Related
I would like to pare down my Nook a bit.
I do like the native reader app and I borrow library books.
Yes, I could use the OverDrive reader, but the native reader is much better.
The first thing that went was Shop.apk
It was kind of annoying to search for stuff on my Nook and come up with 50,000 suggestions of books that I could buy.
Social.apk seems to go away painlessly too.
Deleting (or renaming) Home.apk breaks the "Last Read" icon on the desktop.
You can still get there by Library and hitting the top of most recent.
It gets you to the right page.
It probably would not be hard to write an app to do the last read function.
Moreover, you'd have a system icon to do with what you will.
(It sends an intent that is not handled. I'll have to make a receiver and see what it is.)
Okay, deleting Home.apk also breaks additions to Library.
But, you can still borrow books on Adobe Digital Editions and read them by clicking them in a file browser.
Oh, well, might as well delete Library.apk
Hmm, I guess that Library.apk is a search content provider.
Books no longer show up in global search.
I guess that I'll have to roll my own.
Re-enable Home.apk, disable Reader.apk and see what intent goes.
(Last page read is kept in /data/data/com.bn.nook.reader.activities/databases/lastreadingpoint.db
Select ean from lastreadingpoint order by lastupdated
I'm not trying to get around the DRM or anything. I just want to get rid of all the cruft.
I see what you're trying to do here
I've been playing with this some more.
Reader.apk keeps track itself of last page read.
If you just use a file manager to open your books you'll get the right page.
If you are a big library user and use Adobe Digital Editions,
then the info that ADE dumps on your Nook could be integrated nicely.
You could have your books listed and show the return date.
Hmm, do you think it could be possible to fully debrand the device and have it running a normal, common Eclair, but using the actual ROM as base? like, deleting the B&N apps and creating custom providers & intent receivers to avoid FCs and such?
Well, if you delete (or rename) Home.apk and Library.apk but still like to use Reader.apk (the native epub reader),
then you might need a convenient way to get to your last read book.
It's not rocket science and I haven't figured out the little book icon on the status bar yet,
but if you want to get back to your book here is a little app to go to last read.
Put the icon on your desktop and click the "L" to go to last read.
Did you replace library, or just completely delete it?
darkguy2008 said:
Hmm, do you think it could be possible to fully debrand the device and have it running a normal, common Eclair, but using the actual ROM as base? like, deleting the B&N apps and creating custom providers & intent receivers to avoid FCs and such?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've also wondered this, I use my nook for Kindle more than I do B&N lol. It would be great if we could get a ROM to flash that removes everything from the device and just makes it run stock Android then use Kindle and B&N apps, as well as whatever other apps for reading epubs to read our books. Don't know if this is possible but it would be nice, then we could fully repurpose all the buttons on the device purely for Android OS
And make a custom e-ink friendly version of the android homescreen, possibly including no-refresh?
Right now I've got the following apps deleted:
DemoMode.apk
Home.apk
Library.apk
Shop.apk
Social.apk
I will be working on a replacement library app.
I don't use the Kindle app. Do people who do also use the Nook native reader?
At the lowest level, all you need is a file manager.
I presume that each of the readers keep track of last page.
(Regarding the Nook lastreadingpoint:
Going straight to the database is the wrong approach, using the content provider is the right way.
LastRead.apk uses that.)
Ok, it's a neat hack to watch video on the Nook, but you really wouldn't want your Nook in A2 mode all the time.
As I've said before, the best uses of A2 is when an app knows when to use it, when dragging, scrolling, zooming.
If you have the source code to a browser/viewer/whatever, putting wrappers around the dragging/scrolling/zooming operation would be an improvement.
Personally, I have no problem with my ADW Launcher.
That it blurs and trails when parking an app on the desktop is no big deal.
I've got the little book icon on the status bar to open the last book in the native Nook reader.
That is, if you don't have Home.apk or (B&N) Library.apk
Here is a stop-gap release.
It works fine for the "Currently reading" but there is not yet other functionality in it.
I left it as a complete application so that you can easily see if you have it installed.
The actual "application" part of it is a blank screen.
No need to run it or put it on your desktop.
Just install it and click the little book on the status bar.
