find totally fascinating is that their script fails to properly handle a er_registry.txt file hacked by the iDS supplied Shell Hack! Now how embarrassing is that?

04-25-2007, 01:27 PM	#9
Alexander Turcic Fully Converged Posts: 18,163 Karma: 14021202 Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Switzerland Device: Too many to count here.	Scotty, what procedure do you suggest in this case? Writing back the original er_registry.txt before executing the update?

04-25-2007, 01:49 PM	#10
Adam B. Addicted to Porting Posts: 1,697 Karma: 7194 Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Indianapolis, IN Device: iRex iLiad, Nokia 770, Samsung i760	My er_registry was hacked quite a bit. I didn't have any problems with the upgrade...

04-25-2007, 01:58 PM	#11
scotty1024 Banned Posts: 1,300 Karma: 1479 Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Peoples Republic of Washington Device: Reader / iPhone / Librie / Kindle	Yes, their script for upgrading the er_registry.txt doesn't properly check for the existence of certain blocks, such as the SHELL block (and the FBReader) I suspect they just kept extending my original shell hack and as was pointed out in Jurassic Park: if you don't make the investment to own the technology, the technology eats you. I've also noticed FBReader's font handling is negatively impacted by 2.9.5 (it does CHM files). My emacs is not working, the TI Calculator Emulator forces one to reset the iLiad. M still hasn't put the !@#$ XBM .so into the distribution so Sylpheed Claws is unhappy. OK, time to tap my shoes together and whisper "there is no place like the Sony Reader"...

04-25-2007, 03:22 PM	#14
bedwere Enthusiast Posts: 44 Karma: 10 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: San Diego, CA, U.S.A. Device: Kindle DX Graphite	Can still I use the ipdf reader with power saving after I upgrade to 2.9.5?

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04-25-2007, 03:25 PM	#15
nekokami fruminous edugeek Posts: 6,745 Karma: 551260 Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Northeast US Device: iPad, eBw 1150	I think I'll wait for the CF reflash function before upgrading, unless someone can think of a compelling reason to go earlier than that.