Touch Steps to turn Nook STR into usable android device

[tigerszheng]

I should note that the links listed in this guide are come from other sites and thanks for their effort. and I suppose you guys can use "adb" command to commnicate with Android-based device(including Nook STR).

Prerequisite :
Android SDK, specially working adb program which used to connect your computer to the Nook STR, Nook STR doesn't support directly apk installation even you installed file manager on it.

Working WIFI networking


STEP:

Step 1: Rooting

Please refer to http://nookdevs.com/NookTouch_Rooting, follow the instruction, you will have a rooted Nook STR.


Step 2: Install adwlauncher and softkey(optional)

Since now , you can use adb to connect your Nook STR. It's time to change the default laucher to adwlauncher. After you install the adwlauncher, you'd better to reboot Nook STR, then will be ask for which launcher as default laucher, select adwlauncher as default launcher.

I recommend to delete the docking in adwlauncher which will make you have a more usable space on screen, before do delete in settings, remember to drag "Launcher Actions" icon from dock to screen.

Optionally you can install softkey to active on-screen key emulation. after installation, you should reboot again to choose softkey.(may active softkey in the later)

Step 3:

You can install the software you like, I install evernote, dropbox, k9 mail client , es file explorer, terminal emulation, connectbolt ssh client, greader pro, colordict, advanced task manager, thinkfree office, fbreader, amazon kindle, ireader, ezpdf reader, all these softs have been working flawlessly in Nook STR under adwlauncher.

Step 4: ( optional) install Nook Color Tools

Nook Color Tools give more capacity to check and change setting than the default "setting" in Nook STR and can be used to switch input IME.

Please download it on http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=868366

Step 5: ( optional) change 4 page turn key into the key what you want.

Please refer to http://forum.xda-developers.com/show....php?t=1124160.

I change my left 2 page turn keys into "Menu" and "Back" key.

Step 6: ( optional) install third-party IME

Please check http://nookdevs.com/NookColor_Replac...fault_Keyboard.

After installation, you can use Nook Color Tools to change IME.


So, that's all.




Still have a problem, I can't type in chinese even I switch default IME to google pinyin. issues in third-party IME input(Simple Chinese)

Thanks.

[kacir]

Thank you.

This is what we need.
Recently, the info about rooting of the new Nook touch is buried in various discussions about Nook Color.

[Dedale]

Indeed, thank you!

[tomsem]

Thanks. Newbie question: can you un-root?

[kacir]

Originally Posted by tomsem

Thanks. Newbie question: can you un-root?

It is my understanding (never tried it) that when you restart the device 8 times and you interrupt the start every time by switching it off the device will automatically reflash factory firmware from internal memory.
You have to reach 8 consecutive restarts. Alternatively there is some system value you can set to 8 and restart device.

[requiem3]

Hey guys I'm really noob at this, can someone explain to me how to install software after rooting?
I finished the rooting but I have no idea how to install adwlauncher or any other apps.

[tomsem]

Originally Posted by kacir

It is my understanding (never tried it) that when you restart the device 8 times and you interrupt the start every time by switching it off the device will automatically reflash factory firmware from internal memory.
You have to reach 8 consecutive restarts. Alternatively there is some system value you can set to 8 and restart device.

Or in other words, 'If at first you don't succeed, try, try, try, try, try, try, try again.'

Thanks!

Originally Posted by kacir

It is my understanding (never tried it) that when you restart the device 8 times and you interrupt the start every time by switching it off the device will automatically reflash factory firmware from internal memory.
You have to reach 8 consecutive restarts. Alternatively there is some system value you can set to 8 and restart device.

Yes, this works as I have just done it (was rooted but due to slow refresh rate of screen, most apps that I would use are just horrid, e.g, Cool Reader ). Unroot is dead simple and unlike a rooted Nook Color, settings/registration/other stuff is retained even though the firmware is set back to factory default. It even kept my place in a book that I was reading that I had sideloaded on my SD Card.

[the7gerbers]

Originally Posted by emt

Yes, this works as I have just done it (was rooted but due to slow refresh rate of screen, most apps that I would use are just horrid, e.g, Cool Reader ). Unroot is dead simple and unlike a rooted Nook Color, settings/registration/other stuff is retained even though the firmware is set back to factory default. It even kept my place in a book that I was reading that I had sideloaded on my SD Card.

So...I am just turning it on and off 8 times??? That's easy!

