Why OpenInkpot?

Why not use the factory firmware as provided by Jinke/LBook?

We aim to make a better firmware than the Jinke one:

• Security model in place, so user applications won't be allowed to damage NOR flash with bootloader under any circumstances (while it is possible while running under root)
• Better and faster graphic subsystem (kdrive), spending less CPU overall.
• Better "internal storage" format, which won't wear out as quickly as plain FAT16 on flash.
• Versatile and more flexible book reader, supporting more formats than original.

Why not keep the factory-suppled kernel and libraries and use the SDK to create applications?

The kernel, libraries and toolchains are old (in terms of versions) and only provided in a binary form (aside from the toolchain).

By using the SDK a month of time may be saved, but, eventually, the proprietary pieces will slow the project down, due to missing packaging support, old kernel/libraries (so authors will not be able to help us with any problems) and inferior build environment.

Also kernel, libraries and SDK are different on different e-ink devices, so it will be hard to achieve portability between the devices.