Bookov

Product Introduction

1. Bookov is a free mobile application designed for book enthusiasts to manage digital libraries and read books across multiple formats while maintaining full ownership of their collections. It enables users to organize bookshelves, save annotations, and access reading materials without requiring purchases or centralized cloud storage dependencies.
2. The core value of Bookov lies in its commitment to user sovereignty over digital content, implementing the "file over app" philosophy to ensure data portability, local storage control, and resistance to platform lock-in. It prioritizes privacy, offline functionality, and interoperability with open file standards like EPUB and FB2.

Main Features

1. Users can build an antilibrary by adding existing books to their collection without purchasing or uploading files, leveraging metadata integration from public databases. This feature supports ISBN searches and manual entry for rare titles.
2. The app supports direct import of EPUB, FB2, and other ebook formats with customizable typography settings, including typeface selection (Spectral, Inter, IBM Plex Sans), margin adjustments, and page-flip animations for enhanced readability.
3. Library organization tools allow dynamic categorization through user-defined shelves based on authors, subjects, or custom tags, while a dedicated quoting system saves text excerpts with timestamped notes in markdown-compatible files.

Problems Solved

1. Bookov addresses the lack of user-controlled digital library management in mainstream platforms like iBooks or Amazon, where content ownership is restricted by DRM and centralized storage policies.
2. It serves readers who prioritize long-term access to their collections, particularly those with large personal ebook archives or niche titles not available through commercial platforms.
3. Typical scenarios include academics compiling research materials, indie authors managing self-published works, and privacy-conscious users avoiding algorithmic tracking in ad-supported reading apps.

Unique Advantages

1. Unlike iBooks or Kindle, Bookov stores books locally or in user-owned cloud storage (e.g., Dropbox, iCloud) instead of proprietary servers, ensuring uninterrupted access even if the service discontinues.
2. Metadata and annotations are saved in open formats (JSON/YAML) within a visible folder structure, enabling manual edits and cross-platform synchronization without API dependencies.
3. The app combines native iOS performance with planned multi-platform support (Android, Windows, macOS, Linux), offering a unified experience absent in single-OS competitors like Apple Books or Google Play Books.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Why use Bookov instead of iBooks or Amazon? Bookov ensures permanent ownership by storing books as local files rather than DRM-locked purchases, and allows full metadata/annotation exports unlike closed ecosystems.
2. How does Bookov protect privacy? The app has no ads, tracking scripts, or mandatory accounts; all data remains on-device unless explicitly synced to user-controlled cloud services.
3. What is the revenue model? Core library management and reading features are free indefinitely, with future monetization via optional paid upgrades like AI-powered summaries, audiobook integration, and premium cloud storage.
4. Can I migrate my library from other apps? Yes—exported EPUBs from platforms like Kindle can be directly imported, and CSV metadata from Goodreads or LibraryThing is compatible via the web interface.
5. When will Android/macOS versions launch? The iOS app launched in 2025; other platforms are in active development, with release timelines accelerated based on waitlist sign-ups and social media community feedback.