[linux_author]

please backup your nook first, using dd or another app... that way if anything goes wrong, you can return your unit back to 'normal'...

that said, rooting was simple and quick using the touchnooter image... i wrote it onto a 4GB microsd in an SDHC carrier inserted into my Ubuntu Asus eeepc 900 netbook... popped it into my powered down nook touch, booted, followed a few directions, updated the market app, and now i'm good to go...

the cool thing about rooting the nook touch is that you don't have to use the extra Android stuff, and can simply use your reader 'normally' with the same out-of-the-box user experience...

it's just that some extra goodies (working browser, gmail, landscape ereader, calculator, etc.) are available instantly if you want...

just my $0.02, YMMV

[daedalus13]

Thanks, linux_author...The touchnooter image sounds pretty straightforward...I think I will try it!

I do have a couple of questions: How can I restore the nook from my backup if for any reason I want to go back to the un-rooted version?

Do you know of any reader that will sync books across devices? Speaking of non-drm'ed documents that I have. It looks like there is a plugin for fbreader that can do this (by syncing to dropbox), but are there any other apps that support this? Or do you think fbreader is the best bet?

I had originally thought that Google books would support this functionality, but for some bizarre reason it doesn't. SOOOO disappointing!

Thanks!

[afv011]

Originally Posted by esi435sam

Hi'
My nook simple touch can't support highlight - add note - Shair-look up for pdf files .
Are there any software to convert this Pdf to standard pdf or another format for nook that the facility did not spoil the formulas and tables in my book and articles ?
Thanks.

Please don't hijack threads or post questions in multiple threads. Highlight is not supported in PDF on the nook STR.

If you need to read PDFs, I would recommend you look at a tablet and check ezPDF. 6" is too small for an A4 PDF and the nature of eInk makes it hard to scroll the text.

[linux_author]

Originally Posted by daedalus13

I do have a couple of questions: How can I restore the nook from my backup if for any reason I want to go back to the un-rooted version?

Do you know of any reader that will sync books across devices? Speaking of non-drm'ed documents that I have. It looks like there is a plugin for fbreader that can do this (by syncing to dropbox), but are there any other apps that support this? Or do you think fbreader is the best bet?

I had originally thought that Google books would support this functionality, but for some bizarre reason it doesn't. SOOOO disappointing!

Thanks!

you're welcome (but realize i'm new to the 'droid experience as well; it's just that backing up and 'upgrading' my nook was a *lot* easier using noogie.img and touchnooter-1-6-24.img)

1. to restore, boot your nook using your noogie.img microsd, then use

dd if=name_of_backup.img of=/dev/device_name_of_nooks_mem bs=1M

(or a suitable Windoze utility; i only allow Linux and OS X in the casa)

2. dunno - but i'm sure Amazon has a solution for you :-) (new 'cloud' feature intro'd yesterday)

3. after rooting, i use the 'normal' reader on the Nook - it works seamlessly and Calibre is a fabulous multi-platform app for host-managing my book collection

hth

willie

[daedalus13]

Originally Posted by linux_author

you're welcome (but realize i'm new to the 'droid experience as well; it's just that backing up and 'upgrading' my nook was a *lot* easier using noogie.img and touchnooter-1-6-24.img)

1. to restore, boot your nook using your noogie.img microsd, then use

dd if=name_of_backup.img of=/dev/device_name_of_nooks_mem bs=1M

(or a suitable Windoze utility; i only allow Linux and OS X in the casa)

2. dunno - but i'm sure Amazon has a solution for you :-) (new 'cloud' feature intro'd yesterday)

3. after rooting, i use the 'normal' reader on the Nook - it works seamlessly and Calibre is a fabulous multi-platform app for host-managing my book collection

hth

willie

Thanks again! This does help! -

2. I saw their cloud feature - although I don't think it supports uploaded content (unless I missed something...).

3. By "Normal" reader, you mean the un-rooted nook interface? I don't know why I didn't consider it would still be around...IT's just an apk, right? I wonder if it is lying around anywhere (so I could install it on my phone..)

[linux_author]

Originally Posted by daedalus13

3. By "Normal" reader, you mean the un-rooted nook interface? I don't know why I didn't consider it would still be around...IT's just an apk, right? I wonder if it is lying around anywhere (so I could install it on my phone..)

'upgrading' the Touch simply installs a 'droid GUI, apps alongside the factory (out-of-the-box) GUI, apps

when booting, you can choose Go Launcher EX for the 'droid home page or the B&N Touch home page

while reading a book using the B&N reader, a simple tap on a tiny white icon on the right side of the screen brings up 'droid icons; tapping on the 'home' icon offers the ability to jump to the 'droid page, apps; you can use the same approach to jump back to the B&N page, or simply tap the upper-left screen icon of the current book being read, or press the 'n' key for the hard B&N menu

it's an unobtrusive co-existence, and makes the Touch more enjoyable

especially now that i have nice chess, backgammon, mahjong, and klondike solitaire programs to play on the Touch!

:-)