FBReader 3.5 for Android
Yes, it is 3.5. The release includes almost all essential features from the beta, so 3.2 looks insufficient to declare our most significant update in 2023. The details are listed in our site announcement.
You can download the 3.5 RC 1 from our site right now or wait until the rolling update from the store reaches your device.
Since this release, we have changed our attitude towards the stable and beta branches to more traditional. The stable (3.5.*) is recommended for most users. The betas (4.0 beta series) includes incomplete and not well-tested functions. Some of the features will never be promoted to the stable branch.
As a side note for beta users, we also released 4.0 beta 55 today, which includes all the latest fixes from the 3.5 RC 1.
Yes, it is 3.5. The release includes almost all essential features from the beta, so 3.2 looks insufficient to declare our most significant update in 2023. The details are listed in our site announcement.
You can download the 3.5 RC 1 from our site right now or wait until the rolling update from the store reaches your device.
Since this release, we have changed our attitude towards the stable and beta branches to more traditional. The stable (3.5.*) is recommended for most users. The betas (4.0 beta series) includes incomplete and not well-tested functions. Some of the features will never be promoted to the stable branch.
As a side note for beta users, we also released 4.0 beta 55 today, which includes all the latest fixes from the 3.5 RC 1.
The beta update
While FBReader 3.5 is releasing, we update the beta track. 4.0 beta 56 is out.
π The βPage turningβ preferences section has been redesigned. The option for vertical page turning is back, and customisable tap zones are added.
π The encoding issues for file formats like RTF and plain text have gone.
π The update includes stability fixes in book downloading, voice selection, etc.
π We changed the main build target to API 34 (= Android 14). Most probably, that does not affect end-users. If you notice something strange in the behaviour, please report.
π All the changes except the build target will be promoted to 3.5.1, coming later this week.
While FBReader 3.5 is releasing, we update the beta track. 4.0 beta 56 is out.
π The βPage turningβ preferences section has been redesigned. The option for vertical page turning is back, and customisable tap zones are added.
π The encoding issues for file formats like RTF and plain text have gone.
π The update includes stability fixes in book downloading, voice selection, etc.
π We changed the main build target to API 34 (= Android 14). Most probably, that does not affect end-users. If you notice something strange in the behaviour, please report.
π All the changes except the build target will be promoted to 3.5.1, coming later this week.
FBReader 3.5.1 for Android
The update fixes issues and regressions found in the 3.5 release. We will end the gradual rollut and release 3.5.x to all users by the end of the week.
The changes include:
π Better fullscreen appearance on Android 9 devices
π Redesigned βPage turning & text scrollingβ preferences section, including
π Customisable tap zones
π Vertical page turning option
π Fixed possible crash in the voice selection
π Fixed book encoding issues; changing encoding in the book info dialogue works again
π Fixed opening book from download notification
The update fixes issues and regressions found in the 3.5 release. We will end the gradual rollut and release 3.5.x to all users by the end of the week.
The changes include:
π Better fullscreen appearance on Android 9 devices
π Redesigned βPage turning & text scrollingβ preferences section, including
π Customisable tap zones
π Vertical page turning option
π Fixed possible crash in the voice selection
π Fixed book encoding issues; changing encoding in the book info dialogue works again
π Fixed opening book from download notification
FBReader 4.0 beta 57 for Android is available from the fbreader.org site and is awaiting review on Google Play.
The most notable enhancement of this release is the monochrome launcher icon for modern Androids. The improvements include better language detection (important for hyphenations). The update addresses the fullscreen mode issues on horizontally oriented phones and resolves many minor UI and stability flaws.
All the changes are to be included in the upcoming stable version 3.5.4.
The most notable enhancement of this release is the monochrome launcher icon for modern Androids. The improvements include better language detection (important for hyphenations). The update addresses the fullscreen mode issues on horizontally oriented phones and resolves many minor UI and stability flaws.
