Hello all!
Recently I've started using two seperate Android devices to read books
using FBReaderJ for Android, a NookColor, and my phone, a Sprint EVO
3D. Very quickly, I ran into a problem. I read the same books on both
devices, so I ended up spending a lot of time looking for my place
whenever I switched devices (I used the NC at home, and my phone
everywhere else).
I imagine that this must be a problem quite a few people are having,
or will be having as android devices become more popular.
So, I wrote an android app to synchronize my place in each book
between the two devices.
App Name: FBSync
Current Version: v1.0.26
Revision History:
1.0.26 - Removed Auto-Sync feature (hopefully just temporarily. I want to get this working, but the FBReader API just doesn't provide enough functionality to get it working smoothly). Removed syncing of "recent" books (It caused more trouble than it was worth, sorry, you will have to manually open your book if you changed books on another device). Added a "Sync" item to the FBReader menu that pulls up FBSync.
1.0.24 - Updated Dropbox support to use latest Dropbox API. Fixed Auto-Sync feature to properly sync new book positions (broken due to a change in FBReader). Due to limitations in FBReader, the Auto-Sync feature is still rather rough.
1.0.23 - Added a Dropbox support for your book position data, an Auto-Sync feature that makes use of the FBReader API, and (in theory) the program has been translated into Russian (thanks Dmitry!). If you have set up your own synchronization server, you will need to update the PHP files to the files in the attached sync.zip
1.0.19 - Fixed another bug that affected Honeycomb devices. Confirmed working on an Acer Iconia A500.
1.0.18 - Fixed a bug that affected Honeycomb devices (I hope!)
1.0.17 - Added "Alternate Sync URL" functionality for those people who want to set up their own sync server instead of using mine. See below for more instructions.
Requirements:
1) Root. Your devices must be rooted. This application only uses
root for two things. First, it uses root to get access to the
FBReaderJ books database, and second, it uses root to kill the
FBReaderJ process before it syncs the data (it has to kill the process
to force FBReader to reload the database).
2) FBReaderJ must be installed on the device (you will be prompted to
install it if you haven't already when you load my app)
3) You must have already opened FBReaderJ at least once, and viewed
it's library (Menu button, "Library"). This creates the databases
that my application needs.
Download:
An older version is available on Google Play, but the latest version can always be found at the bottom of this post.
Instructions for Use:
As of v1.0.23, you have the option of either syncing book positions to my web server, or to Dropbox. If you choose to use Dropbox, it will create a single file on your Dropbox account (under \FBSync) that contains the book position data.
If you desire to sync the book positions to my web server, you can also enable a new, experimental "Auto-Sync" feature that syncs your position whenever you open or close FBReader (or a book in FBReader). This functionality only works when using my web server, it does not currently work with Dropbox.
The auto-sync feature make use of FBReader's API and makes FBSync work as a plug-in for FBReader. Unfortunately the API does not contain all of the features needed to completely remove the root requirement for FBSync.
If you are going to use my web server to sync:
After you install it, go into the settings (blue icon, or menu/
settings), and enter an email (doesn't have to be an email, any unique
string will work) and numeric pin # (this isn't secure, so don't use a
pin you care about). The email/pin is just to uniquely identify you.
You should use the same email/pin on each device.
On the same screen, you can choose to sync the actual book files to Dropbox. Since your Dropbox account is used, only your account can access the books, if
you choose to sync them. It only uploads/downloads the books when it
needs them, so it may take a while the first time you sync, but after
that it shouldn't take more than a minute MAX (my typical sync times
for 90 books is about 5-10 seconds)
Click the middle, orange icon, to begin the sync process.
If this is the first time you've synced since selecting the "Enable Dropbox" setting, you will be prompted to allow FBSync access to your dropbox account.
The sync process first uploads, then downloads. It only updates the book's "place" on the web (or Dropbox) if it's farther ahead than the web's "place" for the book.
If you are using the Auto-Sync function, the above statement is not true. It always saves the exact position of your book upon closure of FbReader or closing the book.
Miscellaneous Info:
This program is still in beta. I have used and tested it extensively,
but I'm not liable if you manage to break it somehow. Since it does
alter the data in FBReader's databases (it does not, and never will,
alter the database structures), it is possible, but very unlikely,
that it could lose your book's places. I would suggest that you back
up FBReaderJ using something like Titanium Backup before you start
using FBSync, just to be on the safe side.
The synchronized book position data is currently hosted on my personal web server, or your Dropbox account (as of v1.0.23). Your book files are only stored on your Dropbox account.
UPDATE: As of v1.0.17, I added the ability to define your own "Sync Server". Here's how to use it:
In the Settings (Menu, Settings), there is a new option "Alternate Sync URL" where you can enter your own URL. Leave it blank if you want to use my server.
