This past week the new Boyue Likebook Mars showed up on YouTube in series of videos. It marks its claim as the very first E Ink ebook reader to come with an octa-core processor, and it’s also the first Boyue ereader to run Android 6.0 (their older models run Android 4.2.2).
The new Likebook Mars has already turned up for sale at Amazon for $239. However, it’s only available from a 3rd party seller with just 1 rating.
I went ahead and ordered one to review so we’ll see how things turn out.
It’s only $10 more than the Kobo Aura One with the same screen, and the Likebook Mars adds an octa-core processor, a memory card slot, double the storage space with 16GB, and 4x the RAM with 2GB.
The Likebook Mars isn’t waterproof like the Kobo Aura One and it doesn’t have a flush glass screen, but it does have a frontlight with adjustable color temperature like the Aura One (it was the first ereader to offer that feature).
I’m more interested in the 7.8-inch 300 ppi E Ink screen and Android 6.0 software than the octa-core processor, but it will be interesting to see how the performance compares to the Onyx Boox Note with a quad-core processor and Android 6.0.
Check back soon for a full review!
Looking forward to the review! Especially interested in the battery time and build quality compared to the aura one.
Wow, that’s cheap! I’m keeping an eye out for the review; it will determine whether I get this or the new Kobo.
Hi Nathan,
Would you do some demonstration with Kindle app on it? If it works well, I might buy one.
Many thanks in advance.
Wookang
I want to know if this Ebook Mars Player has the Portuguese language Brazil?
I have asked their company’s R&D engineer equipment to support Portuguese, but also need time to update the firmware.
So, does it come with the Portuguese language? Just have to upgrade?
I have the kobo Aura One and I find the screen very good, but I needed to know which one of the two screen is better?
Price is $259 now.
And back to $239 again.
I’ll be waiting for the updates! Thanks!
I ordered one too. It’s shipping from Hong Kong it looks like, expected in 2 weeks. I’m struggling to find a case that is compatible with it. Any thoughts?
Hi Nathan. I want to know if this Ebook Mars Player has the Portuguese language Brazil?
I don’t know. I haven’t gotten it yet.
Does your tracking number work? Mine says DHL but I cannot find a way to make it work. Amazon indicates shipping though with delivery tomorrow….
Same here. DHL tracking never seems to work right.
I have got a new one. Only waited for 5 days. They sent a black protective case with Likebook Mars and it looks like good. The price also good
Good morning. Please. As soon as you can see if you have the Brazilian Portuguese language, give me a return. Thanks in advance.
Good morning, Nathan. Please. As soon as you can see if you have the Brazilian Portuguese language, give me a return. Thanks in advance.
Eagerly awaiting a review on reader apps like Moon Reader + Pro and Kindle and the expected battery life of an octal-core reader. If the firmware is done properly, it should last a reasonable number of days.
this should be the case for it if one doesn’t come with it.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07H8V2VFX/?coliid=I3O0QIXQ7ARWU9&colid=1DXPFFZN97JR0&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it
Got my Lifebook Mars today from Amazon, and it did come with the case both for $239. It told me there was an update, and I did that. Before anyone does do it, make sure you know how to get to the Language and Input settings in the Android settings not the Boyue settings because the device will come back with language changed to Chinese. Once you find the setting again, “English” will be shown as a choice. Have installed Kindle, Nook and Kobo apps using the apkpure website and the Likebook’s browser as the update does not yet include the Play Store.
Everything fine so far except haven’t managed to get signed in to Libby yet in order to borrow books. Like it so far.
I am testing a Likebook Mars and assume I do not have a buggy model, but the version I have does not allow much activity in an alternate launcher (Apex or Nova)–it seems designed to tie one to the minimalist Boyue launcher, which I have no interest in. This is utterly unlike the other Android (Boyue and Onyx) ereaders I have used; they have easily allow different launchers, wallpapers, and customization. The Mars not only does not have Play, its ability to sideload is not great, and several apps I have tried do not work well or consistently. This also ties the SD card to the device (?) so that it is uniquely formatted to only work with the Mars; not helpful. I don’t work for the CIA; I am using this an a epub reader. One of the functions of a card is data swapping, and this doesn’t admit that. I’ll tinker with this a bit more, but I do not like it so far and am 70% sure I will return it. Not the way forward, this.