Renate NST said:
I've got the little book icon on the status bar to open the last book in the native Nook reader.
That is, if you don't have Home.apk or (B&N) Library.apk
Here is a stop-gap release.
It works fine for the "Currently reading" but there is not yet other functionality in it.
I left it as a complete application so that you can easily see if you have it installed.
The actual "application" part of it is a blank screen.
No need to run it or put it on your desktop.
Just install it and click the little book on the status bar.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hm, looks interesting, seems like you've managed to already wrap some events to dummy workers we can attach to in the future and mod this thing up . Awesome!
I'll be testing it somewhere between today and tomorrow. Right now I'm trying to replace the stock keyboard. LatinIME.apk is deleteable but there isn't any working keyboard for it yet (I've tried GO Keyboard, GB Keyboard for Froyo/Eclair and HTC IME with no avail) and it's one of the biggest annoyances I have with it since I need more of a PC-keyboard-lookalike rather than an ebook keyboard
Although I am not getting the point of your mission :-D try Hacker's keyboard. It is possible to google out android 2.1 version. It is the best I have found so far although it is quite dark.
Just thought I'd drop this link here for hacker's keyboard.
http://code.google.com/p/hackerskeyboard/issues/detail?id=57
Also, make sure that after you install it you move it to /system/app
Googie2149 said:
Just thought I'd drop this link here for hacker's keyboard.
http://code.google.com/p/hackerskeyboard/issues/detail?id=57
Also, make sure that after you install it you move it to /system/app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Man, you rock! I've wanted that keyboard to work specifically. Thanks a lot!!
I've had some progress on the Library replacement.
It's not ready for prime time, but it is cute.
It will list the expiration date of your library books.
It's nice to be able to fit over 10 titles on the screen.
Renate NST said:
I've had some progress on the Library replacement.
It's not ready for prime time, but it is cute.
It will list the expiration date of your library books.
It's nice to be able to fit over 10 titles on the screen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's awesome!
When will you release it?
I've been working on two different approaches.
One is to use the Android native mediastore.
There are some bugs with this and it can get out of sync.
The other is to do all the searching for books myself.
That works ok as long as the books are found in the usual places:
/system/media/books
/data/media/B&N Downloads/Books
/media/My Files/Books
/media/Digital Editions
/sdcard/My Files/Books
Are there any other locations that I am missing?
darkguy2008 said:
When will you release it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I really don't know if it suits anyone's needs besides my own.
Because the stock Home.apk, Library.apk and Shop.apk are all tied together,
to have my app work correctly you have to rename or delete the three of them.
As far as I know it should allow books bought from B&N to still work correctly,
but I don't know because I don't own any. I only get library books or Gutenberg.
Is it important for people to be able to buy B&N books directly on their Nook?
Renate NST said:
Is it important for people to be able to buy B&N books directly on their Nook?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why not if it's free?
Naturally, I speak for myself only.
You need credit card added to buy B&N free books still...
From another hand you can get same free books somewhere else, right?
Apokrifx is right, also, that app would suit me too. I need a credit card to buy B&N books, which I don't have -and- I'm not interested at all in using it as a reader. If I want to read something I'll download it and slam it through a PDF reader installed on it.
My main use for it is to take out ALL of the B&N stuff and use it as an android tablet, so, to me, it's really useful
I currently use 1.1.0 and wonder what features or benefits are there to updating to 1.2.1?
Much better Dictionary
The biggest benefit to the 1.2.1 upgrade is the greatly improved stock dictionary.
I haven't looked at the new dictionary that closely.
The old one was 50 odd Megs, the new one is too.
Do you mean that all the errors with PDF char entities and spacing were fixed?
The old one had 86196 root words, the new one has 86301.
dorfd1 said:
I currently use 1.1.0 and wonder what features or benefits are there to updating to 1.2.1?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Support for European WiFi channels (1-13)
Renate NST said:
I haven't looked at the new dictionary that closely.
The old one was 50 odd Megs, the new one is too.
Do you mean that all the errors with PDF char entities and spacing were fixed?
The old one had 86196 root words, the new one has 86301.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, the formatting was fixed and you can now search for a word, but only after calling the dictionary up by long pressing a word in the book you are reading. I have attached a photograph of the stock dictionary from 1.2.1.
