Quote:
Originally Posted by TadW
UHM, I think we need to differentiate here.
1. To offer the modified Cybook firmware for other readers -- probably illegal, since it contains copyright-protected code
2. To offer the tools to modify the firmware -- if the tools don't contain copyright protected code or intellectual property, and if they don't circumvent access control -- not illegal
3. To offer instruction how to modify the firmware and apply it to another device -- not illegal, unless the instruction contains detailed information / trade secrets (like unlock codes) how to circumvent access controls
4. To make it a personal project to analyze the similarities and differences of e-book readers, including their firmwares -- not illegal
5. To apply a modified firmware or to follow the instruction how to apply the firmware from device A onto device B, for personal use -- maybe illegal, depending on where you live, something the user has to figure out for himself.
|
I think you're pretty much correct on this.
I'd add that the modification -
if you have the skills to modify the code, is merely removing a check - in the update_kernel file - of whether the target device already has a copy of Boo Reader in it's firmware. That's it. Obviously, the Orsio, Explay, EB-100 and STAReBOOK do not have this as this is a Bookeen-specific application. There are message strings verifying the start of Bookeen-developed drivers embedded in the EB-100 firmware and which display as those drivers are loaded. Still, for anyone who does not desire to gain this level of expertise, far better to just go buy a Cybook Gen3.
However, I must point out that study of the EB-100 firmware has conclusively demonstrated that there are device drivers in the EB-100 OS that were developed by Bookeen, and that the kernel, vivi bootloader and root files are identical between the Version 1.0 Bookeen firmware and the EB-100 firmware. Only the boot splash screen image and the reader applications are different.
Clearly, as the EB series migrates to WinCE and Bookeen adds newer versions of its firmware, this WILL change. So anyone who rushes out and buys the EB-2xx and EB-3xx series will find they may well NOT be able to apply this modification. I'm pretty sure this is a short-term phenomenon.