Episode 86: Enjoy e-books!　Introduction of 5 EPUB-compatible reader apps -Mori no Android Lab -Mado no Mori

In "Mori no Android Laboratory", we will introduce applications carefully selected by Mado no Mori staff under the theme of "Android" for smartphones. This time, we will take a look at five reader applications that support EPUB format e-books, which are increasingly used in e-book sales services and e-mail magazines, and introduce the features of each application in detail.

The app I will introduce this time. From the left "Aldiko Book Reader" "FBReader" "Moon + Reader" "CopperReader" "Himawari Reader"

EPUB is an XHTML-based general-purpose format for e-books promoted by the International Electronic Publishing Forum (IDPF), a US standardization organization. It features a "reflow" function that automatically adjusts the display according to the screen size, and it is attractive that it can be displayed flexibly according to devices such as smartphones and tablet terminals.

In addition, the EPUB format does not specify a common copyright protection (DRM) format in terms of standards. For this reason, copyright-protected content may use different DRMs for each service. As a matter of course, when using a book file with DRM, it is necessary that the app or device and the book file support the same DRM format.

Assuming that DRM-free EPUB files will be handled, this time we will summarize five EPUB-compatible e-book reader apps: Aldiko Book Reader, FBReader, Moon+ Reader, CopperReader, and Himawari Reader. I will introduce it.

In addition to the e-publishing business magazine “OnDeck”, which was also used for screen shots of each application, several EPUB files such as EPUB 3.0 compatible books were used to verify the application this time.

This table summarizes the basic functions of each app introduced this time. The characteristic functions of each app will be introduced again in the explanation of each app, so let's check the common parts of each app here.

"CopperReader" is the only one that supports vertical writing among the ones introduced this time.

First of all, it is from the function related to the display of the text, which is the basis of reading. Regarding vertical writing and ruby ​​display, which are worrisome when reading Japanese, these are not supported by EPUB 2.0.1, which is currently mainstream. It is supported from 3.0. For that reason, in the test conducted by the editorial department, only "CopperReader" is compatible with both vertical writing and ruby, which is a somewhat disappointing result.

On the other hand, all apps support changing the font size, which is essential for comfortable reading, and it is nice to be able to make adjustments according to the environment and preferences.

In addition, "CopperReader" and "Himawari Reader" are not compatible with changing line spacing. Furthermore, changing the margin to adjust the space from the edge of the screen to the text resulted in only "Himawari Reader" not being supported. However, "Himawari Reader" has the best reproducibility of the typesetting specified on the book data side among the apps introduced this time.

Also, in the case of tablet terminals equipped with Android 3 series, "Aldiko Book Reader" and "Moon+ Reader" are displayed automatically in landscape mode, which is a point that tablet terminal users cannot overlook. right. By the way, "CopperReader" does not have a spread function, but it can be used as a substitute because it has a function to display columns.

"Night mode" that reverses the screen black and white. Useful for reading in dark places. The image is from "Aldiko Book Reader"

Regarding changing the text color and background color, although there are differences in the functions of each application, all applications are compatible. In particular, the three books "Aldiko Book Reader", "FBReader", and "Moon+ Reader" have a "night mode" that reverses the text and background in black and white with a simple operation, so when the screen is too bright and you can't concentrate on reading It should be effective in In addition, it is possible to substitute the two "CopperReader" and "Himawari Reader" by setting black and white reverse display on the setting screen or changing the color according to the theme.

In regards to the page-turning animation that looks like a paper book, which is often featured when e-books are reported on TV, etc., surprisingly, only two versions, "FBReader" and "Moon+ Reader," are supported. This is the result. Although "Aldiko Book Reader" and "CopperReader" also support animation, the former is a scroll type, and the latter is a simple expression that only turns the page edge a little. However, in the actual reading scene, it may be more important for the display to switch comfortably and quickly. In this regard, any app can turn page after page at a comfortable speed.