'Sigh'...
I was hopping to see wireless channels from 10 to 13 in this update...
Guess my old theory of "if it isn't tottaly broken, then don't fix it" works, after all!
David0226 said:
Yes, the formatting was fixed...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Then I have to make a new update to nookdict which will less invasively re-format the entries.
I see that they did clean up a lot of stuff, but there is still a bunch of gratuitous stuff.
I still prefer my Lookup app which gives you real browse and access to other dictionaries.
Renate NST said:
Then I have to make a new update to nookdict which will less invasively re-format the entries.
I see that they did clean up a lot of stuff, but there is still a bunch of gratuitous stuff.
I still prefer my Lookup app which gives you real browse and access to other dictionaries.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I really like your lookup app also and in fact have it installed. But because I have many B&N books ("purchased" for free) that will not open in the modified Reader, I stay with the stock reader and then use your Lookup app when I need to use a dictionary like a dictionary instead of just looking up one word while reading. I would switch to using your Lookup app integrated into the Reader if I could figure out how to sign it so that it would open my B&N DRMed books. My other thought was to find a way to have both the absolutely stock and a modified stock reader installed at the same time so I could use the modified one with your Lookup app for non-DRM content and the absolutely stock reader for DRMed content. I don't think this is possible with out very significant work though.
1.2.1 supports WiFi channels 1-13
J_Palito said:
'Sigh'...
I was hopping to see wireless channels from 10 to 13 in this update...
Guess my old theory of "if it isn't tottaly broken, then don't fix it" works, after all!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
V1.2.1 does indeed support WiFi channels 1-13 by default.
That's great then!!!!
I've been searching arround but haven't found concise and agregated information on which changes/fixes/etc are in this 1.2.x.
Is there any post there, or can you please post the changes?
Thanks!
Hey guys, I have a question. I'm sure somebody out there has done this. I am making Rooted NST's for my friends as gifts, and I think it would be really easy for them to be able to use relaunch to open the .epub format books I have included for them. The best reader app I have found is @Renate NST's temblast reader app. It works with the page turning buttons, and in conjunction with @nmyshkin's NoIR app that he made, it makes for a seriously long battery life while reading. I gave my best friend a rooted NST for his birthday (beginning of August). He has read an entire book, and still hasn't charged it. Thanks for that, guys.
Anyway, what I'm trying to do is be able to use Relaunch to open .epub books. I've included a screenshot of the menu that has the ability to set intentions or even to open an application based on the filetype of the file selected. However, temblast reader does not show on the list of possible apps to launch. I tried using Titanium Backup to move temblast reader to system, but still to no avail. Anyone who knows better how to set an intent, and perhaps knows the language needed to do this would probably be much better suited to helping.
Thank you so much in advanced.
PS: That intent that is typed in the line for .epub files is my own feeble attempt at trying to get temblast reader to run as a system app. Please ignore that. :cyclops:
I'm not sure about Relaunch, but this should work fine:
Code:
# am start -a android.intent.action.VIEW -d file:///sdcard/Books/progit.epub
I typed it in like you said, and it didn't work. Maybe it's just not meant to be done on Relaunch.
Here's what it looked like when I tried to launch an .epub file.
Black screen.
I also thought maybe it was because my epub files are in My Files/Books so I added that in, and it didn't change anything.
I really appreciate your help and effort in this. Perhaps you know of an intent simply for "Reading Now"? I could use that in a different application.
Do you actually have that book "Pro Git"?
If you don't, there's no chance that it will be opened.
"Last Book" was actually a broadcast originally. Try:
Code:
# am broadcast -a com.bn.nook.launch.LAST_BOOK
Anyone have a copy of the app for the NST/G? I'm usually pretty good at tracking down archaeological artifacts, but this one is eluding me
Edit: Well, that was fun. I finally ran down a "3" version (attached below). Also, here's a page of dictionary data for individual languages and translations: https://sites.google.com/site/gtonguedict/home/stardict-dictionaries
Is there a way to install keyboard for other languages on rooted NST so that books in other languages can be searched too?
