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Version: 0.0.16

eReader Browser

The eReader browser is a lightweight, text-based interface for browsing and downloading books directly from an e-reader's built-in web browser. It's designed for the constraints of e-ink screens — simple HTML, minimal styling, and no JavaScript.

How It Works​

E-readers like Kindle, Kobo, and PocketBook have built-in web browsers. The eReader browser gives them a stripped-down view of your library where you can browse, search, and download books. Each device gets its own URL with an embedded API key, so no login form is needed.

Setup​

1. Add a device in Shisho​

Go to Settings > Security and click Add Device under the eReader Browser Access section. Give it a name (e.g., "Bedroom Kindle").

2. Get the short URL​

Click Setup on the device. Shisho generates a short URL like http://your-server/e/abc123 that's easy to type on an e-reader keyboard. This short URL expires in 30 minutes — it's only used once to get to the full URL.

3. Open and bookmark​

On your e-reader, open the web browser and type in the short URL. It redirects to the full eReader browser URL. Bookmark this page so you can return to it anytime without needing to generate another short URL.

Features​

Browsing​

The eReader browser provides the same navigation as the main web UI:

  • Libraries — Browse your libraries
  • All books — Paginated list of every book in a library
  • Series — Browse by series
  • Authors — Browse by author
  • Search — Full-text search within a library

File type filtering​

Use the type filter to show only specific formats. This is useful if your library has both ebooks and audiobooks but your device only reads EPUBs.

Cover toggle​

Covers can be turned on or off. Disabling covers makes pages load faster on slow e-ink browsers and reduces data usage.

KePub downloads​

When a Kobo device is detected (via its User-Agent string), EPUB and CBZ downloads are automatically served as KePub files for better integration with the Kobo reading system.

Supported Devices​

The eReader browser works with any device that has a web browser, including:

  • Kindle — Via the Experimental Browser
  • Kobo — Via the built-in browser (though Kobo sync is a better option for Kobos)
  • PocketBook — Via the built-in browser
  • Phones/tablets — Works as a lightweight alternative to the main UI

Authentication​

Each device gets its own API key. The key is embedded in the URL, so there's no login prompt. You can revoke access to a specific device at any time by removing it from the Security settings — the URL immediately stops working.