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Reload this Page An open letter to the Kobo developers

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Old 06-19-2012, 08:38 AM   #1
SaveMyKobo
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Lightbulb An open letter to the Kobo developers
Dear Kobo Development team,

I am a linux software/firmware developer. I have been a Kobo owner ever since the original Kobo was released, and I have never owned another ereader. I love the simplicity of the original Kobo, without the bells and whistles of modern ereaders. I am, however, unhappy with the lack of firmware support for this device. I write this letter in hopes that you will be able to supply me with the sources for the latest 1.8.3 firmware. I have the ability to make the changes to the firmware that I see fit, as well as fixing stability issues and load times. In addition to fixing issues that I have with this device's firmware, I would be happy to become involved with the community, addressing issues that other original Kobo users have.

I appreciate your reading of this letter, even if my efforts are fruitless.

Best Regards.

EDIT: I'd like to hear the voice of the people so the Kobo Devs are aware of these problems which are not being addressed. Please, leave your comments below.
Last edited by SaveMyKobo; 06-20-2012 at 11:07 AM.
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Old 06-21-2012, 12:58 PM   #2
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I just wonder what are their developers (if still exist!) doing?
No any update for such a long time!
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Old 06-21-2012, 01:59 PM   #3
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Well, we recently received an update for the Vox. It is also quite possible that they are busy developing new products. After all, this is an industry where new products have to be introduce otherwise the marketplace will define them as obsolete.
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Old 06-21-2012, 03:34 PM   #4
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Well, we recently received an update for the Vox.
Really? Is there info about this somewhere online?
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Old 06-21-2012, 03:38 PM   #5
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Really? Is there info about this somewhere online?
it was a MAJOR update, advertized on just about every electronic blog and reviewsite out there. it gets googleplay appstore and alot of fixes. most of the articles focus soly on the google play addition and not the fixes but its there.
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Old 06-21-2012, 03:54 PM   #6
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Really? Is there info about this somewhere online?
Look at the Kobo Vox subforum on MR. There are a few people raving about it, both because of Google Play and performance improvements.
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Old 06-21-2012, 05:51 PM   #7
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Ah, sorry, I mixed up the Vox with one of the older models and was really wondering why it got an update...
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Old 07-02-2012, 01:37 AM   #8
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I've got an original Kobo and it would be great if the Kobo devs would open-source the older software, especially if they have no intention of ever updating it themselves.
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Old 07-04-2012, 01:11 AM   #9
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The ePub rendering code is a mix of Kobo as well as Adobe stuff AFAIK, so it's not as easy as simply relicensing their own code. To release a functioning open-source version they would probably have to cut lots of functionality and expend lots of effort on a release most users wouldn't benefit from.

I'd love it if they did it too, but it's a very big effort, and risk, on their part.

Here's what they do already release under GPL rules:
https://github.com/kobolabs/Kobo-Reader

..and here's a project to build a libre replacement for nickel, the QT app which handles book-reading on the devices. Currently just for the Kobo Touch, but its probably portable.
http://ccoffing.net/tech/proj/ocherbook/
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Old 07-05-2012, 12:55 AM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by fred_yu_job View Post
I just wonder what are their developers (if still exist!) doing?
No any update for such a long time!
Currently testing beta for Kobo Touch.
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Old 07-05-2012, 10:48 AM   #11
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..and here's a project to build a libre replacement for nickel, the QT app which handles book-reading on the devices. Currently just for the Kobo Touch, but its probably portable.
http://ccoffing.net/tech/proj/ocherbook/
Now THIS I can get behind.... i'll begin investigating the portability of this to the Orig. Kobo devices. Thanks a bunch for your input.
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Old 07-05-2012, 12:52 PM   #12
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Currently testing beta for Kobo Touch.
Care to give some hints of what is included?
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Old 07-05-2012, 05:59 PM   #13
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Care to give some hints of what is included?
I would, but I can't.
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Old 07-05-2012, 08:22 PM   #14
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I would, but I can't.
Is there a beta application program? There's one particular issue I would love to stress test for them.
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