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FreeInk: Open ecosystem for e-readers

freeink.org

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Re: FreeInk: Open ecosystem for e-readers

#161
post #5

I got an Xteink X4 a few weeks ago and love it. I've tried out a few different firmwares but haven't settled on one yet. I love the screen and how simple the interface is. It's kind of a pain in the butt getting my Kindle books on there, but worth the effort. It's also encouraging me to buy books outside of the Amazon ecosystem. I've been getting more stuff from Humble lately.

can you use Calibre to put files on it?

Yes, but there are better ways depending on the firmware.

Re: FreeInk: Open ecosystem for e-readers

#162
post #45
post #38

A Kobo ereader is as open as I need it with koreader installed. The Kobo Libra 2 black and white is the best ereader I have ever had. (not the color version,,unfortunately a step back in reading quality for normal reading)

These are not competing with Kobo. These are micro-ereaders, often much smaller than a phone. They're characterized by extremely weak processors and minimal hardware. 'Apps' are not a concept here yet.

Kobo doesn't have apps either.

They don't compete, but do complement. Both are very open and hackable, so you can use the same process to get books on both.

Re: FreeInk: Open ecosystem for e-readers

#163

Earlier quoted context omitted.

My favorite at this point is Witch reader ( https://github.com/jpirnay/witchhunt-reader ). All the features of Cross-point, with better book rendering, and more features. I've tried a lot of the various alternatives, and keep coming back. If you want all your book series displayed together, AALU ( https://github.com/dawsonfi/aalu ) might be worth a look. And Crosspoint OS itself is still really nice.

any that support custom fonts without jumping through hoops? none of them support atkinson hyperlegible for my adhd ass lol

There's a font manager in Crosspoint and Witch, you can download that font directly from the device.

Re: FreeInk: Open ecosystem for e-readers

#164

KOReader support (not just KOReader sync) has become my new line in the sand for an e-reader. I'm currently using my jailbroken Kindle PW5 and loving it. KOReader paired with BookOrbit is my sweetspot and I love having all the data under my control. If my Kindle died today I'd probably grab a Kobo and put KOReader on it. This project is very interesting to me but they seem to want to "own" the whole software stack, i…

Pretty sure all we’re waiting on is someone to put in the effort to port KOReader to the platform.

Is porting KOReader to the ESP32-S3 possible?

Re: FreeInk: Open ecosystem for e-readers

#165

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Pretty sure all we’re waiting on is someone to put in the effort to port KOReader to the platform.

Is porting KOReader to the ESP32-S3 possible?

Considering it’s already been ported to at least 5 different platforms, I can’t imagine one more would be impossible.

Re: FreeInk: Open ecosystem for e-readers

#166
post #48

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Yes, but except for the Scribe, even the Kindle readers are too small! Kobo had an 8" ereader. People loved it (except for the battery life). But there's no sign they'll make more of them.

Would love to see the Fulu Foundation start designing open hardware like this and producing it with CrowdSupply. Like if the Apache Foundation made hardware. https://www.fulu.org/ https://www.crowdsupply.com/

Related:

Open Source Vacuum Avoids Cloud - https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=49038792 - July 2026

Re: FreeInk: Open ecosystem for e-readers

#167
post #12

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Did you try FreeInk? I was debating which (between CrossPoint and this) to flash my new X3 with.

from what i understand this is CrossPoint.

CrossInk is a fork of CrossPoint but Julia is a major maintainer of CrossPoint. FreeInk's SDK powers both

Re: FreeInk: Open ecosystem for e-readers

#168

I searched for each of the supported eInk devices and they were all tiny. Anyone know if there is a larger reader (maybe Paperwhite size-ish) that might run this?

I've never heard of any of them; I guess it's geared toward build-it-yourself or kit-type devices? I can't imagine a serious aftermarket FW not supporting a single Kindle or Kobo device.

Yes that's 100% the goal

Re: FreeInk: Open ecosystem for e-readers

#169

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Is porting KOReader to the ESP32-S3 possible?

Considering it’s already been ported to at least 5 different platforms, I can’t imagine one more would be impossible.

Memory would be the issue here. It would be VERY hard to run the full KOReader on esp32
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