Touch Several Questions

morgancooper · 09-30-2011, 01:28 AM

I just recently purchased the Kobo Touch and I have some questions that can't be answered by a quick search.

1. I understand Kobo keeps track of what books have been accessed, what page I was last on in a book, what books are completed, etc. Where does Kobo store this information?
a. Is there a way to delete this information?
b. Is there a way to delete only parts of this information? (ie The file/database knows I read 2 books on my Kobo. Can I edit it so that it only has a record of me reading 1 of the 2 books?
c. Is the information of books on microSD card handled the same way as information of books on the internal memory?

2. I understand it's got a web browser. Does it keep a history?
a. Is there a way to delete browser history?
b. Is there a way to delete only parts of browser history? (ie Remove only certain pages visited from the history.)

3. I've put books on a microSD, finished reading it, and then in the library section chose to delete and confirmed the deletion. However, after taking out the microSD and plugging it in to my computer, I see the file is still there. Plugging the microSD back in reloads the book into the library like it was never deleted. Why doesn't delete actually delete?

4. I've found a thread or two discussing it, but the whole "my Kobo Touch seems to turn on by itself after it's been powered off" doesn't seem to be completely solved. I've just got mine in the last 5 days and have updated the firmware using the official deskop software. I noticed 2-3 occasions where it turned itself back on. I've set it to sleep after 5 minutes and power off after 10 minutes.
a. I've turned "Book Cover" off for both screens. What is "Book Cover"?

5. The home screen shows up to 5 book covers of recent library additions. I don't care for this feature. Can I turn it off?

Bonus: Why are Kobo Touch covers/cases all so expensive, flimsy-looking, and/or girly/colourful? (Where can I get a cheap, sturdy, plain-looking cover/case?!)

I like the Kobo Touch so far and none of these questions/issues make me want to return it just yet, but it does make me question why I paid $150 after tax for all these little hassles.

Latch · 09-30-2011, 09:17 AM

1. Metadata on the KT keeps track of that stuff. I have no idea where exactly its stored, but there are threads here about hacking your KT and getting direct access to the file system if you want to poke around.

2. I don't know much about the web browser other than you'd never want to use it. Browsing anywhere on a small, 16 grey-scale, touch interface is an exercise in masochism. I tried it once. Once.

3. No firm idea other than perhaps they don't want to be responsible for deleting content from external storage?

4. I've never had mine turn on by itself. 'Book Cover' means that, when sleeping or off, it will display the cover of your current book on screen.

5. Not that I am aware. That's the Home screen and I don't believe you can turn it off without hacking the device. Bonus: they're expensive & girly because they're a niche accessory for an upscale product that appeals to women over men. Women account for something like 60% of ereader users.

morgancooper · 09-30-2011, 09:47 AM

Would you please give me a link to a thread that can tell me how to access the metadata?

Latch · 09-30-2011, 10:24 AM

I said you could access the file system, as per this article:

https://www.mobileread.com/forums/sho...t=hacking+kobo

It doesn't directly address metadata specifically, but it's a start. Warning: Here there be dragons. If you aren't a programmer and don't have at least medium-level Linux skills as well as bricked-Kobo recovery skills, I would give this a miss.

PeterT · 09-30-2011, 10:32 AM

I think you would find that a lot of that data gets stored in a Sqlite database on the Kobo.

With the Kobo connected it is located at <drive letter>:\.kobo\KoboReader.sqlite but... it's totally undocumented.

danskmacabre · 09-30-2011, 11:01 AM

Sqlite *shudder*

SmokeAndMirrors · 09-30-2011, 01:03 PM

I don't have the answer to all of these, but I can answer a couple.

The info about what you've read is stored on the e-reader. It must be, since I run my KT in "airplane mode" (wifi off) all the time, and I've never connected it to a wifi connection. PeterT says it's SQLite.