In addition, you can choose from multiple animation methods for both "FBReader" and "Moon+ Reader", and you can turn it off if you don't need it. However, in the editorial department's verification, "Moon+ Reader" could be turned off without any problems on tablet devices, but on smartphones it was not possible to disable the animation even if the settings were changed.

All apps also support inline display of images, which is essential for displaying cover images and illustrations. However, regarding the SVG format used in some books, only "Aldiko Book Reader" and "Himawari Reader" could be displayed.

E-books are text-based content, so many people may be concerned about the compatibility of Japanese fonts in each application. First of all, in the standard state, "Aldiko Book Reader" is displayed in CJK integrated typeface (so-called "Chinese font"), "CopperReader" is displayed in the standard Japanese font "IPA font", and the remaining three apps are standard for terminals. displayed in font.

Furthermore, 4 of them except "CopperReader" have a function to change the display font, and especially 3 of "FBReader", "Moon+ Reader" and "Himawari Reader" can use any font file. . The font change function of "Himawari Reader" is available only on Android 2.2 or later.

To use any font file, in the case of "FBReader" and "Moon+ Reader", put it in the "/sdcard/fonts" folder of the terminal, and in the case of "Himawari Reader", put it in "/sdcard/Books/himawari/ Add font files to the "fonts" folder. As for "Himawari Reader", two dedicated supplementary applications "Himawari + IPAex Mincho" and "Himawari + IPAex Gothic" are available, and it is nice to be able to introduce "IPAex fonts" with a simple operation. By the way.

Next, let's check the functions around the operation. First of all, the most frequent page-turning operation when reading, except for "Himawari Reader", four of them support flick operation, and all apps support tap operation. The flick operation that can be used as if you were flipping through a book is also attractive, but there are many situations where tap operation is more convenient, such as when operating with one hand on the train to work or school. In addition, it is convenient that the three books "Aldiko Book Reader", "FBReader" and "Moon+ Reader" support page turning using the volume buttons on the main unit side.

Next is the method of importing EPUB files, but each application supports reading files copied to storage such as SD cards via USB connection, but for "Himawari Reader", specify any file and read it. It should be noted that files must be transferred into the "/sdcard/Books/himawari/" folder, as this function is not provided.

Each app can open a book via an intent. In particular, it is convenient to combine with online storage client applications such as "Dropbox"

In addition, since all apps support receiving files with intents, files downloaded with web browsers and online storage apps such as "Dropbox" can be opened directly via intents. In addition, with "FBReader" and "HimawariReader", it is possible to open the file via the same intent when tapping the direct link URL to the EPUB file described in the email text.

As for intents, four other than "CopperReader" support selection of the range of the text, and of course you can copy the selected character string, as well as dictionaries, translations, Twitter, email, etc. via intents. Strings can be passed to various applications for cooperation. Furthermore, with regard to the three books "Aldiko Book Reader", "FBReader", and "Moon+ Reader", in addition to using intents, functions such as dictionary lookup using specific external applications and web searches are also available. there is

"Aldiko Book Reader"

From here, let's look at the features of each app individually. "Aldiko Book Reader" is a highly functional application that has all the functions necessary for reading, such as changing the font size, line spacing, and margins.

In addition to flicking the screen, you can turn pages by tapping the screen, but if you tap anywhere other than the left and right sides of the screen to turn pages, bars will be displayed at the top and bottom, and you can search, switch to night mode, etc. can do In addition, you can quickly perform various operations such as adding and referring to bookmarks and displaying the table of contents from the [Go to...] button.

Similar features are available in FBreader and Moon+ Reader, but what I want to pay particular attention to in Aldiko Book Reader is the scroll bar that appears at this time. By dragging the scroll bar, you can jump to any page as with other apps, but in the case of "Aldiko Book Reader", the chapter title of the corresponding page pops up on the scroll bar while dragging. It is possible to find the target position quickly.

