Logos on eInk/eReader Device
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It's hard for me to imagine Logos branded devices working out well. Creating a version of the app optimized for eReaders would likely be much more future proof and considerably easier to develop (there really isn't much that needs to change: a couple of new, relatively minor features, and a bit more backward compatibility than for the standard Android app).
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Mark Nolette said:
Speaking of hardware...
Another e-ink option has found its way into my hands (with some help from my gadget budget, now depleted for the year). It's the Boyue T63. It has a 6 inch display, 300 dpi, and a microSD card slot. No headphone jack or audio capability. It has physical page turn buttons (they don't work with Logos, sorry). It runs Android 4.2.2. It has 8GB of internal storage. Similar in a lot of ways to the Onyx C67, but has a more refined look and feel. One big advantage: it has a 1 GB partition for user-installed apps. You won't need Link2SD with this one. One disadvantage: it does not have Google Play Store pre-installed. You'd have to root the device to do that (easy) or just install the Amazon App Store without needing to root. It runs Verbum very well. Very good battery life. Overall, I like it more than the Onyx C67, though the Onyx is very good. It can be bought through Banggood (from Hong Kong). Takes about two weeks for shipping. If the T63 continues to work well, I may decide to sell the Onyx C67. We'll see.
Thanks for the updates! I'm considering getting an eReader for Verbum soon, and it's basically between the Boyue T63 and the Onyx C67. Let us know what you end up preferring!
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Mark Barnes said:TCBlack said:
Yes Mark, it can run Logos. That's the point of it, to run the Android ecosystem with an e-ink screen.
Not all e-Ink Android devices can run Logos (even though in theory they should). We think it's something to do with hardware acceleration, but no-one is really sure.
I'm sure if someone was interested, the developers would be willing to install the Logos app for you, before you purchased.
Interesting. I had emailed the devs during the earlier parts of the fundraiser and asked them to install Logos or at least the FaithLife study bible. I never heard back from them. I wasn't aware that e-ink devices had a unique problem with Logos. I thought it was based upon software only (e.g. if it ran Android 4.3 it would be fine, etc.)
Sarcasm is my love language. Obviously I love you. 0 -
TCBlack said:Mark Barnes said:TCBlack said:
Yes Mark, it can run Logos. That's the point of it, to run the Android ecosystem with an e-ink screen.
Not all e-Ink Android devices can run Logos (even though in theory they should). We think it's something to do with hardware acceleration, but no-one is really sure.
I'm sure if someone was interested, the developers would be willing to install the Logos app for you, before you purchased.
Interesting. I had emailed the devs during the earlier parts of the fundraiser and asked them to install Logos or at least the FaithLife study bible. I never heard back from them. I wasn't aware that e-ink devices had a unique problem with Logos. I thought it was based upon software only (e.g. if it ran Android 4.3 it would be fine, etc.)
No, it isn't software/firmware only. As others have said, it has something to do (or so I hear) with hardware acceleration. The Onyx T68 and i86 don't have it. Nor does the Nook Glowlight Plus, which runs KitKat (4.4). If we knew precisely what it was that the Logos app needed to display properly, we could ask the hardware manufacturers good questions before buying!
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Fr Devin Roza said:
Thanks for the updates! I'm considering getting an eReader for Verbum soon, and it's basically between the Boyue T63 and the Onyx C67. Let us know what you end up preferring!
Hi, Fr. Devin,
That's easy - the Boyue T63. My main reason for making that recommendation is that the Onyx C67 has a very small user app partition - a mere 339MB. Google Play Store and Play Services already hang out there. As a result, if you try to install Verbum from Play Store, you will be told that you don't have enough space to install it. You can install by side oading, but then you can't upgrade, as you'll get the same message. The only way to get around this is to root and set up Link2SD.
On the other hand, the Boyue T63 has a 1 GB user app partition. No need to root to install Verbum. It has a higher quality look and feel. On the other hand, the T63 has no headphone jack and does not have Play Store pre-installed. You can install Amazon App Store and get Verbum/Logos that way. Or, you can find an easy method on mobileread.com to root and install Play Store on a T63. I've done it.
The two devices have a number of similarities: same 6 inch display, same 300 dpi, same microSD card slot. But the T63 has better battery life. Each device has a couple of minor annoying glitches. But, overall, I can easily recommend the T63 as the better way to go.
Edit: Verbum looks slightly better on the T63. The frontlight on the T63 is less bright than the one on the Onyx C67, which is also an advantage for me.
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After much deliberation I finally took the plunge. I purchased the 8" Inkbook 8.
I thought I was going to have to go through a whole slew of things to get it to do what I wanted to do but it actually turned out to be much easier than expected. Looks like I will have to tweak it a little to get it to use the Micro SD Card the way I want it to but even if I can't get that to work I will still be happy with it.
