Readium for Google Chrome: A Game-Changer for Chromebook Users

When considering purchasing a Chromebook, one of the most significant concerns is accessing a wide range of Android apps. Fortunately, a majority of Android apps are now compatible with Chromebooks, making it an attractive option for users. However, some developers may still be hesitant to release their apps on this platform.

In July 2020, the situation had changed dramatically compared to 2014 and 2016 when I first wrote about Chromebooks. The limited selection of apps was a major drawback at that time, but now it's possible to access many more applications than before.

If you're planning to buy a Chromebook or are already using one, there's a solution to overcome any compatibility issues. To do so, simply enter chrome://flags/ into the address bar on your Chrome browser and adjust some of its settings.

One such issue I faced was with Readium, an EPUB reader extension for Chrome. When trying to install it on my desktop PC running Chrome 52 (the current version as of this post), I encountered an error message saying 'Package is invalid: 'CRX_HEADER_INVALID'.' After searching online, I found a solution that allowed me to fix the issue and successfully install the Readium extension.

Readium is an impressive EPUB reader created by the International Digital Publishing Forum (IDPF). Each new version released is better than its predecessor, bringing us closer to supporting the entire EPUB 3.0 specification. As someone who has used Readium in demos at events like PePcon 2012 and enjoyed previewing sample EPUB 3.0 files on my laptop PC, I'm a big fan of what IDPF is doing with this reader.

If you're experiencing difficulties downloading the Readium extension for Chrome, don't worry – it's not uncommon. The key to success lies in adjusting some settings on your Chrome browser and trying again. With patience and persistence, you'll be able to enjoy the benefits of Readium and other Android apps on your Chromebook.

Readium for google chrome