Kobalt: an alternative reader app for Kobo devices

[JSWolf]

Can some of these features (such as syncing) be optional plugins to make Kobalt not grow too much?

[MrSilverstrike]

Originally Posted by JSWolf

Can some of these features (such as syncing) be optional plugins to make Kobalt not grow too much?

I'm actually working on a system to limit the size of the binary that ends up on the actual internal storage, so it doesn't become an issue in the future. Many of the assets already end up on the removable storage anyway.

I have no plans for plugins, because that actually makes things significantly more difficult. I also expect to veto many unneeded feature requests, especially if they're large in scope or seem unnecessary. People are always free to fork and make their own specialized version, it's never been easier than now in the age of agents.

[Dal Bhat]

I'll veto many unneeded feature requests, too, by just not upgrading any more. I may just stop at Beta 6 because I don't think I want anything else in it.

[Schwiney]

I love this! It's just so beautiful and is just what I wanted as my day-to-day reader. I cannot thank you enough for this. I was wondering, is it possible to make a nickel-screensaver work with this?

[Uncle Robin]

Originally Posted by JSWolf

Can some of these features (such as syncing) be optional plugins to make Kobalt not grow too much?

YES - make bloaty options like line height adjustments optional plugins, great idea!

[mrmikey]

I'll veto many unneeded feature requests, too, by just not upgrading any more. I may just stop at Beta 6 because I don't think I want anything else in it.

I was thinking the same thing. It does what I want now, unless it's something spectacular I can't live without.
Thanks again Nico for the work you're putting into this.

[MrSilverstrike]

You'll be happy to know that the list of features I wanted to implement is almost finished, and I really dislike feature creep, so I think you'll like what I still have in store for Kobalt.

Either way, I just released beta 6, so give it a shot and let me know what you think. You can find the release notes here.

[PeterT]

Thanks. On the Android version any way to.see version info without opening a book?

[onlion]

Another great update. Page animations fixed on tolino and the splash screen is so good, thank you. This is definitely my default way of using my ereader from now on thats for sure. it seems like it's almost perfect for me now feature wise. I noticed some things though.
1. Sleep screen while reading and sleep indicator says unavailable on your device. Another whitelisting issue I guess.
2. The splash screen bookcover only appears when the book is loading for the first time and the bookcover sometimes appears after 2 3 seconds. Making it appear instantaneously and with every book opening would make it feel more native and complete. I know this a non issue so I would understand if you don't wanna put time in this at this stage but it would be much appreciated. Thank you so much!

[fogice]

Libra 2 page turns are working.
The new graphic transition on rotation is much cleaner.
The saved layout on rotation is SO much better.
Vertical stretch initially looks good, I'll test this more.
The smart image inversion in dark mode is brilliant.
I am loving this.

[kandwo]

Unfortunately, full screen refreshes still don't work on Boox devices in beta 6 (tested on Palma 1 and Go 6).

[afakler]

Originally Posted by MrSilverstrike

You'll be happy to know that the list of features I wanted to implement is almost finished, and I really dislike feature creep, so I think you'll like what I still have in store for Kobalt.

Either way, I just released beta 6, so give it a shot and let me know what you think. You can find the release notes here.

I am happy for that. Besides of my wish (of course): What happened to the import of Nickel Reader Bookmarks? It has vanished from the tracker.

[MrSilverstrike]

I'm still updating the tracker for a realistic planning of issues. I'm currently investigating how to best handle bookmarks and if an import is even possible.

I'm having agents look into the Tolino exceptions and the BOOX refreshes.

The splash screen book cover while loading is unfortunately just slow to load on a Kobo, not much I can do about that except maybe reuse the low-res cover that's already in memory (which may be unsafe).

[MrSilverstrike]

Originally Posted by kandwo

Unfortunately, full screen refreshes still don't work on Boox devices in beta 6 (tested on Palma 1 and Go 6).

Please try this build: https://kobalt-dev.nicoverbruggen.be/share/BHPZkyJJ

It'll install alongside the release version as "Kobalt Dev".

Try it out and let me know if this works. It does full page refreshes the same way as KOReader does, which should work on older Android versions too (fingers crossed).

[kandwo]

Originally Posted by MrSilverstrike

Please try this build: https://kobalt-dev.nicoverbruggen.be/share/BHPZkyJJ

It'll install alongside the release version as "Kobalt Dev".

Try it out and let me know if this works. It does full page refreshes the same way as KOReader does, which should work on older Android versions too (fingers crossed).

I tested the dev build and now it flashes upon screen turns. However, it does not remove all ghosting and the flash is different from a system full screen refresh (which does remove all ghosting).

(I also erroneously stated that I tested on a Go 6. I meant a Go 7.)