Release Notes for eBookMan Desktop Manager

8/22/2002 Version 1.16 LOCALIZED

NOTE: Version 1.16 of the eBookMan Desktop Manager is release in conjunction with OS version 2.02.

• This version of the eBookMan Desktop Manager (v1.16.0812) includes all changes from previous versions as well as miscellaneous bug fixes. Users are encouraged to upgrade to this version.

4/19/2002 Version 1.15 LOCALIZED

NOTE: Version 1.15 of the eBookMan Desktop Manager is release in conjunction with OS version 2.01.

• This version of the eBookMan Desktop Manager (v1.15.0412) includes all changes from previous versions as well as miscellaneous bug fixes and support for new audio capabilites in OS 2.01. Users are encouraged to upgrade to this version.

10/4/2001 Version 1.14 LOCALIZED

NOTE: Version 1.14 of the eBookMan Desktop Manager requires OS version 2.00 in order to fully experience all the new features.

• The Desktop now supports Multiple file selection operations. Using standard shift-click and control-click methods; you can transfer files to RAM or MMC, delete them, or move them to Library.
• All file types may now be synchronized to RAM or MMC, even .ZIP files. This feature will allow future applications to open normal files without having to first be converted to Franklin's .SEB format.
  • NOTE 1: Although any file type can be moved through the eBookMan Desktop Mangager, the eBookMan device applications will only accept those file types they can use. Therefore, not every file type you choose to synchronize will be supported by the device.
  • NOTE 2: Not all applications can access files stored on MMC. Be aware of an application's capabilities before putting files on MMC. The following is a list of Franklin's MMC-capable applications and their file types:
    • Franklin Reader - .fub
    • Mobipocket Reader - .prc, .txt, .htm, .html, .pdb* (*Palm .doc and Aportis .doc)
    • Audiobook Player - .afa (audio book format)
    • Music Player - .mp3 (.music)
  • NOTE 3: The following file types are currently excludeded from being directly loaded on an eBookMan: .mp3 and .wav.
• Voice memo files can be copied to your PC as .WAV files allowing you to play them in most Windows audio players.
• Mobipocket Web Companion is now also included in the installation, available in Dutch, English, French, German and Spanish. The Web Companion expands the usability of eBookMan by allowing the user to access eNews and Periodicals. The Web Companion is installed as part of the regular eBookMan Desktop Manager installation. The Web Companion is easily accessible from the Web menu of the eBookMan Desktop Manager.

8/10/2001 Version 1.13

• This second version of 1.13 of the desktop (build 0718) includes all changes from previous versions as well as miscellaneous bug fixes. Users are encouraged to upgrade to this version.

7/31/2001 Version 1.13

• Welcome to our Spanish speaking users! This is the first version to also support a Spanish language version. Version 1.13 includes all changes from version 1.12 as well as miscellaneous bug fixes.

6/19/2001 Version 1.12

• Version 1.11 was released on CD, but not to the website. Version 1.12 includes changes from version 1.11.
• You can now sync encrypted .fub files to the MMC card from your PC if you are using OS Version 1.08 or above. Coming soon: Audible files on MMC. Note: You can't move .fub files directly between MMC and RAM yet. To move a .fub file between MMC and RAM, first make sure you have a copy of it in your Contents or Library folder, then delete it from your EBM, then sync the original copy down to the new destination.
• The dialog box that appears only when you first install the Desktop Manager has been changed to add a selection of installation methods.
  • CD-ROM - for new production shipments that contain a CD labeled "eBookMan Desktop Manager V1.11" or beyond. Those CDs contain an OS and applications bundle for quick installation.
  • Internet - the standard web download OS installation method
  • Cancel - to prevent OS download, if desired, when only upgrading the Desktop Manager
• Improved reliability of OS installation to cut down on the "No response from device" messages.
• Fixed the problem that caused the device to freeze at the "spinning circle" during OS upgrade/installation.
• Fixed an OS/apps direct download crash when connected to the Internet through a transparent web proxy server. (Thanks to our users James in England and Winn in Australia for their help on this!)
• Fixed problem in which it wouldn't fall back to the browser download method if the direct download method failed.
• Fixed freeze when moving music file from MMC to RAM when file is larger than RAM.
• Fixed freeze when first syncing over an RS-232 serial connection.

6/6/2001 Version 1.11

• This version was released only on CD. It was not available on the website.
• New support for installing the OS and applications from a CD-ROM. These CDs are being included in new production units.

