Quill OS: An open-source OS for Kobo's eReaders

Original Article ↗ Hacker News Discussion ↗

Project status & device support

  • Quill OS is praised conceptually, especially as a potential full replacement for Kobo’s Nickel OS and even for jailbroken Kindles.
  • Commenters note it currently targets older Kobo devices with internal SD cards and even a Kindle Touch; recent Kobos with Secure Boot / signed firmware are not supported.
  • Several people claim the project is effectively abandoned in its current form and being rebuilt for the Pine64 PineNote instead.

Alternatives on Kobo & other readers

  • Many suggest KOReader, Plato, or stock Kobo firmware as more practical today.
  • KOReader is described as powerful, cross‑device, and scriptable, but with a steep learning curve and rough OPDS UX.
  • Plato is liked for speed and simplicity but criticized for bugs, EPUB handling limits, and battery usage.
  • PocketBook devices are highlighted as very open (run Linux binaries directly, easy KOReader install), though hardware/service tradeoffs are mentioned.
  • Boox, Supernote, and reMarkable appear as more general‑purpose or pen‑focused options; Boox’s GPL compliance is questioned.

Syncing & self‑hosted ecosystems

  • Strong interest in syncing sideloaded books and reading progress across devices.
  • Solutions discussed: KOReader progress sync, Syncthing, Calibre Web, BookLore, and Kavita integration.
  • Several users repoint Kobo’s store URL in a config file to Calibre Web or BookLore, effectively turning the built‑in “store” into a personal library over Wi‑Fi.
  • Desire for a polished, graphical OPDS‑based “storefront” for self‑hosted libraries; KOReader’s current implementation is seen as functional but barebones.

Libraries, DRM & piracy

  • OverDrive/Libby integration is seen as a “killer feature”, though experiences vary widely by library size and reading habits.
  • There’s an extended ethical and technical debate over:
    • DRM removal from library loans vs permanent ownership.
    • Whether libraries “buy copies” versus licenses.
    • When piracy is justified, and how best to support authors (direct purchase vs libraries vs Amazon).

Openness, secure boot & ownership

  • Kobo is repeatedly praised for historically allowing hacks (alternate readers, config tweaks, offline use without accounts).
  • Newer signed firmware / Secure Boot moves are viewed as “owner‑hostile,” though it’s unclear how locked down the bootloader truly is.
  • Several commenters emphasize that fully owning hardware and purchased books (no DRM, unlockable bootloaders) is a primary reason to choose Kobo or similar devices.

Hardware & UX notes

  • E‑ink limitations (slow refresh, flicker) are discussed; partial refresh settings and KOReader can mitigate this on some models.
  • Kobo’s suitability for kids is praised, but the fragility of e‑ink glass is noted.
  • Some report quality issues (e.g., dust causing bright spots on certain Kobo screens).