Libris is an eBook reader for Java enabled mobile devices. Libris can be used to read eBooks on most devices that support MIDP 2.0 and CLDC 1.0. Currently, Libris will allow you to read eBooks in the popular PalmDoc format, non-secure eReader books, plain text, or in the Libris format. Libris also comes with the MakeLibris utility to convert from text or HTML to the Libris book format.

The reader is designed to run on Java powered mobile devices with small memory and low CPU power.

Libris features include:

• Easy to read anti-aliased fonts.
• Portrait or landscape text orientation.
• Plain, bold, italic text styles
• Multilingual character support (languages expressible using ISO 8859-1).
• Table of contents
• Dictionary access for word definitions
• Bookmarks
• Information screen with reading timer
• Direct page navigation

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The Libris reader has a clean user interface design with a few simple elements: book text, menu, bookmark indicator, busy indicator, page number, and position indicator. These elements are illustrated below in portrait orientation on a small screen:

The size and aspect ratio of the reader interface will vary with the size of the device screen. The book text will be flowed to fit the device screen, but the various indicators will have the same relative size and positions as shown above.

The following screen shots show a few aspects of the user interface.

The Libris reader comes in two forms: signed and unsigned. These two modes allow the reader to be used on devices with different levels of capability.

For devices that provide access to a file system (ie. support JSR 75), the signed version of the reader is used. As a signed application, the reader is granted access to the device’s file system and can hence use the file system as its source of books. An example of a mobile that device that has a file system is the Motorola ROKR E1. Typically devices that include the ability to play MP3’s include a file system.

When using the signed reader, the Libris application is installed onto the device once. Any number of books are copied onto the device in a separate step. These books can be accessed through the reader’s open menu.

For systems that do not provide access to a file system, the unsigned version of Libris is used. This version contains a single book built into the application. The reader can only open this one book. When you are done reading the current book, you can replace the built-in book using the MakeLibris utility. After replacing the built-in book, the updated unsigned application is then re-installed onto the mobile device.

Libris is being used in many countries on a variety of devices. The Libris reader has the following minimum device requirements:

• MIDP 2.0
• CLDC 1.0
• 800K java heap
• Screen size of 176x208
• JSR 75 support (for signed reader)
• Bluetooth or USB connectivity for installing reader and books