1271
Official FBReader news. New features and releases, third-party plugins, plans, tech details, etc. https://fbreader.org
FBReader 3.8.8 for Android
This update addresses file access issues affecting some devices. If you continue experiencing difficulties, please consult our F.A.Q.
Additional improvements in this version:
📚 Notifications permission is no longer required
📚 Updated Chinese interface translations (both Simplified and Traditional)
📚 On Android 9 and earlier, the old file dialog is now used for folder selection
📚 Fixed crashes occurring specifically on Honor devices
Regarding the FB2 issue in latest Android releases
We’ve identified the issue, but a complete solution is not found yet. We’ve published an article explaining the problem and suggesting possible workarounds.
We're continuing to work on a permanent fix and hope to have it ready soon. Thank you for your patience and understanding!
====================
О проблемах с файлами FB2 в последних версиях для Android
Мы знаем, в чём состоит проблема, но пока не сумели найти полного решения. Мы опубликовали текст, который объясняет, что происходит, и предлагает возможные обходные пути.
Мы ищем лучшее решение, и надеемся обнаружить его в ближайшем будущем. Спасибо за ваше понимание и терпение!
3.8.2 is available on the site. We believe this update resolves all major issues from 3.8.1. If you still encounter problems accessing book files, please refer to the guide.
================================
Версию 3.8.2 можно скачать с нашего сайта. Мы уверены, что исправили все основные проблемы версии 3.8.1. Если у вас по-прежнему сложности с доступом к книгам, прочтите пожалуйста инструкцию.
FBReader 3.8.1 for Android
After a month of testing the 3.8 release, we’re rolling out the first update today, now available to all users on Google Play and Huawei AppGallery. The plugins are also released simultaneously.
This update improves network library performance and fixes an issue that occasionally caused the reading position to roll back unexpectedly.
Additionally, we’ve added an “Undo” button to the text search panel, making it possible to return to your original reading position while browsing search results.
We are still working to identify the issue causing the app to freeze on startup. If you experience this problem with the latest betas or the 3.8 release candidate and would like to help us, please contact us at helpdesk@fbreader.org.
When reaching out, please let us know which version you are using (Premium/Free, 3.8/4.0 beta), and we will provide you with a special version and instructions on how to proceed.
Thank you in advance for your help!
===========================
Мы все еще пытаемся выявить проблему, которая приводит к зависанию приложения при запуске. Если она случается на вашем устройстве в последних бета-версиях или релиз-кандидате 3.8 и вы хотите помочь в решении, напишите нам по адресу helpdesk@fbreader.org.
В письме укажите, пожалуйста, какую версию вы используете (Premium/Free, 3.8/4.0 beta), и мы пришлём вам специальный пакет и инструкцию по дальнейшим шагам.
Заранее спасибо за помощь!
FBReader 3.8 rc 4 and 4.0 beta 99 for Android
The packages are published on our site.
These updates introduce support for another ePub3 feature: the XHTML navigation format for tables of contents in ePubs.
However, the main addition is enhanced logging to our server during the paths migration process. If you experience a freeze during app startup after recent updates, please install the new version. Hopefully, it will send us enough information to help resolve the issue.
Please note that data will only be sent if you have recently allowed statistics collection. If not, and you are still experiencing freezes, please leave a comment on this message.
FBReader 4.0 beta 95 is out
The library scanning algorithm has been improved to be less aggressive. The app now scans zip archives only if they have the explicit “.zip” extension and uses heuristics to skip non-book archives. To manually force the scanning of an archive, use the “Import Files…” option in the library.
FBReader to Launch Independent Ebook Store in 2025
We are announcing the launch of our very own ebook store in 2025! This independent store will debut with a catalogue of 1.5 million titles, primarily in English.
FBReader has always been recognised as an independent reading app with no store lock-in, and that principle remains unchanged. You can continue using FBReader as you always have, reading books from your preferred sources. And vice versa, if you choose to purchase ebooks from our store, you can enjoy them in another reading app — no exclusivity required.
For more details, check out our LinkedIn article. Stay tuned for updates!
FBReader 4.0 beta 93 for Android
This update brings a significant improvement: FBReader no longer requires "all files" access. Instead, the app will request permission only for your designated library folders.
Books located outside these folders may become temporarily inaccessible. To resolve this, you can manually grant access to these files through the library.
The beta version is currently available on the official site and will be released on Google Play in the beginning of 2025. Please report any issues you encounter.