I do not know for sure but if I were on your place maybe trying to use jokers for the missing characters is good place to start? For example you are searching for title named Rosé and you type in the search box Ros? or Ros* instead. That might work for Latin script.
Multiling keyboard 1.1.7 has the capability of using many languages other than English (you may need plugins...I did not investigate very deeply). Whether that would allow it to do what you want, I'm not sure.
Although it's not as clean looking as the stock keyboard (keys are more or less black...), I value this keyboard because it allows you to copy and paste from one place to another. To my knowledge there is no other way to access the paste buffer on the NST. Also a lot of fluff, but hey, it's free!
nmyshkin said:
Multiling keyboard 1.1.7 has the capability of using many languages other than English (you may need plugins...I did not investigate very deeply). Whether that would allow it to do what you want, I'm not sure.
Although it's not as clean looking as the stock keyboard (keys are more or less black...), I value this keyboard because it allows you to copy and paste from one place to another. To my knowledge there is no other way to access the paste buffer on the NST. Also a lot of fluff, but hey, it's free!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks a lot. Any pointer to the Multiling keyboard, e.g., download, installation instruction etc?
SJT75 said:
I do not know for sure but if I were on your place maybe trying to use jokers for the missing characters is good place to start? For example you are searching for title named Rosé and you type in the search box Ros? or Ros* instead. That might work for Latin script.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thx, oriental languages wouldn't work.
smjohn1 said:
Thanks a lot. Any pointer to the Multiling keyboard, e.g., download, installation instruction etc?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here's a link to an earlier forum post of the app: https://forum.xda-developers.com/attachments/com-klye-ime-latin-1-apk.4613077/
Keyboard apps should be copied into /system/app, permissions: rw-r-r, with a reboot. That's the good news. The bad news is that B&N removed the "guts" needed to change keyboards without getting into a database.
I know of two other options: Nook Color Tools which, despite it's name, has a few options that are useful for the NST. BUT, you must resist the temptation to poke around in the app because some of the options will trigger a factory re-image without warning. Nook Color Tools should be copied into /system/app, permissions rw-r-r, with a reboot. The second option is my Nook Settings app which, among other things, has a call to the native Android keyboard selector. You don't have to keep the app if you don't want it, but it's an easy way to get access to keyboard changes--and other things not available from the stock Settings app.
The keyboard is a little confusing to set up so just keep at it. You can ask me if you get stuck, but I don't use much of the extra features. I've even disabled the word correction (always hate that on any device), etc.
nmyshkin said:
Here's a link to an earlier forum post of the app: https://forum.xda-developers.com/attachments/com-klye-ime-latin-1-apk.4613077/
Keyboard apps should be copied into /system/app, permissions: rw-r-r, with a reboot. That's the good news. The bad news is that B&N removed the "guts" needed to change keyboards without getting into a database.
I know of two other options: Nook Color Tools which, despite it's name, has a few options that are useful for the NST. BUT, you must resist the temptation to poke around in the app because some of the options will trigger a factory re-image without warning. Nook Color Tools should be copied into /system/app, permissions rw-r-r, with a reboot. The second option is my Nook Settings app which, among other things, has a call to the native Android keyboard selector. You don't have to keep the app if you don't want it, but it's an easy way to get access to keyboard changes--and other things not available from the stock Settings app.
The keyboard is a little confusing to set up so just keep at it. You can ask me if you get stuck, but I don't use much of the extra features. I've even disabled the word correction (always hate that on any device), etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks a lot. Following your instructions, I installed the Multiling keyboard, and Nook Color Tools ( haven't tried your Nook Settings yet, but probably would be same ). Seems Multiling Keyboard takes over, but press the middle big "English" key, there appears no other options. Check the apk (com.klye.ime.latin-1.apk), there are many xml files there. So my question is: do I need to install other plugins for various languages, e.g., chinese?
smjohn1 said:
Thanks a lot. Following your instructions, I installed the Multiling keyboard, and Nook Color Tools ( haven't tried your Nook Settings yet, but probably would be same ). Seems Multiling Keyboard takes over, but press the middle big "English" key, there appears no other options. Check the apk (com.klye.ime.latin-1.apk), there are many xml files there. So my question is: do I need to install other plugins for various languages, e.g., chinese?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In the settings/setup for the keyboard (where you go when you tap on the app icon) option #4 is for enabling languages--I'm sure you've seen that already. It does state there something about plugins. Waaaay down the list there are various Chinese alternatives. I didn't get anywhere with this. Sliding over the spacebar did nothing.
