Tolino Firmware 1.7.3 Released: Fastboot and Root Access Still Enabled
The first Tolino Vision 3 HD and Tolino Shine 2 HD were shipped with firmware 1.7.1. By the time they hit the market, version 1.7.2 was already available, which, for instance, unlocked the enhanced brightness setting for the two new eBook readers. Now, the next update is here: The Tolino developers have released version 1.7.3 today for the two new devices, as well as the Vision 2 and the Shine 1. The Vision 1 is likely to follow shortly.
However, the update doesn’t introduce new features but rather fixes an issue with copy-protected eBooks. Accordingly, the changelog is brief:
This has also led to the removal of the corresponding notice from the Tolino homepage. Previously, under all 1.7.2 downloads, the following could be read:
Please note: With update 1.7.2, there might be an error message for books from certain sources. Affected books generally belong to a DRM type that requires an Adobe ID. The error message reads: “The requested action could not be performed because the title is defective. Please contact your bookseller.” […]
As always, the update is automatically detected once WiFi is activated, or it can be manually searched for in the device settings. Alternatively, you can also manually install the firmware. For this purpose, it can be downloaded from the Tolino homepage.
Note: As of the current moment, the new download for the Vision 3 HD is missing. However, since the device uses exactly the same software as the Shine 2 HD, you can use that one instead (I successfully tested it before publishing this article).
Root still possible
While the new firmware 1.7.3 is relatively unspectacular, it’s still worth mentioning for us because the previous software version could be unlocked for advanced Android usage in just a few steps. As I recently described in another article, you can gain root access, allowing you to install alternative reading programs and other useful tools. For tinkerers and tech enthusiasts, this offers significant added value.
Fortunately, the ability to gain root access is still available. I have fully reset a Tolino Shine 2 HD several times for testing, manually updated with the new software 1.7.3, and successfully completed the described rooting process afterwards.
This means that not only is Fastboot still enabled, but also the older recovery and boot images from the root package are compatible and can be used with the new firmware.
For all those who have previously rooted their Tolino Shine 2 HD or Vision 3 HD: After updating to 1.7.3, you will need to follow the steps from the guide again.