All the changes are to be included in the upcoming stable version 3.5.4.
FBReader 3.5.4 is on its way
π Monochrome launcher icon for Android 13 and 14
π Better book language detection
π Continuous scrolling works fine on old devices
π Multiple UI and stability fixes
π Monochrome launcher icon for Android 13 and 14
π Better book language detection
π Continuous scrolling works fine on old devices
π Multiple UI and stability fixes
FBReader SDK for Android 1.2.0 is out
There were no updates for two years as the development of new features in FBReader for Android was on hold. This autumn, we released the new major version of FBReader for Android. The most significant addition is the possibility of continuous text scrolling. The SDK update includes all the changes from the mainstream FBReader.
The SDK works on Android API 21 (= Android 5.0) and higher and is built with target SDK 34 (= Android 14, the newest version at the moment).
There were no updates for two years as the development of new features in FBReader for Android was on hold. This autumn, we released the new major version of FBReader for Android. The most significant addition is the possibility of continuous text scrolling. The SDK update includes all the changes from the mainstream FBReader.
The SDK works on Android API 21 (= Android 5.0) and higher and is built with target SDK 34 (= Android 14, the newest version at the moment).
FBReader 4.0 beta 58 for Android is available for download.
The update includes fixes and features scheduled for the mid-December stable release.
π New appearance option: βNeglect screen notchesβ. It is helpful for devices that wrongly detect display cutouts, e.g. if the front camera is hidden under the screen.
π The app does not store wrong reading per cent anymore. That fixes the library look.
π The footer is visible over the reading-aloud panel (you can switch to the old behaviour).
π The old-style footer option is back.
The update also fixes the synchronisation issue that caused the sync to work with delays. The issue does not appear in the release series.
The update includes fixes and features scheduled for the mid-December stable release.
π New appearance option: βNeglect screen notchesβ. It is helpful for devices that wrongly detect display cutouts, e.g. if the front camera is hidden under the screen.
π The app does not store wrong reading per cent anymore. That fixes the library look.
π The footer is visible over the reading-aloud panel (you can switch to the old behaviour).
π The old-style footer option is back.
The update also fixes the synchronisation issue that caused the sync to work with delays. The issue does not appear in the release series.
One more beta update, 4.0 beta 59, is out. It
π fixes processing of font lists in CSS (only the first item of the list was used previously);
π fixes popup positions on the screen: their parts are never hidden under system panels;
π makes fewer requests to fbreader.org servers.
All the changes will be included in the final 2024 stable update, scheduled for the next week.
π fixes processing of font lists in CSS (only the first item of the list was used previously);
π fixes popup positions on the screen: their parts are never hidden under system panels;
π makes fewer requests to fbreader.org servers.
All the changes will be included in the final 2024 stable update, scheduled for the next week.
4.0 beta 60 for Android is out
It is already available from our site and awaits review on Google Play.
We are rescheduling the stable release to the next week as we found a few essential issues in the beta 59. This update:
π fixes the footer position over the reading-aloud panel; it was broken in beta 59
π fixes saving position after the end of continuous scrolling; sometimes, there was a one-line inaccuracy
The release does not change the plugins, so we keep beta 59 packages for them.
It is already available from our site and awaits review on Google Play.
We are rescheduling the stable release to the next week as we found a few essential issues in the beta 59. This update:
π fixes the footer position over the reading-aloud panel; it was broken in beta 59
π fixes saving position after the end of continuous scrolling; sometimes, there was a one-line inaccuracy
The release does not change the plugins, so we keep beta 59 packages for them.
The final app update of 2023
Today, we've published stable FBReader 3.5.5 for Android. That is the latest update of the year unless something extremely critical is found.
The update includes all the fixes from betas 59-61. For a detailed list of the changes, please visit our website.
The year has brought many changes to our app. The most notable is the revitalization of the Android version development.