"Book Cover" means whether it displays the cover of the book you're reading/last read when it's in sleep mode or off. I have it on, so even in sleep mode, I see the cover of the book I was last reading. If you turn that feature off, you should get a cartoony Kobo with closed eyes, smiling, and saying "sleep mode" or "powered off."

I can't help you with the turning on issue - I haven't had that problem.

In terms of cases, there are some other models whose cases will fit the Kobo. I have an M-Edge Nook Touch case that fits the KT perfectly. The covers are re-enforced, so it's pretty protective. Other people have used Sony cases (forget which model). There's also some fairly cheap Kobo Touch-specific cases on SkinDigitalStore.com. I think they sell an easel-style case for about $15 in non-girlie colors.

morgancooper · 09-30-2011, 04:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PeterT

I think you would find that a lot of that data gets stored in a Sqlite database on the Kobo.

With the Kobo connected it is located at <drive letter>:\.kobo\KoboReader.sqlite but... it's totally undocumented.

How badly would my Kobo Touch miss this .sqlite file? Can I just delete it and let it generate another one on start-up?

Quote:

Originally Posted by SmokeAndMirrors

I don't have the answer to all of these, but I can answer a couple.

The info about what you've read is stored on the e-reader. It must be, since I run my KT in "airplane mode" (wifi off) all the time, and I've never connected it to a wifi connection. PeterT says it's SQLite.

"Book Cover" means whether it displays the cover of the book you're reading/last read when it's in sleep mode or off. I have it on, so even in sleep mode, I see the cover of the book I was last reading. If you turn that feature off, you should get a cartoony Kobo with closed eyes, smiling, and saying "sleep mode" or "powered off."

I can't help you with the turning on issue - I haven't had that problem.

In terms of cases, there are some other models whose cases will fit the Kobo. I have an M-Edge Nook Touch case that fits the KT perfectly. The covers are re-enforced, so it's pretty protective. Other people have used Sony cases (forget which model). There's also some fairly cheap Kobo Touch-specific cases on SkinDigital.com. I think they sell an easel-style case for about $15 in non-girlie colors.

Did you mean to link me to http://www.skindigitalstore.com/ rather than the link in your post? That one sent me to porn.

PeterT · 09-30-2011, 04:52 PM

I have NO idea how the Touch would handle a lack of the file. You could always just rename and see waht happens... But that IS one of the whole keys to the functionality of the unit.....

MorganM · 09-30-2011, 04:56 PM

Quote:

That one sent me to porn.

morgancooper · 09-30-2011, 05:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PeterT

I have NO idea how the Touch would handle a lack of the file. You could always just rename and see waht happens... But that IS one of the whole keys to the functionality of the unit.....

Okay, no deleting that .sqlite file then. Does a factory reset remove book information? Books read, last on page x of y on book z, etc.

For the factory reset, will it reset the firmware? ie I have 1.9.10. But I know it got updated from 1.x.x after I first plugged it in to my computer to do an update. Will the factory reset reset it to the firmware that was on it initially when it rolled off the assembly line (1.x.x)?

kiwipippa · 09-30-2011, 08:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by morgancooper

Did you mean to link me to http://www.skindigitalstore.com/ rather than the link in your post? That one sent me to porn.

note to self - if you want to skin your kobo go to skindigitalstore.com not skindigital.com

PeterT · 09-30-2011, 08:42 PM

I wonder... would skindigitalstore.com make a skin using images from skindigital.com ?

HarleyB · 09-30-2011, 09:19 PM

If you do a factory reset it removes all your books (except those on an SD card) and it also removes any record of what you have read. The Kobo goes back to the state it was when it left the factory - hence factory reset.

filmo · 09-30-2011, 09:29 PM

Yes factory reset and your kobo is back to software version as it was sold. Factory installs current software when it is manufactured as they get updates. The problem is after factory reset it wants to connect to desktop Kobo software and that will install latest version of Kobo software back on your e-reader. This might fix your problem or maybe not. All books and related data on kobo is gone including SQlite data base. Books on SD card is not erased. Kobo books you bought will be installed to Kobo unless they are marked not to load.

