Use Calibre companion to organise and read books

[jvorzimmer]

Originally Posted by MJLee

I bought a new tablet and went to install CC and transfer all my books. However I couldn't find it on google play but sideloaded it. Now, when I try and dl my ebooks it told me I hadn't purchased it through google play and disconnects.

You have to have an Android file manager that allows you to install an app from an unknown source. I just reinstalled CC from apk I downloaded here and installed it on a new Samsung tablet running Android 12 after porting the library from a much older tablet.

Calibre Companion, despite the fact that it's been abandoned, is still the best library management tool for syncing your library on an Android device with Calibre. I think there is enough expertise in this forum to keep running the app indefinitely. I've been using it to manage my 23,000+ ebook library for over ten years and it still works as well as it did on day one.

[greywun]

Originally Posted by gandoe

Can anyone provide the details for this process?

Sorry for the late reply, gandoe. I've turned on emails for this thread now...

The process essentially required disassembling CC, patching out the CC lic check with Play (which now fails as it was removed from GP) and rebuilding. I managed it thru a bit of self-study. PM me for more info.

As the app is 'abandoned', I see no issues with this. I cannot find a better app to manage transferring my books.

[theducks]

Remember, the app is still copyrighted even if it was update abandoned.
You need permission from the copyright owner to use if you do not have a license for any older release of that version.

[gandoe]

Thanks all; I've shifted over to using Calibre Sync.

[ottischwenk]

Originally Posted by theducks

You need permission from the copyright owner to use if you do not have a license for any older release of that version.

But if you have one, then the restriction that you can no longer transfer books is also not OK - this happens.
The problem ist, that the rights owner cannot be reached.

[jvorzimmer]

Originally Posted by ottischwenk

But if you have one, then the restriction that you can no longer transfer books is also not OK - this happens.
The problem ist, that the rights owner cannot be reached.

I personally have no problem with using and maintaining abandoned software. I paid for the software and I continue to use it—12 years now. I have had very problems running it over that time.

Google's restrictions in the latest versions of Android make it increasingly more difficult to do that. First, with the storage restrictions and now with sideloaded apps.

I've heard rumors to the effect that Sam Cohen did manage to sell CC, but if that's true, the buyer hasn't offered the program under its original name. Someone in another forum mentioned that the Google digital signature for Calibre Sync is the same as CC, but I don't know if that proves that Sync is its successor.

Anyway, if anyone who has paid for CC and wants to continue using it. Here is a link to a version that ignores the licensing error that restricts its use because it is no longer in the Google Play store:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/15Ct...ew?usp=sharing (Version 5.4.4.19)

Make sure to backup your current library. Check all three options.
Save app settings
Save storage folder locations
Save CC book database

In some instances I've had reselect the storage location in Formats and folders—definitely after moving a library.

Hope this helps,
Jeff

[ottischwenk]

Originally Posted by jvorzimmer

https://drive.google.com/file/d/15Ct...ew?usp=sharing

Thank you

[BetterRed]

Originally Posted by jvorzimmer

I've heard rumors to the effect that Sam Cohen did manage to sell CC, but if that's true, the buyer hasn't offered the program under its original name. Someone in another forum mentioned that the Google digital signature for Calibre Sync is the same as CC, but I don't know if that proves that Sync is its successor.

Vendors often acquire products for the sole purpose of taking them off the market… including products that are 'on the shelf'.