5/4/2001 Version 1.10

• The tool bar has changed.
  • The Connection button has been removed since this feature is accessible via the Setup/Connection menu.
  • A "Change To Contents Folder" button was added. This function is also available in the File menu.
  • A "Change To Library Folder" button was added. This function is also available in the File menu.
  • The "Change View" button icon now changes depending on which view you are in.
• Library folder management has been added, which makes it easy to manage more data than will fit in your eBookMan memory, from within the Desktop Manager.
  • Click the "Change To Library Folder" button to view the Library folder.
  • Click the "Change To Contents Folder" button to view the Contents (sync) folder.
  • Right-click on any file in the Contents folder and select "Move to Library Folder" to move the file to the Library folder.
  • Right-click on any file in the Libary folder and select "Copy to Contents Folder" to copy the file to the Library folder. The file remains in the Library folder.
  • You can double-click or drag any Library folder file to the eBookMan. (The next time you sync, it will be copied to the Contents folder.)
• Direct OS/applications software download. Choosing the Web/Download Applications menu will now download the operating software without using a web browser. The files are downloaded directly into your Contents folder, ready to sync. Note: Users behind firewalls or unusual network configurations will be brought into the old browser method if the direct download method can't be done.
• With this release, you can now put unsecure .fub, .txt, .htm/.html and DOC-type .pdb files on the MMC. Franklin Reader and Franklin Viewer can access these files. Coming VERY soon: putting secure .fub, .txt, .html files on MMC.
• More selections under the Web menu; eBookMan homepage, product support, etc.
• Miscellaneous bug fixes.

3/13/2001 Version 1.09

• Welcome to our French and German users! This is the first version to also support these languages.
• A new system tray application has been added called the eBookMan Monitor. This displays a little grey eBookMan icon in the system tray which changes to green when it detects that an eBookMan unit has been plugged into the USB cradle/cable. The eBookMan Monitor configures the eBookMan to draw power from the USB cable even when the eBookMan Desktop Manager isn't running, which allows you to operate the eBookMan it it's cradle, saving battery life.
• There are improvements to provide better synchronization with Audible Manager 3.1.
• Files on the MMC card will no longer be automatically synced to the Contents folder. This allows the user to use more than one MMC card without having the files in the Contents folder. Don't forget to soft-reset (Restart System in the Launcher menu) after removing or inserting an MMC card.
• There are more miscellaneous bug fixes.

2/13/2001

• The Desktop Manager now handles unpacking zipped files directly from the Contents pane.
• Many fixes for various and sundry anomalous behaviors.
• Improved synchronization reliability.

2/07/2001

• The Desktop Manager has resolved incompatibility issues with some PCs using the VIA USB chipset.
• The eBookManŽ USB driver now includes Windows ME support.
• MP3 files can now be transfered to an MMC card inserted in your eBookManŽ. The files are converted to eBookManŽ music format during transfer. No other file types can be copied to MMC until future releases.
• The Desktop Manager now keeps track of the current sync folder. You can set it to a different folder using "Change Sync Folder" in the File menu. The Desktop Manager creates three directories under the new sync folder, Contents, Audible, and Archive. It then enters the Contents directory under your new sync folder. If you move to another folder using "Change Folder" or the Up button, you can get back to your currently set sync folder and sync by pressing the Sync button.
• More support items have been added to the Web menu.
• The core OS files are now hidden in the File and Device windows to reduce clutter. The publisher component of each file has also been hidden and exclamation points removed to improve readability, but full file information is available in the Properties dialog by right-clicking on a file. For example, a filename of "Franklin!Reader!fxe.seb" is displayed as "Reader.fxe.seb" in the File pane and a MOM object name like "Franklin!Reader!fxe" is displayed as "Reader.fxe". in the Device pane.

1/23/2001

• The following series of steps should be performed when downloading an updated version of the operating system.
  1. If you have changed the files on your eBookManŽ device, synchronize your device before you download the updated version of the operating system.
  2. Download the updated version of the operating system.
  3. Perform a hard reset of your eBookManŽ device. (That is, hold the ON/OFF button while you press the RESET button on the back of your device.)
  4. Synchronize your device with the new operating system.
• The transfer process of MP3 files to the Music Player on your eBookManŽ device has been improved.
• The eBookManŽ Desktop Manager now supports the transfer of .htm, .txt and .html files to the Franklin Viewer on your eBookManŽ device.
• The eBookManŽ Desktop Manager now supports the transfer of .fub files to the Franklin Reader on your eBookManŽ device.

1/11/2001

After the initial download, the eBookManŽ Desktop Manager automatically synchronizes the operating system and applications together when you click Yes in the "Do you want to synchronize now?" dialog box.

12/28/2000

This eBookManŽ Desktop Manager is the Beta 0.1 release for developers only.

The program continues to be improved.

Please watch this page for news on updates.