Epubs to Desktop

[TLB2]

I have searched this site but cannot find an answer to my question:

I can successfully download a library epub into ADE and then move it into my Kobo Touch. But I cannot find a way to get that library epub into either Kobo Desktop or Kobo Android App. Is this possible ?

[ottdmk]

I don't believe it's possible to use Adobe DRM'ed books with either the Kobo Desktop or the Kobo Android App. There are other reader apps out there that are compatible with Adobe DRM though. Check out this list and search for "Android Application".

[TLB2]

Thanks for that ottdmk.

I am trying out the Overdrive EReader App right now which connects directly to my library. Neat.

Also in Ottawa

[Danger]

Just to confirm. No it is not possible. The Kobo app could be so much better and useful but so far it's pretty useless unless you are reading kepubs.

[TLB2]

Thanks for that Danger.

Now that I reflect about it in a bit more detail, I think I can understand why.

Basically, Kobo is OK with me downloading a library epub through ADE to my Kobo Touch because I have purchased the Kobo hardware from them and am a Kobo customer. But I can see why they would not be interested in providing the capability for me to view free epubs on my free devices (Desktop and Android App) because they are not receiving anything in return.

Basic Capitalism I guess. Meanwhile, the Overdrive alternative seems to be the fix so far.

[DNSB]

Originally Posted by TLB2

Thanks for that Danger.

Now that I reflect about it in a bit more detail, I think I can understand why.

Basically, Kobo is OK with me downloading a library epub through ADE to my Kobo Touch because I have purchased the Kobo hardware from them and am a Kobo customer. But I can see why they would not be interested in providing the capability for me to view free epubs on my free devices (Desktop and Android App) because they are not receiving anything in return.

Basic Capitalism I guess. Meanwhile, the Overdrive alternative seems to be the fix so far.

Most of the epubs you download from your library are DRMed epubs which require the use of ADE to transfer them to your authorized Kobo ereader. The Kobo desktop app is basically locked to kepub books and was never intended as a general purpose reader but rather as a way to transfer books, update firmware, etc. for your Kobo ereader, the only DRM it understands is Kobo's proprietary version. I've never used the Android app so can't say much about it. The iDevice flavour of the app does allow me to transfer and read non-DRMed epubs.

Regards,
David

[Sharkus]

Just to chime in from the iOS app side of things.

The Kobo iOS application does include support for Adobe DRM'd files. You will need to side-load them into the app, which can be done by various methods, for example, using iTunes "file sharing" functionality (http://support.apple.com/kb/ht4094).
Once you have the DRM'd file in the app, if you find the in-App settings, there is a Sign In to Adobe option that will allow you to enter your Adobe ID and once done you should then be able to open the Adobe DRM'd file.
The file will open in the Adobe Renderer and not the usual Kobo renderer.

You can also side-load DRM free ePub and PDF files to the Kobo iOS app as well.

[TLB2]

Thanks to all for your informative comments. I received today confirmation from Kobo Support (three emails over the past 24 hours - well done Kobo) that library epubs cannot be loaded into Kobo Desktop or Android App.

The good news is that the Android App 'Overdrive' works like a charm. In fact, it is even easier than the Library to ADE to Kobo Touch process. With Overdrive, I can go directly into my library account and directly download epubs into the App in one step. And e-reading on my Samsung 10 inch tablet is outstanding ! Don't think that I'll be using the Kobo Touch much anymore.