Calibre, the popular open-source e-book management software, has released version 8.0, introducing a host of new features and improvements that will delight digital bookworms. This update significantly enhances the software’s compatibility with various e-reader devices and expands its already impressive functionality.
Expanded Kobo Support
One of the most notable additions in Calibre 8.0 is the improved support for Kobo e-readers. The software now offers native handling of Kobo’s proprietary KEPUB format, allowing users to seamlessly edit, view, and convert KEPUB files.
Step 1: Open a KEPUB file in Calibre 8.0.
Step 2: Use the built-in editor to make changes or view the content.
Step 3: Convert the KEPUB file to other formats like EPUB or PDF if needed.
This integration streamlines the workflow for Kobo users, eliminating the need for third-party tools or complex conversion processes.
Automatic EPUB to KEPUB Conversion
Calibre 8.0 now automatically converts EPUB files to KEPUB when transferring books to Kobo devices. This feature saves time and ensures that Kobo users can take full advantage of their device’s capabilities.
Step 1: Connect your Kobo e-reader to your computer.
Step 2: Select the EPUB books you want to transfer in Calibre.
Step 3: Click the “Send to device” button, and Calibre will handle the conversion automatically.
Enhanced Device Connectivity
The new update introduces improved connectivity options, particularly beneficial for Chromebook users. Calibre 8.0 can now connect to specific folders on connected devices, treating them as if they were USB mass storage devices.
Step 1: Connect your device or insert your SD card.
Step 2: In Calibre, go to “Preferences” > “Add your own device.”
Step 3: Select the folder you want Calibre to treat as a device.
This feature bridges the gap between different operating systems and expands Calibre’s versatility across various platforms.
Improved User Interface and Functionality
Calibre 8.0 brings several quality-of-life improvements to enhance the user experience:
- Better auto-completion in prefix mode for faster book searching and organization.
- An option to suppress author search links in book details, providing a cleaner interface.
- Enhanced Table of Contents editor that now supports moving multiple selected items simultaneously.
For macOS users, the Calibre application icon has been updated to align with Apple’s current design guidelines, ensuring a more cohesive look on macOS systems.
Bug Fixes and Performance Enhancements
The update addresses several issues to improve stability and performance:
- Fixed a problem with renaming authors to names containing commas.
- Resolved tab navigation issues in the book list when certain columns are hidden.
- Improved full-text search to include indexing of text within ZIP and RAR archives.
- Fixed various metadata downloading issues for more accurate book information.
Expanded News Sources
Calibre’s built-in news downloader has also received attention in this update. Several news sources have been improved or added, including:
- Linux Weekly News
- The Economist
- The Wall Street Journal
- National Geographic
- Scientific American
These enhancements ensure that users have access to a wide range of up-to-date content directly through Calibre.
Installing Calibre 8.0
To get the latest version of Calibre on your system:
For Windows and macOS:
Step 1: Visit the official Calibre website.
Step 2: Download the installer for your operating system.
Step 3: Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions.
For Linux users:
Step 1: Open a terminal window.
Step 2: Run the following command:
sudo -v && wget -nv -O- https://download.calibre-ebook.com/linux-installer.sh | sudo sh /dev/stdin
Step 3: Wait for the installation to complete.
Alternatively, Linux users can download the binary from the Calibre GitHub releases page or install it via Flathub, though the Flathub package is currently unverified.
Calibre 8.0 represents a significant step forward in e-book management software. With its improved device support, enhanced functionality, and bug fixes, it continues to be an indispensable tool for digital reading enthusiasts. Whether you’re a long-time user or new to the world of e-books, this update offers something for everyone.