On the other hand, the selection of the body string is a little disappointing. You can select text by dragging after tapping the screen, but since the handle for changing the selection range is not displayed like other apps, there were times when I felt frustrated depending on the display font size. Also, as mentioned above, it is also unfortunate that Japanese fonts are decidedly “Chinese fonts”.

Other than the above points, it is multi-functional yet easy to operate, and it supports spread display on tablet devices, so it is an application that can be recommended to a wide range of users, regardless of whether they are smartphones or tablets.

Toolbar style menu that can be called by tapping the screen. It is convenient that the chapter title is displayed when the scroll bar is dragged.

The screen during character string selection. In addition to copying, dictionary search, text search by selected character string, and intent call are possible.

Registered books can be managed on a bookshelf-like screen or a list screen. You can also rate (favorite degree) and add tags.

Landscape display on a tablet device. Automatically double-spread display for effective use of a wide screen

"FBReader"

"FBReader" is also an application that belongs to the highly functional group among the applications introduced this time. The biggest feature of this application is that it has a UI optimized for tablet terminals equipped with Android 3 series.

When using a smartphone, it is a simple UI that uses the entire screen to display the text, but when you start this application on a tablet device, an action bar (toolbar) is displayed at the top of the screen, such as the bookmark screen and book selection screen. can be called with one touch. You can also display a scroll bar by tapping the screen. By changing the settings, it is also possible to hide the action bar while displaying the text. When using on a smartphone, you can tap the left and right sides of the screen to turn the page, scroll bar at the top, and display the menu at the bottom.

Also, it can be said that it is a unique point that it supports wallpaper display in the background of the text. Regarding the change of display color, it is also nice to be able to specify details such as link character strings and selection character strings. This app is recommended for those who want to focus on the appearance and detailed display customization, including support for page-turning animations.

By tapping the bottom of the screen, you can display the menu without pressing the button on the main unit. You can also display the scroll bar by tapping the top of the screen.

A toolbar is displayed at the bottom of the screen while selecting a string. From the left, copy, intent call, dictionary link, bookmark registration, cancel

Registered books can be displayed in various lists such as favorite books, history, sorting by title and tag.

It is also characterized by having an Android 3 series tablet UI. Unfortunately, it does not support two-page spread display

"Moon+ Reader"

Moon+ Reader is the most versatile application among the applications introduced this time. It supports customization of detailed display settings including wallpaper display in the background, various menu displays by tapping the center of the screen, and double-page spread display when using a tablet. What I would like to pay particular attention to is the number of functions when selecting text strings.

It is the same as other apps in that you can pass strings to other apps via intents, look up dictionaries, etc., but in "Moon+ Reader", you can also [highlight] for the selected string. It is possible to add a highlight pen style decoration from the menu or add a comment from the [Marking] menu. Of course, highlights and comments are retained even after closing the app.

In addition to freely selecting the color for highlighting, you can also select underline, strikethrough, or use them together. In addition, character strings with modifications and comments added are automatically recorded as bookmarks and can be displayed as a list on the bookmark screen. You can also display a list by type, such as only highlights or only bookmarks. In this way, this app can be said to be a perfect app for people who read books with a pen in one hand.

In addition, as a unique function, it also has a synchronization function for reading positions, decorations, comments, etc. using "Dropbox". This is a function that synchronizes various information between multiple terminals by saving data on the usage status of each book file on the online storage of "Dropbox". In addition, in the test conducted by the editorial department, although it could be used without problems on a smartphone, it could not be operated normally on a tablet.

In addition, one of the attractions of this app is that the UI is in Japanese even though it is made overseas. I would like to recommend it to those who want to use a multi-functional app, but are a little worried about the English UI. However, it is a pity that some of the text is translated literally and has a peculiar Japanese, such as the notation of the intent call button when selecting a character string is [more].

A toolbar-like screen that appears when you tap the center of the screen. This screen appears even if you press the menu button on the terminal

You can add highlighter style highlighting to selected text. In addition to choosing colors, you can also add strikethroughs and underlines

You can also add comments. Comments pop up and support folding to the edge of the screen

In addition to displaying history, the bookshelf function allows you to add books to collection shelves and use lists by author.