As usual, not all our plans were realized. We didn't release the planned updates for iOS and the cloud site. These are coming in 2024, together with many other changes and improvements.
We wish you a wonderful holiday and a prosperous new year.
Today, we've published stable FBReader 3.5.5 for Android. That is the latest update of the year unless something extremely critical is found.
The update includes all the fixes from betas 59-61. For a detailed list of the changes, please visit our website.
The year has brought many changes to our app. The most notable is the revitalization of the Android version development.
As usual, not all our plans were realized. We didn't release the planned updates for iOS and the cloud site. These are coming in 2024, together with many other changes and improvements.
We wish you a wonderful holiday and a prosperous new year.
4.0 beta 62 for Android is out
The first beta update of 2024 brings significant internal changes. We have changed the zip archives support to the modern libzip library. The changes will likely not affect the end users. Moreover, we expect the app's behaviour to improve on some books. However, this is the beta. If you experience new crashes or slowdowns, please let us know.
We have also fixed a few UI points and the Huawei AppGallery license check issue.
The first beta update of 2024 brings significant internal changes. We have changed the zip archives support to the modern libzip library. The changes will likely not affect the end users. Moreover, we expect the app's behaviour to improve on some books. However, this is the beta. If you experience new crashes or slowdowns, please let us know.
We have also fixed a few UI points and the Huawei AppGallery license check issue.
A Look into the Future of FBReader
Today, we've shared our vision for FBReader's future, outlining the key enhancements to improve the app.
This announcement is neither a commitment nor a fixed timeline. It includes a dozen points, and in January 2025 we can check the progress.
Today, we've shared our vision for FBReader's future, outlining the key enhancements to improve the app.
This announcement is neither a commitment nor a fixed timeline. It includes a dozen points, and in January 2025 we can check the progress.
FBReader 4.0 beta 63 for Android
is uploaded to our site and the Google Play. The update brings
π A new old view in the library: the cards mode is back. Please note that it is configurable; you can choose the card size in the settings.
π The list view in the library shows authors for each book by default; you can return to the old behaviour in the settings.
π Minor internal fixes that should increase the stability of the app.
is uploaded to our site and the Google Play. The update brings
π A new old view in the library: the cards mode is back. Please note that it is configurable; you can choose the card size in the settings.
π The list view in the library shows authors for each book by default; you can return to the old behaviour in the settings.
π Minor internal fixes that should increase the stability of the app.
FBReader 3.6.* series for Android has started
The highlight of the new series is stability. In the first release, 3.6.0:
π The cards view in the library is back. Please note that you can change the cards size in the settings.
π Zip-archives reading now works via the libzip library. It opens more books and is more stable than the old code.
π The Huawei license check is fixed.
π The target API raises to 34 (Android 14).
Synchronously, we are releasing a new version of the SDK, 1.2.2, on which FBReader 3.6.0 is built.
The highlight of the new series is stability. In the first release, 3.6.0:
π The cards view in the library is back. Please note that you can change the cards size in the settings.
π Zip-archives reading now works via the libzip library. It opens more books and is more stable than the old code.
π The Huawei license check is fixed.
π The target API raises to 34 (Android 14).
Synchronously, we are releasing a new version of the SDK, 1.2.2, on which FBReader 3.6.0 is built.
FBReader 2.1Ξ²1 is out
The first public beta of the upcoming FBReader 2.1 for Windows and Mac is available for download from our site.
In this release:
π Added network password saving (in secure system storage)
π Added bookmark text editing
π Fixed many bugs (and added some new ones, as usual)
π The app migrated to Qt 6.6.2
More new features of the 2.1 series are to be announced next month.
The first public beta of the upcoming FBReader 2.1 for Windows and Mac is available for download from our site.
In this release:
π Added network password saving (in secure system storage)
π Added bookmark text editing
π Fixed many bugs (and added some new ones, as usual)
π The app migrated to Qt 6.6.2
More new features of the 2.1 series are to be announced next month.
