omer-faruq / simpleui_ext.koplugin

What is simpleui_ext.koplugin?

This is a Lua plugin that extends the homescreen for KOReader devices with additional widgets and tweaks. Think of it as a customization layer on top of SimpleUI that adds reading pace tracking, streak counters, hero-style book cards, and detailed statistics views. The plugin auto-discovers new modules dropped into its folders and exposes per-module settings through KOReader's menu system, so you can toggle features on and off without restarting.

Why is it gaining traction?

KOReader power users have long wanted richer homescreen widgets without forking SimpleUI itself. This plugin fills that gap by treating modules and patches as first-class add-ons. The pace tracking alone sets it apart: average reading time per day, pages per minute, and projected finish dates all render directly on the homescreen. The streak module taps into the statistics database to show weekly and daily reading consistency, which scratches an itch that most e-reader firmware ignores entirely.

Who should use this?

KOReader users running SimpleUI who want to visualize reading habits without leaving the homescreen. Habit trackers and data-driven readers get the most value here. If you're fine with the stock SimpleUI experience and don't care about pace statistics or streak tracking, this adds complexity you won't use.

Verdict

At 19 stars and a 1.0% credibility score, this is a niche project in early stages with minimal community validation. The code is functional and well-commented, but there's no test suite visible, and the binary README raises questions about documentation quality. Worth installing if you want the specific features it offers, but treat it as a personal tool rather than production-grade infrastructure.