When I got it I did the immediate update. I was able to install Kindle and Moon ePub reader. I tried Amazon Underground to install Logos but for some reason it didn't work. I installed Dropbox and then downloaded the APK for a previous version of Logos that was in this thread.
Logos installed and works very well. Downloaded a few books for each app. Still have space. I would love to be able to load my SD card up with Logos books but regardless there is only so many books I need at a time and downloading only takes a second. I probably downloaded 15 books for Kindle and 25 in Logos. Most of them large commentaries and I still have plenty of space for more.I am coming from a Kindle 3. I am happy to have a larger device and one with a built in light. I am really looking forward to really putting this thing to use!
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Daniel Di Bartolo said:
Hello, all.
The Faithlife Mobile team wanted to share something with you that you might find interesting. We know that many of you have expressed interest in having Logos on your e-reader or e-Ink device. We think we've found a good option for those of you who prefer reading in that format-- the Icarus e-reader.
We made a quick video to show you some of the functionality-- take a look if you're interested. Lastly, here's a link to the device itself.
Let us know what you think!
*Please note that we're not currently supporting this in a official capacity-- we're just trying to gauge general interest.
I bought the Icarus and Logos Bible doesn't appear on the built-in app store, Google Play, or Amazon Appstore. How did you install it?
Jacob Hantla
Pastor/Elder, Grace Bible Church
gbcaz.org0 -
Jacob Hantla said:
I bought the Icarus and Logos Bible doesn't appear on the built-in app store, Google Play, or Amazon Appstore. How did you install it?
Try this: https://apkpure.com/store/apps/details?id=com.logos.androidlogos
This is my personal Faithlife account. On 1 March 2022, I started working for Faithlife, and have a new 'official' user account. Posts on this account shouldn't be taken as official Faithlife views!
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Jacob Hantla said:Daniel Di Bartolo said:
Hello, all.
The Faithlife Mobile team wanted to share something with you that you might find interesting. We know that many of you have expressed interest in having Logos on your e-reader or e-Ink device. We think we've found a good option for those of you who prefer reading in that format-- the Icarus e-reader.
We made a quick video to show you some of the functionality-- take a look if you're interested. Lastly, here's a link to the device itself.
Let us know what you think!
*Please note that we're not currently supporting this in a official capacity-- we're just trying to gauge general interest.
I bought the Icarus and Logos Bible doesn't appear on the built-in app store, Google Play, or Amazon Appstore. How did you install it?
I direct downloaded from http://downloads.logos.com/Android/Logos/stable/Logos-287.apk.
Is there a better way?
Please please please get us a basic reader version of Logos for these eink products. There is really a market for this, and to make an reader for e-ink hardware only increases the value of your resources.
Jacob Hantla
Pastor/Elder, Grace Bible Church
gbcaz.org0 -
Fr Devin Roza said:
It's hard for me to imagine Logos branded devices working out well. Creating a version of the app optimized for eReaders would likely be much more future proof and considerably easier to develop (there really isn't much that needs to change: a couple of new, relatively minor features, and a bit more backward compatibility than for the standard Android app).
[Y]
Jacob Hantla
Pastor/Elder, Grace Bible Church
gbcaz.org0 -
Mark Barnes said:Jacob Hantla said:
I bought the Icarus and Logos Bible doesn't appear on the built-in app store, Google Play, or Amazon Appstore. How did you install it?
Try this: https://apkpure.com/store/apps/details?id=com.logos.androidlogos
Thanks Mark. That worked great and the app works. It's a bit sluggish and I wish that the page-turn controls would work. But it is good to be able to have my whole library on eink and to be able to markup my books directly in my Logos library
Jacob Hantla
Pastor/Elder, Grace Bible Church
gbcaz.org0 -
Mark Nolette said:Fr Devin Roza said:
Thanks for the updates! I'm considering getting an eReader for Verbum soon, and it's basically between the Boyue T63 and the Onyx C67. Let us know what you end up preferring!
Hi, Fr. Devin,
That's easy - the Boyue T63.
Mark, thank you so much for this recommendation. I actually ordered the Boyue T63 just a few days after your message (on December 22nd). The Boyue just arrived this Saturday! It took two and a half months to arrive! I chose the "free" shipping option, so buyer beware! I'm guessing the for-pay options might be faster.
I'm very happy with it, and even figured out a way to make the hardware page-turning buttons work to flip pages in Verbum! I'll post that in another thread in case others might be interested (the method should hopefully work with other e-readers as well).
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Hi, Fr. Devin,
Glad that the T63 is working out so well for you! Sorry about the wait, though. It took two weeks for mine to arrive.
