Customer Reviews (100)

Michal Pekař • 2025-03-22T15:30:15.295Z

Cannot use, it is unable handle huge library. Just stuck on loading forever.

Linfeng Li • 2025-02-19T05:45:46.250Z

This is exactly what I was looking for. I have my entire Calibre library synced to my new phone using Resilio Sync. This app does the job perfectly, allowing me to access my full library right on my phone.

Michael Kelly • 2025-02-15T03:15:04.730Z

Rejects sending epub via S2K calibre email. Says incompatible format. In fact it's Amazon's preferred format. Also my Calibre library is on OneDrive but this app throws a million errors trying to download the books and covers. Works fine with Calibre Content Server - but in that case it's easier to just use the Content Server in a browser!

Summary of Key Insights

Calibre Sync is generally well-received as a useful tool for accessing and managing Calibre libraries on mobile devices. Its primary strength lies in its ability to connect to various cloud services and the Calibre content server, providing users with access to their extensive ebook collections on the go. However, users report several pain points, including slow download speeds, UI/UX issues, bugs related to syncing and sorting, and a lack of certain features like read position syncing and more compact views. The app is often compared to Calibre Companion, with users switching due to the latter's lack of updates. Overall sentiment is positive, but the app could benefit from addressing the reported bugs and implementing requested features to improve user satisfaction.

  • Overall Rating: Approximately 4.0 (based on score distribution).
  • Sentiment: Mostly positive, with many users praising the app's core functionality and cloud service support. However, negative reviews highlight specific issues that detract from the experience.
  • Key Strengths: Cloud service support, Calibre content server integration, access to full Calibre libraries on mobile devices.
  • Key Weaknesses: Slow download speeds, UI/UX issues, bugs related to syncing and sorting, lack of read position syncing.
  • Score Distribution:
    • 5-star: 50%
    • 4-star: 17%
    • 3-star: 9%
    • 2-star: 11%
    • 1-star: 13%

Data & Methodology Overview

  • Data Sample Size: 100 reviews.
  • Time Frame: Not explicitly stated, but based on the review dates, the reviews appear to span at least several months, up to a few years.
  • Analysis Methods: Qualitative analysis of user reviews, focusing on identifying recurring themes, sentiments, and feature requests. Keyword extraction was used to identify frequently mentioned issues and desired features.

Key User Pain Points

  • Slow Download Speeds: A recurring complaint, especially when downloading from OneDrive or Calibre content server. This significantly impacts usability, particularly for users with large libraries.
  • Syncing Issues: Problems with syncing libraries, especially after adding new books. Some users report that the app doesn't recognize new additions without resetting the library connection.
  • Sorting and Filtering Bugs: Issues with title sorting, and filtering within virtual views. This makes it difficult for users to find specific books within large libraries.
  • UI/UX Issues: Users find the interface unintuitive, cumbersome, and sometimes buggy. Specific complaints include excessive whitespace, a lack of compact view options, and difficulty navigating large libraries.
  • Lack of Read Position Syncing: Many users desire the ability to sync their reading progress across devices.
  • App Crashes and Freezes: The app freezes and crashes, especially when scrolling quickly through large libraries.
  • Connection Issues: Problems connecting to Calibre server and cloud services (e.g., OneDrive, Dropbox).
  • Responsiveness of Developer: Some users complain about the lack of support and delayed responses from the developer.

Frequently Requested Features

  • Read Position Syncing: Syncing of reading progress across devices.
  • More Compact View Options: A more condensed layout to display more books on the screen at once.
  • Improved Sorting and Filtering: More advanced sorting and filtering options, including the ability to filter within virtual views.
  • Indicator for Downloaded Books: A visual indicator in detailed or grid view to show if a book is already downloaded on the device.
  • Terabox Support: Support for Terabox cloud storage.
  • Option to Select Filetypes for Download: The ability to choose specific file types when downloading multiple books.
  • Folder Specific Cloud Access Permissions: Users would like to limit the access of the application to one folder in cloud storage only.
  • Custom SSL Certificate Support: Support for custom SSL certificates when connecting to servers over WebDAV.
  • SD Card Support for Thumbnail Data: Allow thumbnail data to be stored on SD card.