On the horizontal screen of a tablet, it will be displayed as a double-page spread. It also features an elaborate design that resembles a paper book.

"Copper Reader"

"CopperReader" is the simplest application among those introduced this time, such as not being able to select the range of text and not being able to send character strings to other applications. The biggest attraction is the unique function that is not available. In addition, it is nice to be able to use Mincho typeface display using "IPA font" in the standard state.

Regarding vertical writing, it is possible to force vertical writing regardless of the specification on the book data side, so it can be used firmly even in the current situation where EPUB 3.0 compatible books are limited. In addition to vertical writing, you can also freely set the column display from 1 to 3 columns, so it can be said that it is also a point that you can effectively use the landscape screen such as a tablet terminal.

The fact that it supports ruby ​​display together with "Himawari Reader" is also a great attraction for enjoying Japanese books. Also, even though it is simple, it has the minimum functions such as changing the font size, margins, and black and white inversion, so those who want to simply enjoy reading should be fully satisfied.

Since the UI is in Japanese and the operation is easy to understand as long as the function is not greedy, it is an application that can be recommended for beginners who want to experience EPUB books for the time being.

It supports vertical writing display and multi-column display. It is also possible to forcibly apply regardless of the specification on the book data side

Bookshelf screen. It is simple to display a list of compatible books inside the terminal

There is no double-page spread function, but you can use it comfortably on tablet devices by using multi-column display.

"Himawari Reader"

"Himawari Reader" has the fewest user-adjustable items among the apps introduced this time, such as not supporting line spacing and margin changes.

However, the degree of reproducibility of specifications on the book data side, such as specifying character ruled lines, image alignment, automatic image size adjustment, character size and alignment for each element such as headings and text, depends on the application introduced this time. The best of them all.

For this reason, although it is difficult to finely adjust the display to your liking, you can enjoy reading with the display that meets the intentions of the book data provider.

Also, unlike other apps, it can be said that this app features a page-turning button that is always displayed at the bottom of the screen. Although the text display space is reduced by the amount of buttons displayed, the operation method is easy for anyone to understand, and the occurrence of troubles such as accidentally touching the text space with a finger and unintentionally turning the page is suppressed. Some people may find this more convenient.

One of the strengths of this app is that you can quickly increase or decrease the font size on the first layer of the menu. It will be useful in situations where quick and reliable operation is required, such as using it on a train to work or school.

In addition, this application supports ruby ​​display, intent calling when selecting a character string, text search, etc. However, these functions depend on the OS version and can only be used on Android 2 devices. It should be noted that it cannot be done.

You can display font and theme setting buttons by tapping near the center of the screen.

The function of the bookshelf is limited to sorting registered books, but you can create up to 3 bookshelves.

Selecting a string on an Android 3 series tablet. Functions such as intent call, text search, and web search can be used

So far, we have seen the features of five EPUB compatible e-book readers, but unfortunately there are few apps that support vertical writing. People who want to use vertical writing right now will use "CopperReader". In order to realize full-fledged vertical writing display in EPUB, we will have to wait for EPUB 3.0 compatibility of apps and books, but the good news is that even if the book data side is not compatible, you can use "CopperReader" to force vertical writing display. would be possible.

On the other hand, if horizontal display is enough, the options will expand at once. "Himawari Reader" for simple operability and reproducibility of typesetting, "FBReader" for UI dedicated to tablet devices, "Moon+ Reader" for writing in the text of books, and "Moon+ Reader" for balancing functionality and operability. Aldiko Book Reader" and this article, we would like you to select an app that suits your taste and purpose.

From the editorial department: When the article first appeared, it was stated that Mincho fonts can be used as an advantage of "CopperReader", but any external fonts can be used for "FBReader", "Moon+ Reader", and "Himawari Reader". Since there is a function that uses , Mincho fonts can be used. For this reason, we added a large amount of description about the font change to the table and text, and revised some related descriptions.