I'm curious to find out how you managed to link the hardware buttons to Verbum. I tried a couple of ways, unsuccessfully.
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Curious if anyone has tried the Icarus Illumina E654BK, it uses Android 4.3 and thought it might be a better option for FL apps. All in all I am pretty happy with my iPad but I can see how an e-ink system would be nice. Although I know more e-ink systems with colour are due out soon so great time to consider what might be a better reader system.
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Dan Francis said:
Curious if anyone has tried the Icarus Illumina E654BK, it uses Android 4.3 and thought it might be a better option for FL apps. All in all I am pretty happy with my iPad but I can see how an e-ink system would be nice. Although I know more e-ink systems with colour are due out soon so great time to consider what might be a better reader system. -Dan
According to this review, this Icarus runs Android 4.2.2 and has a lower screen resolution than the Boyue T63. The Icarus website also says Android 4.2. The Icarus is a little less expensive, but it's actually a scaled-back clone of the Boyue T63. All Icarus devices are made by Boyue. The Icarus should be a good e-reader, but it runs the same Android version as most Boyue (and some Onyx) devices. So, for Logos/Verbum use, it's already "no longer supported" - just like my Boyue T63! But so far, Verbum still works fine on my T63 (he says with held breath).
No doubt, more advanced versions of e-ink are on the way. Color e-ink has been a dream for years. The JetBook Ectaco tried an early version of color e-ink, but it wasn't terribly successful. Someone else may have a better version soon. We shall see!
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Mark Nolette said:
I'm curious to find out how you managed to link the hardware buttons to Verbum. I tried a couple of ways, unsuccessfully.
It wasn't easy! I tried a few different ways that weren't successful, until finally stumbling on the right way. Here is a description of how to do it: https://community.logos.com/forums/t/136854.aspx, and here is a video showing it working: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RH1TknmW7bI.
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Amazon.ca is where if got the 4.3 from since Jellybean is 4.3 unless I have been misinformed. I just know that the FAQ page says requirement of 4.x or newer, But also know support has officially be dropped for 4.3 and lower, so my concern is making sure a device will be compatible with Logos as long as possible. I mean perhaps it is too much to expect a e-ink tablet to be running Android 7 but I would really like to see updated software before i went out and bought an e-ink device.... Although perhaps I am just being paranoid. I know the margins on these readers are small but surely new ones with a more modern OS are coming?
-dan
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Dan, I'd be thrilled if someone came out with an e-ink device that ran a newer version of Android, preferably 7.1! Using some gift money, I was able to buy an iPad Pro 9.7. With the new light sensitive display, it's almost as easy on my eyes as e-ink. But I still prefer e-ink for reading!
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Mark Nolette said:
Dan, I'd be thrilled if someone came out with an e-ink device that ran a newer version of Android, preferably 7.1!
Android 7.1 would be e-ink heaven, but the minimum I'd personally consider for a new purchase is Android 6.0.
Most apps no longer support Android 4.x, and 5.0 ist the next one to drop out. 6.0 should be able to run and stay supported for a reasonable number of years.
For older versions, before long, even Google will drop support, and stop updating apps like PlayStore (which has already happened for Android up to version 3.0 as far as I know). My own e-ink reader is still on Android 2.3, and I have to sideload all app updates now.
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Hi
So just to confirm, is version 5.6.2 is highest version that can be installed on Android 4.2.2
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Ramy Gabra said:
Hi
So just to confirm, is version 5.6.2 is highest version that can be installed on Android 4.2.2
I have 5.12.4 on my Boyue T63 with Android 4.2.2. Everything still works!
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Getting a good e-ink-focused version of Logos would be excellent. There may even be a good opportunity to work with one of these manufacturers to get a branded customized reader. Please
Jacob Hantla
Pastor/Elder, Grace Bible Church
gbcaz.org0 -
What would be nice is if the upcoming Superscreen can also be produced as an e-ink version. It would eliminate compatibility problems. The downside is that it relies on a wireless connection. I don't know whether the device will give the option of wired connectivity as well. In any case, Superscreen might put tablets to the shelf and if only someone can develop an e-ink version, I would suspect that there would a great market for that and it would be a great solution (I think) for those who want to use Logos (or other app) with e-ink.
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Onyx Boox has announced a new series of e-ink readers:
http://u4152261.viewer.maka.im/pcviewer/N3DTPQYO
The images are looking very exciting, especially the one with the keyboard.
Let's wait for some info about the specs. I'm not gonna buy a new reader unless it runs minimum Android Marshmallow.
