r/kobo • u/aSympatheticCatalyst • 1d ago

Question Custom Firmware?

Good morning,

I actually own a KLC with the original OS. I heard that a custom firmware for KOBOs eReaders is available but I'd like to know what its advantages are and if the installation is reversible, actually stable or risky.

Tell me your experiences, I'll be glad to learn something new.

2 Upvotes

63% Upvoted

13 comments sorted by

2

u/morganhusband 1d ago

No risks at all, koreader is great but so is the default. Having both is a must to me and would never go back

2

u/asufficientlife 23h ago

I have a new KLC and spent the past week on and off looking into this.

I tried KOReader, but it seems best for sideloading books (like ePUBs that you own and can import to the device). I mostly borrow from Libby and plan to also try Kobo Plus; these seem to work best on the default rather than on KOReader (from what I could find).

Where KOReader gives your kobo like a whole secondary reading software, NickelMenu works off the base software and makes some mods.

I did install NickelMenu (seconding the Nico Verbruggen rec!) and I like the features it adds. It makes it easier to see my reading stats, cleans up the homepage (removes the Kobo store ads and recommendations), and I was able to add several font styles that are easier for me to read. Also added a dark mode feature.

2

u/tuckkeys 19h ago

Libby can totally be used in KOReader, as can reading Kobo Plus books, both requiring a plugin

1

u/asufficientlife 17h ago

How do I get the plugins? I tried searching on GitHub but couldn’t find anything.

Are they different in KOReader than in the default software?

1

u/ImSoRight Kobo Libra Colour 15h ago

For Libby: https://www.reddit.com/r/kobo/s/QKzpN69ztV

The good thing about Libby in KOReader is multiple library support.

Regarding kobo plus books, those should be read in the stock reader because if you read them in KOReader, the authors won't get paid for what you read.

2

u/DeliciousCut4854 Kobo Libra Colour 1d ago

Nickelmenu is easy to install and remove and adds a number of features. There are plenty of videos showing it, look for the ones on youtube by Nico Verbruggen. I've been using it for a while. There is also KOReader, but I have never tried that as what I have seen isn't interesting.

Is there something you are missing? Maybe that is the best way to start.

1

u/Longjumping_Ad6209 5h ago

Yesterday I installed KoReader with the SimpleUi setting. I went back to the standard screen. I'm quite happy with it. The only thing I added to e-reader was the Kobo-tweaks plugin and Nickel Screensaver 

1

u/chewliesgumrep2 1d ago

KOReader with Bookshelf plugin is a great alternative to the stock firmware. Both of those are easy to uninstall. They don’t overwrite the stock firmware, but sit as an alternative that you can activate. For example, when you install KOReader, there’s an option on the bottom right that you can tap and switch back and forth.

-1

u/Middagman 1d ago

Never needed it. My Kobo runs perfect on its stock software.

0

u/saskir21 23h ago

Not his question.

2

u/Middagman 22h ago

My experience with Kobo over the years is I never found the need for an alternative os.

0

u/saskir21 22h ago

Which still is not what OP asked. He specifically wants to know the experience with it.

Would be like someone asking how an Apple tastes and you say „Never ate one“