09-30-2011, 01:28 AM	#1
morgancooper Junior Member Posts: 6 Karma: 10 Join Date: Sep 2011 Device: Kobo Touch	Several Questions I just recently purchased the Kobo Touch and I have some questions that can't be answered by a quick search. 1. I understand Kobo keeps track of what books have been accessed, what page I was last on in a book, what books are completed, etc. Where does Kobo store this information? a. Is there a way to delete this information? b. Is there a way to delete only parts of this information? (ie The file/database knows I read 2 books on my Kobo. Can I edit it so that it only has a record of me reading 1 of the 2 books? c. Is the information of books on microSD card handled the same way as information of books on the internal memory? 2. I understand it's got a web browser. Does it keep a history? a. Is there a way to delete browser history? b. Is there a way to delete only parts of browser history? (ie Remove only certain pages visited from the history.) 3. I've put books on a microSD, finished reading it, and then in the library section chose to delete and confirmed the deletion. However, after taking out the microSD and plugging it in to my computer, I see the file is still there. Plugging the microSD back in reloads the book into the library like it was never deleted. Why doesn't delete actually delete? 4. I've found a thread or two discussing it, but the whole "my Kobo Touch seems to turn on by itself after it's been powered off" doesn't seem to be completely solved. I've just got mine in the last 5 days and have updated the firmware using the official deskop software. I noticed 2-3 occasions where it turned itself back on. I've set it to sleep after 5 minutes and power off after 10 minutes. a. I've turned "Book Cover" off for both screens. What is "Book Cover"? 5. The home screen shows up to 5 book covers of recent library additions. I don't care for this feature. Can I turn it off? Bonus: Why are Kobo Touch covers/cases all so expensive, flimsy-looking, and/or girly/colourful? (Where can I get a cheap, sturdy, plain-looking cover/case?!) I like the Kobo Touch so far and none of these questions/issues make me want to return it just yet, but it does make me question why I paid $150 after tax for all these little hassles.

09-30-2011, 01:03 PM	#7
SmokeAndMirrors Addict Posts: 280 Karma: 2064388 Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: MN, US Device: Kobo Touch, Asus Eee Pad Slider	I don't have the answer to all of these, but I can answer a couple. The info about what you've read is stored on the e-reader. It must be, since I run my KT in "airplane mode" (wifi off) all the time, and I've never connected it to a wifi connection. PeterT says it's SQLite. "Book Cover" means whether it displays the cover of the book you're reading/last read when it's in sleep mode or off. I have it on, so even in sleep mode, I see the cover of the book I was last reading. If you turn that feature off, you should get a cartoony Kobo with closed eyes, smiling, and saying "sleep mode" or "powered off." I can't help you with the turning on issue - I haven't had that problem. In terms of cases, there are some other models whose cases will fit the Kobo. I have an M-Edge Nook Touch case that fits the KT perfectly. The covers are re-enforced, so it's pretty protective. Other people have used Sony cases (forget which model). There's also some fairly cheap Kobo Touch-specific cases on SkinDigitalStore.com. I think they sell an easel-style case for about $15 in non-girlie colors. Last edited by SmokeAndMirrors; 10-02-2011 at 01:59 AM. Reason: Fixed the Skin Digital Store link... oops. :D

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
A few questions	bookfanmd	Calibre	4	04-27-2011 08:49 PM
902 Some questions...	Fisch	PocketBook	8	03-12-2011 07:00 AM
Troubleshooting Some questions	AlexLawrence	Amazon Kindle	4	03-04-2011 04:05 PM
Questions	coredump	PocketBook	17	12-31-2009 12:55 PM
please help me with these questions	ceto	iRex	10	09-19-2008 07:17 PM