Strengths and Positive Aspects

  • Cloud Service Support: Excellent support for a wide range of cloud services, including Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, Box, pCloud, MEGA, WebDav, Nextcloud, and OwnCloud.
  • Calibre Content Server Integration: Seamless integration with the Calibre content server, allowing users to access their libraries over their local network.
  • Access to Full Calibre Libraries: Provides access to full Calibre libraries on mobile devices, allowing users to browse, search, and download books on the go.
  • Custom Column Support: Support for custom columns in book details view, allowing users to view and filter by custom metadata.
  • Responsive Developer: Some users have praised the developer's responsiveness and willingness to address issues and implement feature requests, although this is contradicted by other reviews.
  • Easy to Set Up and Use: Many users find the app easy to set up and use, especially compared to alternatives like Calibre Companion.
  • No Subscription Fee: The app offers lifetime support without a subscription fee, which is a significant advantage for many users.

Prioritized Action Recommendations

High Priority:

  • Address Slow Download Speeds: Investigate and optimize download speeds, especially for OneDrive and Calibre content server.
  • Fix Syncing Issues: Resolve bugs related to syncing libraries, particularly after adding new books.
  • Resolve Sorting and Filtering Bugs: Fix issues with title sorting and filtering within virtual views.
  • Improve App Stability: Address app crashes and freezes, especially when scrolling through large libraries.

Medium Priority:

  • Improve UI/UX: Enhance the user interface with more intuitive navigation, compact view options, and reduced whitespace.
  • Implement Read Position Syncing: Add the ability to sync reading progress across devices.
  • Add Indicator for Downloaded Books: Provide a visual indicator to show if a book is already downloaded.
  • Improve Customer Support: Ensure timely and helpful responses to user inquiries.

Low Priority:

  • Add Terabox Support: Implement support for Terabox cloud storage.
  • Option to Select Filetypes for Download: Add the option to choose specific file types when downloading multiple books.
  • Folder Specific Cloud Access Permissions: Allow users to limit the access of the application to one folder in cloud storage only.
  • Custom SSL Certificate Support: Support for custom SSL certificates when connecting to servers over WebDAV.
  • SD Card Support for Thumbnail Data: Allow thumbnail data to be stored on SD card.

Opportunities for Startup Ideas

  • A Calibre Plugin for Read Position Syncing: Develop a Calibre plugin that integrates with Calibre Sync (or other similar apps) to provide seamless read position syncing across devices.
  • A Mobile App Focused on Library Management and Syncing: Create a dedicated mobile app specifically designed for managing and syncing ebook libraries across multiple devices and cloud services, offering advanced features like read position syncing, customizable views, and intelligent download management.
  • A Cloud Storage Service Optimized for Calibre Libraries: Develop a cloud storage service that is specifically optimized for storing and syncing Calibre libraries, offering features like automatic library updates, fast download speeds, and enhanced security.

Trends and Observations

  • Comparison to Calibre Companion: A significant number of users are switching from Calibre Companion due to its lack of updates, indicating a demand for a reliable Calibre library management app.
  • Importance of Cloud Integration: Users highly value the app's ability to connect to various cloud services, highlighting the importance of cloud-based access to ebook libraries.
  • Desire for Seamless Experience: Users want a seamless and intuitive experience, with fast download speeds, reliable syncing, and easy navigation.
  • Value for Money: Users appreciate the one-time purchase model, indicating a preference for avoiding subscription fees.

Conclusion

Calibre Sync is a valuable tool for Calibre users who want to access and manage their ebook libraries on mobile devices. The app's strengths lie in its cloud service support, Calibre content server integration, and access to full Calibre libraries. However, addressing the reported pain points, such as slow download speeds, syncing issues, UI/UX problems, and the lack of read position syncing, is crucial for improving user satisfaction and attracting new users. By prioritizing the recommended actions, the developer can enhance the app's usability and solidify its position as a leading Calibre companion app.

Original App Link

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.trucnguyen.calibresync