Check out: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=klye.hanwriting. I tried version 3.3 from another source but it would not install, so unless you can scare up an older version, you might be out of luck.
Whether MyAlpha is needed as well (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=kl.myscript) I don't know. Again, you'd probably have to track down an older version that will run on Android 2.1.
Edit: You may be able to find out more and/or contact developer here: https://sites.google.com/site/hanwritingime/
nmyshkin said:
In the settings/setup for the keyboard (where you go when you tap on the app icon) option #4 is for enabling languages--I'm sure you've seen that already. It does state there something about plugins. Waaaay down the list there are various Chinese alternatives. I didn't get anywhere with this. Sliding over the spacebar did nothing.
Check out: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=klye.hanwriting. I tried version 3.3 from another source but it would not install, so unless you can scare up an older version, you might be out of luck.
Whether MyAlpha is needed as well (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=kl.myscript) I don't know. Again, you'd probably have to track down an older version that will run on Android 2.1.
Edit: You may be able to find out more and/or contact developer here: https://sites.google.com/site/hanwritingime/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are right, I was able to switch to a Chinese input keyboard, but simply couldn't get the Chinese characters to appear. Doesn't seem to be font issue, as the space key does show Chinese characters correctly. Also tried French ( francais ), but no French accent either. I guess I need to learn more how to use this keyboard. Your instructions on installation totally work fine. Thanks again!
smjohn1 said:
You are right, I was able to switch to a Chinese input keyboard, but simply couldn't get the Chinese characters to appear. Doesn't seem to be font issue, as the space key does show Chinese characters correctly. Also tried French ( francais ), but no French accent either. I guess I need to learn more how to use this keyboard. Your instructions on installation totally work fine. Thanks again!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, not much success here either. First I had to enable swiping the spacebar to change languages. That took me awhile to figure out. I have most of the app functions deselected since I only need a regular keyboard and the cut/paste feature. I was able to get German and Greek to both work properly. I agree that French seems lacking in accent marks but I did note that the standard English QWERTY arrangement was not used in French, so whatever that may mean.
FWIW I managed to track down the Pinyin plugin (eventually replaced by the hanwriting plugin). The keyboard settings shows it as installed but it does not seem to do anything with it. Selecting just the plain "Chinese" option (no plugin) gives a memory error. There is probably enough stuff in the DroidSansFallback font to display some form of Chinese (the device Localization options include Chinese, after all) but that doesn't seem to make its way to the keyboard app.
I also located a copy of the MyAlpha app which is suggested as a "font problem" fixing thing. Doesn't seem to do anything.
So...I've attached both apps. Probably you should contact the developer. He/she might be able to give you the information we are apparently missing.
nmyshkin said:
Well, not much success here either. First I had to enable swiping the spacebar to change languages. That took me awhile to figure out. I have most of the app functions deselected since I only need a regular keyboard and the cut/paste feature. I was able to get German and Greek to both work properly. I agree that French seems lacking in accent marks but I did note that the standard English QWERTY arrangement was not used in French, so whatever that may mean.
FWIW I managed to track down the Pinyin plugin (eventually replaced by the hanwriting plugin). The keyboard settings shows it as installed but it does not seem to do anything with it. Selecting just the plain "Chinese" option (no plugin) gives a memory error. There is probably enough stuff in the DroidSansFallback font to display some form of Chinese (the device Localization options include Chinese, after all) but that doesn't seem to make its way to the keyboard app.
I also located a copy of the MyAlpha app which is suggested as a "font problem" fixing thing. Doesn't seem to do anything.
So...I've attached both apps. Probably you should contact the developer. He/she might be able to give you the information we are apparently missing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. I tried these apks too, plus some others. None worked. MyAlpha is for some other "rare" languages, Chinese or Latin languages are not included, since I guess they are already installed in most Android systems.
I already sent an email to the developer. Not sure though if he/she is still active in this development. Will report here if getting response from him/her.