If you want to use your own, you will need the file attached to this post. I wouldn't recommend trying to set up your own server unless you are pretty comfortable with web servers, php, and mySql.
Sync.zip contains a .SQL script, and several .PHP files that are required to set up your own sync server.
The primary thing that you need to set up your own Sync server is a HTTP Web server that supports mySql and PHP.
On your server, create a new mySql database (name doesn't matter, just make sure there's a user attached to it that has insert/update/delete rights), then run the sql code in the sync.sql to create the two tables that are needed.
Edit the common.php file and replace the '' values in this block:
Code:
$dbhost = 'localhost';
$dbuser = ''; // Fill out the database user name here
$dbpass = ''; // Fill out the database user password here
$dbname = ''; // Fill out the database name here
with the correct values for your server. $dbhost can probably remain 'localhost'.
Then create a directory on your web server that is accessible from your devices, and put the 5 PHP files into it.
Launch FBSync, hit Menu, Settings, click the "Alternate Sync URL", and type in the URL that points to the directory you put those PHP files in (ex; http://sync.splitmatrix.net/alternate_sync ). You must start it with http://, and it should not end in a /.
After you enter the URL, save out of it, back out to the main FBSync window, and click the Sync button. If you set up everything correctly, it should sync to your server now instead of mine.
Please let me know of any issues you find, or any improvements you
want.
Thanks,
Scott
6/27/2012 Edit - Updated Sync.zip to remove some buggy code from addbook.php
Hi Scott,
I only have 1 device right now, so no need for sync, but I would be interested in how you can read your BN books with FBRreader. I have installed FBReader, but don't know how to read the books with it.
Also, I installed the dolphin web browser and clicked on a few epub links but nothing happens, is there a way to get it to bring up those files in FBRreader?
droidly said:
Hi Scott,
I only have 1 device right now, so no need for sync, but I would be interested in how you can read your BN books with FBRreader. I have installed FBReader, but don't know how to read the books with it.
Also, I installed the dolphin web browser and clicked on a few epub links but nothing happens, is there a way to get it to bring up those files in FBRreader?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I haven't actually purchased any books from B&N, but assuming the books you purchased are DRM free, you should be able to just move them into the \sdcard\books directory, and they should appear in the FbReader library. I believe, by default, the B&N books go into the internal storage, in the B&N Downloads\Books directory. Use a file manager like estrong's, astro's, or root explorer to copy them.
Via your web browser, save the epub books to \sdcard\books (or move them there after they download), and they'll show up. I don't believe that you can associate any book reader with epub files, I don't think android supports that. You have to open the book with the app, not the app with the book.
Scott
I use FBReader on multiple devices and would be extremely interested in such an app!
Thanks for your interest in my syncing app.
One pretty major requirement for this app is that your devices have to be rooted. Android doesn't like one app accessing another app's data, so the only way I could do it was to use root privileges.
It's still in beta, but you can download a copy of it at:
http://sync.splitmatrix.net/apk/fbsync.apk
Currently v1.0.9.
After you install it, go into the settings (blue icon, or menu/settings), and enter an email (doesn't have to be an email, any unique string will work) and numeric pin # (this isn't secure, so don't use a pin you care about). The email/pin is just to uniquely identify you. You should use the same email/pin on each device.
On the same screen, you can choose to sync the actual book files as well as their positions. It only uploads/downloads the books when it needs them, so it may take a while the first time you sync, but after that it shouldn't take more than a minute MAX, my typical sync times for 90 books is about 5-10 seconds.
Obviously you should have Fbreader already installed, and you need to have ran it, and gone into the library (menu/library) at least once (this creates the fbreader app database).
Click the middle, orange icon, to begin the sync process. It first uploads, then downloads. It only updates the book's "place" on the web if it's farther ahead than the web's "place" for the book.
Please let me know of any issues you find, or any improvements you want.
Thanks,
Scott
Cool
I just tested and it does work as stated. One question though, where is it uploading the data too?
Personal website, sync.splitmatrix.net. if the app takes off, i'll figure out something more secure and permanent.
Scott
Interesting. I'll try it out. Thank you!
One thing to think about however, especially if you open this up to general usage, is that by uploading/downloading the book file itself rather than just the current read-to position, you could potentially run into copyright issues. There is reason to believe that this could fall under Fair Use, but past rulings on similar commercial services for other media have been inconclusive. That may be a can of worms you don't want to open.
I am not a lawyer, but I do play one on web forums.
One thing I would try would be saving it on Google's servers through IMAP or something like SMS Backup does. Then no need to have to pay for a server. Don't know if it is at all possible but just thought I would see how you liked it.
