quill/README.md
2021-11-27 14:27:10 -05:00

2.6 KiB

inkbox

About InkBox

InkBox is an open-source, Qt-based eBook reader for Kobo devices. It also comes as an entire native open-source OS and provides support for a number of devices.
InkBox features:

  • Full integrated KoBox X11 subsystem
  • ePUB, PDF and plain text support
  • Versatile configuration options for reading
  • muPDF rendering engine for ePUB (and soon PDFs)
  • Wi-Fi support and web browser
  • Encrypted storage with EncFS
  • Fast dictionary & local storage search
  • Dark mode
  • Strict security policy ensuring that only signed software can be run on the device (this, however, can be adapted to your needs by recompiling the kernel)
  • Full factory reset option if needed
  • Seamless update process
  • VNC viewer app
  • Search function
  • 9 built-in fonts
  • Auto-suspend
  • Lock screen/passcode
  • User-friendly experience

How do I install InkBox?

You can download precompiled OS/binaries here and standard Nickel add-ons are available there, although support for them has been stopped until further notice. Huge thanks to @fermino for providing free hosting.
On PC, use balenaEtcher to flash the InkBox image file to the Kobo's SD card.

On UNIX-like machines, you can also use balenaEtcher but flashing InkBox OS to your Kobo's SD card is as simple as entering in a terminal session, assuming that inkbox.xz is the file you downloaded and that /dev/mmcblk0 is your SD card's device node (check with sudo fdisk -l:

xzcat inkbox.xz | dd of=/dev/mmcblk0

If you install the Nickel add-on, unpack the 'base' archive in the root of the onboard storage, not in any subfolder inside it.

How can I contribute?

If you like this project and want to improve it in some way, feel free to fork this repository or one of the subprojects this organization hosts, then make a pull request. I'll be happy to review it.

On the other hand, if you don't have the appropriate coding skills or just want to help in some way, feel free to make a donation here or at my PayPal account. I'm a student and motivation has been the only thing that has helped me maintain this project for the last months. Developing an entire operating system on my own was not an easy task. I have time, but I like to spend it wisely.