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Hello All,
I have been watching this thread, waiting to hear of a viable way of reading resources from my Logos library on an e-reader. I was an early adopter of the "Send to Kindle" function but with the resources being converted to pdf format, my Kindle filled up very quickly; not to mention the lack of user friendly functionality. With the upcoming releases of large e-ink/e-readers, I began researching loading Logos on an Android device. As previously identified in this thread, most e-readers run a dinosaur version of Android ~4.0. Well, I decided to commit and at least experiment with loading Logos and downloading my entire library on an external micro SD card to see if I could get it to work. As many of the users here, I just can't stand reading on a computer or iPad after sitting in front of a screen all day.
Here is where I am at. I purchased a Onyx Boox N96ML. I almost gave up since the 13" e-readers cost as much as a new iPad Pro. Then I found the N96 which was half the price. I also purchased a 128 GB micro SD card andI used my computer to format it to FAT. Before doing this, I noticed the N96 did not read the card. After the format, however, it shows up as 119 GB of storage available. Next problem. I used the link on page 5 of this thread to download a stable version of Logos Bible App for Android 4.0. I opened the app and logged into my Logos Account. So far so good. Obviously not as smooth as an iPad or Android tablet, but I can open resources and read them! I even have functionality of some of the features. N96 hardware page turning buttons don't work but I use the stylus to turn the pages...no big deal. Next, as others have noted, downloading resources to the device seemed to be a tedious "one at a time" process. Here is how I solved that problem. I opened my Logos on my MacBook and clicked on the library icon. Once populated, I clicked (highlighted) the top resource, scrolled to the bottom of the list and held the shift key and clicked on the last resources. This highlighted all of the 8,000+resources in my library. Then click on the small "i" icon and it will populate the right side of your library. Scroll to the bottom of the panel to the "Devices" section. It will list all of your devices that have the Logos Bible App installed, if you have used it to log in to your account. I clicked the box next to my N96 and it initiated the push to my device. I opened the Logos Bible App on my N96 and noticed an immediate download of resources. The "Downloads" page continues to grow as my device receives the resources.
Waiting to update you on the following:
- I did not have the ability to select where the resource are installing. I'm not sure if the device uses the internal 16 GB first and then overflows to the micro SD card or if it will error out once the internal memory is full.
- Functionality of the Logos App offline. I downloaded approximately 700 resources overnight and when I turned off wifi, those resources were still available - everything was working great!
- Right now, my devices is currently saying it is downloading 2000+ resources (and growing). Being that I am traveling and using super slow hotel internet, it will likely take all day/night. Again, I do not know if it will make it all the way to my 8000+ resources.
Once this is complete, I will thoroughly test it and let you know how it goes. I may post a youtube video to show its functionality. My intent is to use this device as an e-reader for Logos and Kindle ONLY. I will not load anything else on it. Hope this answers a some of your questions. I'll keep you posted.
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Can you give us an update on how Logos is doing on your Boox?
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Ditto
preachertony.com — appletech.tips — facebook.com/tonywalker23 — twitter.com/tonywalker23 — youtube.com/tonywalker23
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I have purchased an Onyx Noox for the primary purpose of installing Logos. Of course, I discovered that the current edition 5.17.1 will not install even if sideloaded. So, I installed an older version (2.8.7?) of Android Logos app. And it does work.
However, I find some difficulties.
Firstly, the device runs very slowly. Secondly, screen refreshes sometimes have a nice greyscale and all is well; yet at other times the screen refresh produces a blotchy all black and white appearance. Thirdly, "Google play services" (I want to also run Google Books app) forced an upgrade in order to continue running. After upgrading, Google play services crashes and Logos' Bible app will no longer run (crashes immediately upon launch). Additionally, the device is telling me that I have run out of storage space and cannot install any new apps, while the settings area "storage" tells me that I have 5GB out of 8GB still available!
I am trying to decide if I may need to send it back.
Thanks,
Kevin M. Shaw0 -
Please ignore my last reply. I have things working now thanks to Onyx customer support.
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Was wondering if this tread is still active and if there are any new updates for E-Ink. My Android Tab A is dying and would love to move to e ink.
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David Ehrlich said:
Was wondering if this tread is still active and if there are any new updates for E-Ink. My Android Tab A is dying and would love to move to e ink.
There are several E-Ink related threads elsewhere on this forum, especially in the Logos 9 Mobile section. There have also been a number of updates to E-Ink devices since this thread. Android E-Ink devices are available in sizes ranging from a six inch to a thirteen inch display. Prices also vary widely with display size! As an example, here you can find the current product options offered by Boox. Likebook (aka Boyue) also has several offerings. It's a matter of what size is comfortable for you and what your budget is!
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I am loving my Onyx Poke 2 which runs a newer version of Android and works with Logos. They came out with a newer Poke e-readers as well.
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