FBReader 4.0 Beta 91 for Android
We are continuing to implement internal changes aimed at new file access management. When the changes are complete, FBReader will no longer require access to all files but will instead request permission for specific files and folders as needed.
Starting with this version, books selected using FBReader’s internal file picker will be opened using the new file access scheme.
Please let us know if you encounter any issues.
FBReader 4.0 beta 89 for Android is now available.
This release introduces further enhancements to the themes. Additionally, the colour profile will automatically adapt to the system’s dark or light mode. If you prefer full control over the reader’s colours, you can turn off the option.
You may have noticed that since beta 86, we’ve stopped publishing beta updates on the Play Store. This is due to technical reasons, but we anticipate resuming our usual update schedule by Christmas. Around the same time, we plan to release the stable version 3.8, which includes all the latest features and fixes.
FBReader 4.0 beta 86 introduces several minor improvements:
📚 Quick chapter navigation buttons (visible in the first screenshot)
📚 Enhanced detection for Onyx devices
📚 Improved progress bar appearance in eInk mode (shown at the bottom of the second screenshot)
📚 An “👁” button in all password dialogues
FBReader 3.7.7 for Android
The October update addresses two issues related to PDFs. First, file type detection was failing for some files, preventing FBReader from opening certain PDFs. Additionally, a mix-up occurred between the table of contents for PDF and other file types, as reported by some users. This occasionally caused an incorrect table of contents to display when opening an ePub book after a PDF.
As always, this version also includes a few UI improvements.
FBReader 1.2 for iOS Now Available!
We’re excited to announce the release of FBReader 1.2 for iOS, featuring major improvements. To ensure a smooth experience, we’re rolling it out gradually and expect it to reach all users within the next seven days.
What’s New:
🍎 Full compatibility with iOS 18 and iPhone 16 devices
🍎 Support for Readium LCP (DRM-protected ePub files)
🍎 Upgraded rendering engine, now aligned with our apps on other platforms
🍎 Minor UI enhancements, with notable improvements to the night mode
🍎 Option to share anonymous usage data (you’ll be prompted for consent)
FBReader updates are back on the Snap Store!
After a pause of over a year since the release of version 2.0.5, we’re excited to announce that FBReader 2.1.2 is now available on the Snap Store. The update is currently on the beta channel and will be promoted to the stable later in October if no issues are found.
The update brings a lot of improvements including the Readium LCP support.
FBReader 4.0 beta 112 is our first attempt to fix the issue with opening FB2 files. If you're using the beta and have encountered this problem, please install the update and let us know whether the issue is resolved. The packages are already available on our website and will appear on Google Play after review.
========================
FBReader 4.0 beta 112 — наша первая попытка исправить проблему с открытием файлов FB2. Если вы используете бета-версию и сталкивались с этой ошибкой, пожалуйста, установите обновление и сообщите нам, сохранилась ли проблема. Пакеты уже доступны на нашем сайте и появятся в Google Play после как только пройдут модерацию.
FBReader 3.8.6 for Android
This update for the 3.8 series addresses several major issues:
📚 File opening from third-party file managers and other applications now works correctly.
📚 Access to FB2 files inside ZIP archives is restored, even for non-ASCII filenames.
📚 In PDF mode, zooming no longer conflicts with the navigation panel.
📚 Overall app performance has been improved.
Additionally, this version introduces the highly requested Dark Blue interface theme — a variation of the default Blue theme with consistently dark colours. This theme is available exclusively in the Premium edition.
The update is available on our website and in app stores, except for the Premium version on Google Play, which is still under review.
A beta update, FBReader 4.0 beta 108, featuring the same fixes, has also been released.
Another bugfix attempt—version 3.8.1.4 is out.
If you had issues opening files in 3.8.1, please install and try.
Note: Some ePub files may open slowly in this version.
===========================
Ещё одна попытка исправления, 3.8.1.4, уже на сайте.
Если у вас проблемы с открытием файлов в 3.8.1, попробуйте эту версию, пожалуйста.
Замечание: некоторые ePub файлы могут открываться медленно.
Another update for Android
Version 3.8 rc 8, along with its counterpart, 4.0 beta 103, has been released. This update is expected to resolve the app startup freeze. Please install it and let us know if you continue to experience the issue.
As always, we are very grateful to all users who test new versions.