RoboRay said:
Interesting. I'll try it out. Thank you!
One thing to think about however, especially if you open this up to general usage, is that by uploading/downloading the book file itself rather than just the current read-to position, you could potentially run into copyright issues. There is reason to believe that this could fall under Fair Use, but past rulings on similar commercial services for other media have been inconclusive. That may be a can of worms you don't want to open.
I am not a lawyer, but I do play one on web forums.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, this is something I'm aware of. Not sure what I'm going to do about it yet. That's why it's a setting
Scott
qwerty017 said:
One thing I would try would be saving it on Google's servers through IMAP or something like SMS Backup does. Then no need to have to pay for a server. Don't know if it is at all possible but just thought I would see how you liked it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The server it's currently on is hosted by a friend of mine for free, so I'm not concerned about it at the moment. If thousands of people end up using this, then obviously I'll have to make some changes.
Scott
I wonder if there's a way to store and retrieve the sync data with each user's Dropbox or something...
RoboRay said:
I wonder if there's a way to store and retrieve the sync data with each user's Dropbox or something...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd imagine that there is a way to do this, since programs like Titanium Backup support a dropbox interface.
If enough people think this would be a good feature to add, I can definitely look into it.
Scott
I'm just thinking that using each person's Dropbox would get you off the hook for not only server space and bandwidth, but also any potential copyright liability for book copies made by users synchronizing their files.
Valid points. I'll do some digging and see what it will take to implement the dropbox API in this app..
Thanks,
Scott
Edit: Updated first post with useful information - added download link.
Updated to v1.0.10 to fix a problem when used with the latest FBReader beta. Same URL as before:
Edit: Download the app off the market
Thanks,
Scott
This is a great app this is the missing link in fbreader. I hope you continue to support and enhance it.
Now that my archos tablet is rooted i can really enjoy it. I used to read my books on my phone and occasionally I still do.
Thx for the great work.
This looks like a dang good app. Since getting my nc i've quit using my evo for reading. This sync will bring joy back to my bathroom bbreaks at work!
Thanks for your kind words!
Since the last time I posted to this thread, I've added a dropbox interface to the program, and posted it to the Market (for Free of course!), so if you've downloaded the APK from the web, please re-install it from the market for the latest and greatest version.
Thanks again,
Scott
Oh, great! I'm checking out the Dropbox syncing now.
Edit: Works great!
If I may make another suggestion, you should post about your app at the MobileRead forum. I think you'll pick up a lot of users there.
Also, I know that the Android version of FBReader is different from the PC versions, but syncing with the Linux and Windows versions would be the icing on the cake. MobileRead might be a good place to find others wanting to help develop that capability
I need access to full gmail (not simple html) through web interface. Gmail app and html simple don't work for me, because they ruin the organization and order of messages when compared to desktop interface.
I have tried Skyfire and it does load full Gmail interface, but it is painfully slow, consumes enormous amount of memory and loads cpu to 100%. Pretty much unusable.
I'm not sure if ajax (or gmail in particular) on android wouldn't run any better or if it is just a matter of finding the right software and setting.
I don't have a direct solution, but have you tried the other versions of gmail, stock email, and Sense email apps?
I'm using the ICS 4.0 version of gmail, and I like it a lot.
Search google for the apk.
They may have the layout and options you want.
Thank you for suggestion. I have tried to find something that works, but other than Skyfire (not useable) and Remote Desktop (quite uncomfortable), I couldn't find anything so far.
Here is my problem. I receive ton of emails everyday, I use several workstations to access emails, I sort, label and read them, reply from different workstations. Works great having the same screen on all the machines, no matter where I am. I can start my work on one and finish on the other without loosing track of what I was doing.
I would love to work on my emails using Flyer the same way, but as of right now it is very uncomfortable for me, simply because my mail boxes don't look the same on android.
For example I have one of the mail boxes set up to show important and unread first, next emails marked with specific labels (might have several labels), then everything else (important read, unimportant unread etc). This simple thing saves me a lot of time and I know what to do next regardless of what workstation I access my email from.
When I use GMAIL app on my flyer, my mail box looks like a mess in comparison to desktop version. I get lost there so bad that I miss what needs to be done next. At this point I decided not to use GMAIL app to access work email at all.
I have tried to get to my emails through Web Browsers with desktop user agent string, but it loads in plain HTML, hence I loose the order again.
Only Skyfire browser loads the full version of gmail, but as I have said earlier is consumes more than 200mb of ram and loads CPU to 100% and makes it pretty much unusable. Not sure if it is a problem just on my Flyer or if it is how ajax is done in Skyfire.