FBReader 3.6.4 for Android
One more update in stable series 3.6 is on the way. It is already downloadable from our site and scheduled for a gradual rollout from the stores.
The update meets Google Playβs requirements about background processes: each process must show a notification. Surely, you can disable annoying notifications.
Another improvement is stability, especially in the library scanning process. We expect fewer issues with βlostβ books in the library view.
One more update in stable series 3.6 is on the way. It is already downloadable from our site and scheduled for a gradual rollout from the stores.
The update meets Google Playβs requirements about background processes: each process must show a notification. Surely, you can disable annoying notifications.
Another improvement is stability, especially in the library scanning process. We expect fewer issues with βlostβ books in the library view.
One more Android update, 3.6.6, is out today.
This version fixes a few crashes and possible freezes.
Additionally, we release a separate Premium package for a rare issue. If the app crashes when starting on your device, please try the special version available on the packages page. The crash happens in the third-party PDF library and is out of our control. Unfortunately, the library authors no longer support their product. Sooner or later, we will switch to another PDF library. However, this will take time.
This version fixes a few crashes and possible freezes.
Additionally, we release a separate Premium package for a rare issue. If the app crashes when starting on your device, please try the special version available on the packages page. The crash happens in the third-party PDF library and is out of our control. Unfortunately, the library authors no longer support their product. Sooner or later, we will switch to another PDF library. However, this will take time.
FBReader has adopted Readium LCP
Readium LCP, a DRM technology designed by the Readium Foundation for ePub books, is gaining popularity. We are happy to announce that FBReader has joined the community, received certification from EDRLab, and can open protected books.
We have launched beta versions that support Readium LCP on Android, Mac, Windows, and Linux platforms. The betas are available for free download on our website. The final releases featuring the new functionality are scheduled for May.
The iOS version is slightly behind; we expect to update it in June.
Additionally, we are working to include the LCP support in FBReader SDK. It is also scheduled for release in June.
A note for our Linux customers
It is uncertain whether we can promptly release the snap version of FBReader with new features. In our commitment to a synchronous release across all desktop platforms, weβve assembled an AppImage. We will rethink our packaging strategy and decide which packages to build for the upcoming 2.1 release.
Readium LCP, a DRM technology designed by the Readium Foundation for ePub books, is gaining popularity. We are happy to announce that FBReader has joined the community, received certification from EDRLab, and can open protected books.
We have launched beta versions that support Readium LCP on Android, Mac, Windows, and Linux platforms. The betas are available for free download on our website. The final releases featuring the new functionality are scheduled for May.
The iOS version is slightly behind; we expect to update it in June.
Additionally, we are working to include the LCP support in FBReader SDK. It is also scheduled for release in June.
A note for our Linux customers
It is uncertain whether we can promptly release the snap version of FBReader with new features. In our commitment to a synchronous release across all desktop platforms, weβve assembled an AppImage. We will rethink our packaging strategy and decide which packages to build for the upcoming 2.1 release.
The stable series 3.7 for Android launches today
The new major update, version 3.7 for Android, is now beginning to roll out to users. Today, we are excited to introduce 3.7 RC 1, the first release candidate.
This version is available to select Google Play customers and will gradually expand its availability until it is finalized as version 3.7 or succeeded by the next release candidate. Those eager to update immediately welcome to our website.
Key enhancements in this release are:
π Readium LCP support
π Full update to the Ukrainian πΊπ¦ interface, with all strings now fully translated
The new major update, version 3.7 for Android, is now beginning to roll out to users. Today, we are excited to introduce 3.7 RC 1, the first release candidate.
This version is available to select Google Play customers and will gradually expand its availability until it is finalized as version 3.7 or succeeded by the next release candidate. Those eager to update immediately welcome to our website.
Key enhancements in this release are:
π Readium LCP support
π Full update to the Ukrainian πΊπ¦ interface, with all strings now fully translated