FBReader 2.1.3 for Mac/Windows/Linux
This update does not introduce any major new features. Instead, we have focused on refining the app by improving stability and fixing minor issues:
📚 Cloud synchronisation: Improved stability
📚 Preferences window: Better look on Windows 11
📚 ePub3: Implemented support for table of contents in XHTML navigation format
📚 Interface language selection: New option available under Information → Language
📚 Keyboard shortcuts: PageUp and PageDown keys can now be used for page turning, alongside the arrow keys and Space
📚 OPDS catalogues: Fixed issue with URLs containing spaces
📚 Library: added tooltips for books
📚 Text settings: Increased maximum font size in preferences
📚 Page header settings: New macro: %authors%
The update is fully released for Mac and Linux, and is available on the Windows Store. Standalone installer package for Windows will be published later due to technical reasons.
FBReader 3.8 for Android
Today, we announce the major update of FBReader for Android: 3.8 (Release Candidate 1).
The series 3.8 brings two significant improvements:
📚 Visual Themes: Upon the first launch, you'll be prompted to choose from:
📘 Blue (default) – A fresh, modern theme with both day and night modes
📘 EInk – A black-and-white theme optimised for e-paper devices
📘 Classic – The familiar look of FBReader, unchanged for years
You can switch themes anytime in the Appearance section of the settings.
📚 Refined File Access on Android 11+: FBReader no longer requires access to all files. Instead, you'll be asked to select library folders, ensuring compliance with Google's latest requirements.
Additionally, this update includes:
📚 Custom substitution files for text-to-speech
📚 Next/Previous chapter buttons on the navigation panel
📚 Many other improvements and fixes
Though we will suggest 3.8 gradually to all users in the coming weeks, you can download and install it now.
FBReader 4.0 beta 94 for Android
This update focuses on refining the major improvement introduced in the beta 93: FBReader no longer requires “all files” access. The app now requests permission only for your designated library folders.
Key changes:
📚 Fixed performance issues discovered in beta 93
📚 Rolled back to the old file access method for older devices (Android 10 and below)
Important note: Books stored outside your library folders may temporarily become inaccessible. To regain access, you can manually grant permissions through the library view.
If no significant issues arise, we will release the first stable branch candidate (v3.8) later this week.
Happy New Year!
Paid versions of FBReader are now on sale in Google Play, Huawei AppGallery, and the Apple App Store.
Until the evening of 12th January, you can get FBReader Premium for Android and FBReader Full Edition for iOS at half price.
This is a one-time purchase—no subscriptions, no recurring fees. Once purchased, all features are yours forever.
Don't miss out on this limited-time offer! 📚
FBReader 4.0 beta 92 resolves the book access issue introduced in beta 91. We apologize for any inconvenience caused.
Читать полностью…
FBReader 4.0 Beta 90 for Android
This release introduces a few minor updates and improvements:
📚 Fixes for password-protected PDF support
📚 Improved book titles for plain text files
📚 Enhanced background selection dialog
Additionally, we've implemented internal changes to prepare for a new file access scheme.
Please test the update and share any feedback or issues you encounter!
4.0 beta 87 for Android is out. In the changelog:
📚 Chapter navigation buttons for PDFs
📚 PDF navigation panel thumbnails can be hidden from now
📚 New option: invert images in dark mode
📚 Reading aloud improvement: added support for loading custom list of text substitutions
📚 The beta UI themes are changed
Simultaneously, we are releasing a new beta (4.0 beta 85)
Alongside the changes introduced in the stable 3.7.7 release, this beta continues to add new e-ink-related features:
📚 Theme selection dialogue at app start-up.
📚 A dedicated e-ink style for the library view.
📚 Numerous minor improvements to the e-ink theme throughout the app.
FBReader 4.0 beta 83 is out
This version introduces significant improvements to the display on eInk screens. The decoration theme is now consistently white on eInk displays, with clearer dialogues and buttons, along with other enhancements.
A new option, “The screen is eInk,” has been added to the Appearance section in Settings. This allows you to force the eInk theme, even when using a smartphone.
eInk support is set to be a key feature of the upcoming stable release 3.8. If you encounter any issues with eInk functionality, please report them.
FBReader 2.1.2 for Linux/ARM.
Please download the AppImage from our site. The build was created on Fedora 38 and is expected to run on distributions released since April 2023. We have tested it on a Raspberry Pi 400, but it should work on other ARM-based devices as well.
FBReader 2.1.2 for Windows, Mac, and Linux
The September update improves the rendering engine, which now correctly applies image sizes defined in CSS for better image display and formatting. It also makes error messages clearer and more consistent. Additionally, several security enhancements have been made to the cloud authentication process.