09-30-2011, 09:17 AM	#2
Latch Porcupine Tree fan Posts: 139 Karma: 357322 Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Ottawa, Canada Device: Kobo Touch	1. Metadata on the KT keeps track of that stuff. I have no idea where exactly its stored, but there are threads here about hacking your KT and getting direct access to the file system if you want to poke around. 2. I don't know much about the web browser other than you'd never want to use it. Browsing anywhere on a small, 16 grey-scale, touch interface is an exercise in masochism. I tried it once. Once. 3. No firm idea other than perhaps they don't want to be responsible for deleting content from external storage? 4. I've never had mine turn on by itself. 'Book Cover' means that, when sleeping or off, it will display the cover of your current book on screen. 5. Not that I am aware. That's the Home screen and I don't believe you can turn it off without hacking the device. Bonus: they're expensive & girly because they're a niche accessory for an upscale product that appeals to women over men. Women account for something like 60% of ereader users.

09-30-2011, 09:47 AM	#3
morgancooper Junior Member Posts: 6 Karma: 10 Join Date: Sep 2011 Device: Kobo Touch	Would you please give me a link to a thread that can tell me how to access the metadata?

09-30-2011, 10:24 AM	#4
Latch Porcupine Tree fan Posts: 139 Karma: 357322 Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Ottawa, Canada Device: Kobo Touch	I said you could access the file system, as per this article: https://www.mobileread.com/forums/sho...t=hacking+kobo It doesn't directly address metadata specifically, but it's a start. Warning: Here there be dragons. If you aren't a programmer and don't have at least medium-level Linux skills as well as bricked-Kobo recovery skills, I would give this a miss.

09-30-2011, 10:32 AM	#5
PeterT Grand Sorcerer Posts: 12,160 Karma: 73448616 Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Toronto Device: Nexus 7, Clara, Touch, Tolino EPOS	I think you would find that a lot of that data gets stored in a Sqlite database on the Kobo. With the Kobo connected it is located at <drive letter>:\.kobo\KoboReader.sqlite but... it's totally undocumented.

09-30-2011, 11:01 AM	#6
danskmacabre Guru Posts: 733 Karma: 3593438 Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Australia Device: Kobo Glo. Galaxy Tab S 8.4	Sqlite shudder

09-30-2011, 04:52 PM	#9
PeterT Grand Sorcerer Posts: 12,160 Karma: 73448616 Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Toronto Device: Nexus 7, Clara, Touch, Tolino EPOS	I have NO idea how the Touch would handle a lack of the file. You could always just rename and see waht happens... But that IS one of the whole keys to the functionality of the unit.....

09-30-2011, 08:42 PM	#13
PeterT Grand Sorcerer Posts: 12,160 Karma: 73448616 Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Toronto Device: Nexus 7, Clara, Touch, Tolino EPOS	I wonder... would skindigitalstore.com make a skin using images from skindigital.com ?

09-30-2011, 09:19 PM	#14
HarleyB Fanatic Posts: 565 Karma: 1113286 Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Sunshine Coast Australia Device: Kobo (RIP), iPad, iPhone 4, Kobo Touch x2, Kobo Glo	If you do a factory reset it removes all your books (except those on an SD card) and it also removes any record of what you have read. The Kobo goes back to the state it was when it left the factory - hence factory reset.

09-30-2011, 09:29 PM	#15
filmo Wizard Posts: 1,326 Karma: 1077205 Join Date: Jun 2011 Device: Kobo Touch, Sony T1, Kobo Mini	Yes factory reset and your kobo is back to software version as it was sold. Factory installs current software when it is manufactured as they get updates. The problem is after factory reset it wants to connect to desktop Kobo software and that will install latest version of Kobo software back on your e-reader. This might fix your problem or maybe not. All books and related data on kobo is gone including SQlite data base. Books on SD card is not erased. Kobo books you bought will be installed to Kobo unless they are marked not to load.