Cool Reader, an app for Android devices, is a free and open-source e-book reader that offers a range of features for book lovers. With its customizable interface, easy-to-use controls, and extensive format support, Cool Reader provides readers with a comfortable and convenient reading experience.
Features
Multiple Formats Supported
Cool Reader offers support for a variety of file formats, including EPUB, MOBI, FB2, TXT, and many more. This means you can read almost any book on your Android device without having to convert it to a different format first.
Customizable Display
The app allows you to customize the display to your liking, such as font size, line spacing, margins, and even the color scheme of the text and background. Additionally, there are various pre-defined profiles available so you can choose from stretch, cover or landscape page modes.
Range of Bookmarks and Annotations
With Cool Reader, you can easily bookmark a page and add notes to the book you’re reading. The app offers a highlighter and you can even add voice remarks, making the app unique. Notes and highlights can be exported via email and accessed later on your computers.
Text-To-Speech Feature
Cool Reader also supports a text-to-speech feature, which means you can listen to your favorite books if you’re not in the mood to read. The app offers a clear voice and speed control, making this feature one of the best on the market, especially for people who like to listen while commuting.
Pros
Simple and User-Friendly
Cool Reader has a simple and user-friendly interface that makes reading an enjoyable experience. The app's controls are intuitive and self-explanatory, meaning you don't need any instructions to get started with the app.
Free and Open-Source
As a free and open-source app, Cool Reader is available to anyone, regardless of budget or location. Developers also update the app regularly to enhance its features and to adapt it to new Android versions.
Cons
No Cloud Syncing
Cool Reader does not offer cloud syncing, which means you cannot sync your bookmarks, notes, highlights, and reading progress across different devices. As a result, the only way to access the content from various devices is to manually transfer it via email or other methods.
Limited Bookstore Access
Cool Reader doesn’t have its own bookstore nor does it allow you to purchase books directly from the app. However, it does allow you to download e-books from external sources manually.
Comparison to Similar Apps
Compared to similar apps, like Amazon Kindle and Google Play Books, Cool Reader stands out as a completely free and open-source app. This means you won't be bound by any aspect linked to a store. On the other hand, the absence of integrated e-book purchase options and cloud sync mean Cool Reader is designed more for existing book collectors rather than newcomers.
Tips for Using the App
To customize the font and layout for each book, select "Aa" button in the right-bottom corner. Change colour themes by selecting "M" in left-bottom.
To add marks (notes, highlights), press and hold on the text until you see the option that says "Add bookmark," "Add note," or "Highlight text."
To make it easier to navigate, swipe the screen from the left to see an overview of the book as well as controls for search and bookmarks.
Conclusion
Overall, Cool Reader is an impressive app for Android devices that's well-suited for anyone who enjoys reading e-books. Despite some limitations like cloud syncing and marketplace integration, the app compensates them with the additional features like annotations, customised display and text to speech. So, If you are looking for a reliable and customizable e-book reader on your Android device absolutely for free, give Cool Reader a try!
Updated 03-09-2021
Overview
Cool Reader, an app for Android devices, is a free and open-source e-book reader that offers a range of features for book lovers. With its customizable interface, easy-to-use controls, and extensive format support, Cool Reader provides readers with a comfortable and convenient reading experience.
Features
Multiple Formats Supported
Cool Reader offers support for a variety of file formats, including EPUB, MOBI, FB2, TXT, and many more. This means you can read almost any book on your Android device without having to convert it to a different format first.
Customizable Display
The app allows you to customize the display to your liking, such as font size, line spacing, margins, and even the color scheme of the text and background. Additionally, there are various pre-defined profiles available so you can choose from stretch, cover or landscape page modes.
Range of Bookmarks and Annotations
With Cool Reader, you can easily bookmark a page and add notes to the book you’re reading. The app offers a highlighter and you can even add voice remarks, making the app unique. Notes and highlights can be exported via email and accessed later on your computers.
Text-To-Speech Feature
Cool Reader also supports a text-to-speech feature, which means you can listen to your favorite books if you’re not in the mood to read. The app offers a clear voice and speed control, making this feature one of the best on the market, especially for people who like to listen while commuting.
Pros
Simple and User-Friendly
Cool Reader has a simple and user-friendly interface that makes reading an enjoyable experience. The app's controls are intuitive and self-explanatory, meaning you don't need any instructions to get started with the app.
Free and Open-Source
As a free and open-source app, Cool Reader is available to anyone, regardless of budget or location. Developers also update the app regularly to enhance its features and to adapt it to new Android versions.
Cons
No Cloud Syncing
Cool Reader does not offer cloud syncing, which means you cannot sync your bookmarks, notes, highlights, and reading progress across different devices. As a result, the only way to access the content from various devices is to manually transfer it via email or other methods.
Limited Bookstore Access
Cool Reader doesn’t have its own bookstore nor does it allow you to purchase books directly from the app. However, it does allow you to download e-books from external sources manually.
Comparison to Similar Apps
Compared to similar apps, like Amazon Kindle and Google Play Books, Cool Reader stands out as a completely free and open-source app. This means you won't be bound by any aspect linked to a store. On the other hand, the absence of integrated e-book purchase options and cloud sync mean Cool Reader is designed more for existing book collectors rather than newcomers.
Tips for Using the App
Conclusion
Overall, Cool Reader is an impressive app for Android devices that's well-suited for anyone who enjoys reading e-books. Despite some limitations like cloud syncing and marketplace integration, the app compensates them with the additional features like annotations, customised display and text to speech. So, If you are looking for a reliable and customizable e-book reader on your Android device absolutely for free, give Cool Reader a try!