They bloated Aldiko

[s44]

This was a great Android reader app because it did one thing and did it well: presented epub books in a simple, no-bloat format, connected to a great back-end library of free stuff (most notably formatted Gutenberg Project classics). Now the 2.0 update bloated it, both in install size (quintupling) and UI busy-ness and crapification (new Library format doesn't support title name display). To add insult to injury, the damn thing won't even display its own epubs properly any more, screwing up paragraph and page breaks big time (not to mention defaulting to a horrible font).

I reverted to my Titanium Backup of 1.2.14, but if there's a similar app that's *not* going to turn itself into a Nook clone I'll check it out. If I wanted a bloated reader to buy stuff on I'd just use the Nook or Kindle apps in the first place.

(Also, I wish the Market could have a "never update this app EVER" setting.)

 

[mcveigh]

I'll agree it is more bloated but I still prefer it.
I have found another reader you may want to try. moon+ reader.
look for it in the market place. I think it's not as logical as aldiko but it is very customizable.

oh and calibre FTW!!!!!

 

[ChronoReverse]

I found it the same and also reverted. The original was really nice but the new one was just bloated and had a poorer interface.

Back to the old version and detached from the market now.

 

[dougp]

Can someone throw the old version up on megaupload and PM me a link? I really hate the new one ...

Thanks!

 

[notposting]

Yeah, I saw the reviews when they updated and it is now in the pile of apps that never get updated. I would like that setting as well, since inevitably I will accidentally upgrade something and have to restore from backup.

 

[Raduque]

(Also, I wish the Market could have a "never update this app EVER" setting.)

I want this option too. I'd apply it to "Shazam". The new version sucks and is limited to 5 tags/mo.

I also want a "Recommend this to friend!" link in the market, you click it and it throws up a notification to a friend of yours in their status, you tap it and it goes to the market page. That would be AWESOME. Of course, you'd need to know their gmail address and have them on your gtalk buddy list too.

As for an ebook reader alternative, I love FBReader. It's light, fast and has tons of options, and supports epub. Formatting is a little screwey sometimes, but well, can't have everything I guess.