I'm hoping to find solution (browser with good ajax?) that would allow me to access full web interface. I was just wondering if anybody knows if such thing or add-on exists. I hope maybe when CHROME browser comes out they have the good ajax support.
Hello to all, here is a list of Apps and suggestions for those scandinavians who have an Samsung Galaxy Ace Plus S7500, bought overseas. It can also be used by others
Adobe flash player 11.1, speak for itself.
Adobe Reader, for viewing PDF files on the Go - I use it for bus and train schedules in PDF format.
Barcode Scanner – George android, nice tool.
Curvefish 2G-3G OnOff, this one is recommended since in some countries it cost a bundle in 3G charges when Google's App's are sync'ing in the background. This one allows to turn of 3G with just 1 touch.
Curvefish Wifi OnOff, turn wifi ON/OFF with 1 touch.
Chikka, nice messenger for sending sms to mobile phones in the Philippines - for free. The recipient is charged a small amount for replying.
De gule sider, nice App for looking up contact info about businesses and people in Denmark.
DR radio, Denmark Radio.
Facebook Messenger, a little less anoying than the facebook App since you don't get notification - only messages.
File Expert, nice filemanager which also allows you to use your phone as an ftp server.
Filippino Free, nice translator.
Flashlight HD LED, extremely nice App which turns your camera flash into an flash light, nice when you come home after dark.
FX, nice filemanager that also allow you to see and interact with you shared network folders in your home network.
Gmail, speaks for itself.
JuiceDefender, this one will save you alot of batterytime.
MoboPlayer and MX Player, can handle almost all video and music formats on the planet -alot better than the stock player.
Ninesky Browser, the best browser I have come accross - And I have tried them all. This can actually play streaming videos from other sites than Youtube, and that without jitter(depending on your internet connection).
Opera Mobile, this one is a better browser if you are doing netbanking. This one is not so good for playing streaming video - use Ninesky.
Set Locale and Language, this one is recommended if you native language is other than english - just remember to check if your language is supported.
Skype, speaks for itself - has a tendency to hang when making a call skype to skype, where only option is to turn off your phone(hope this will be fixed in the future). Also has a tendency to stay in the background eventhough you have exited the program - rather anoying.
SMS Classic View, this is a very nice App, it gives you classic view of Inbox, Draft and Sent folders, where you can find ALL your messages. This is better than the stock SMS messenger that only allows you to see the most recent 5-7 messages.
Super Backup: SMS & Contacts, very good tool to keep - it gives you a chance to backup your contacts and messages to your SD memory card. You can then send it to yourself via email. Should you loose your phone and get a new one then you can restore all with the same App.
TeamViewer, this one allows you to remote control other PC's - I use it to remote control my laptop when in the garden and I like some music and when I do some support on my GF'S laptop(when I'm in Denmark and she is in the Philippines).
Scandinavian Keyboard from Trygve Aaberge, this one replaces the english keyboard with one that has scandinavian keys. This one can be used for people from Denmark, Sweeden and Norway.
Hope you can use this list for your phone
With kind regards
JBJ
PS. Moderator, it would be nice if Samsung Galaxy Ace Plus had its own thread
https://www.elmundo.es/tecnologia/2020/05/015eac0d14fc6c83f94e8b4573.html
Spanish newspaper.
The phones of the Chinese brand Xiaomi would be recording the behavior of users on their own mobile phones and web history, even with private browsing activated, data that would later be sent to remote servers in China.
A Forbes investigation exposes the amount of data that Xiaomi smartphones allegedly collect from its users. The monitoring of web activity would be done through the own browser installed on the brand's devices, as well as in My Browser Pro and Mint Browser, available on Google Play.
Specifically, browsers would record web pages that the user visits or searches through services such as Google or DuckDuckGo, and would occur even if the user has activated incognito mode. Monitoring would also take place in the use of smarpthone, with the folders it opens, the status bar or the settings page.
https://www.elmundo.es/tecnologia/2020/05/01/5eac0d14fc6c83f94e8b4573.html
oh nooooo
you know google, microsoft, facebook, etc do the same? they earn money from ads and info anout people, so yes, they'd do anything to know you even when you don't want them to.
besides, people upload all data, giving away their privacy - fb, insta, twitter, youtube, etc...
there is nothing for free - you want space on servers to upload your ass and get likes, comments - you loose your privacy. thats how most dumb society gave away good internet and freedom.
the same for paying via card - it's convenient, but they know your routine and favourite places
It's known, yes but it's not a good practice. All of us change services for data, i have debloat the default browser and go on
I think you're pretty crazy in general if you use the default browser
Again this bulshits,like the chinese are very curious about what porn sites and series we watch
they are - whatever you search they produce and sell on ali, that's why they became so economically powerful.