Library — access to downloaded books, favorites, and current listening
Development of the “Litres” application for a global smart device brand based on a new operating system for Russia
Litres is the largest e-book and audiobook service in Russia and the CIS countries. The application for downloading and listening to books and podcasts is already successfully operating on Android and iOS.
The company decided to expand its presence to new devices, the latest generation of popular smartwatches from a leading global supplier of smart devices and electronics.
Project goal: to create the first Litres mobile application for the new operating system on the fifth version of the smartwatch model, preserving all key features and ease of use.
Tasks
1
Develop the application on the harmony operating system
2
Enable users to purchase, download, and listen to audiobooks and podcasts within the app
3
Design convenient layouts for the round smartwatch screen, taking into account the advanced features of the model
4
Ensure the app works both online and offline
5
Make navigation as simple and intuitive as possible
6
Synchronize the main Litres app with the personal account and streamline the payment process
7
Test and debug the mobile application
Features
Operation system is a new operating system for the Russian and European markets
Watch is a recently launched device powered by OS, with an ecosystem of apps that is still developing
The round 466×466-pixel display requires an ergonomic design that accounts for specific UI/UX considerations
Stable player operation is crucial, even if the watch is disconnected from the network or the smartphone
Solution
Developing on a system new to Russia required the Morizo team to be ready for experimentation under conditions of limited information.
Development:
During the project, the team analyzed documentation in English and Chinese, conducted tests and experiments, and adapted advanced AI solutions. All functionality was built from scratch using the platform’s UI components. Even AI errors became starting points for new solutions — an approach that fully paid off.
Design:
According to Litres analytics, the watch app is most frequently used in three scenarios: on the go, during workouts, and for spontaneous purchases out of curiosity. These three scenarios helped us create a convenient and pleasant interface.
The Morizo team increased the size of key elements, making the watch easy to use even while in motion. The screen displays an optimal amount of information: the book or podcast title, a button for switching chapters, download status, and navigation to the previous screen or main menu.
The team also optimized audiobook controls—volume adjustment, play, pause, and rewind, making the interaction with the compact screen intuitive and precise.
Our team implemented the following features in the app:
Player — rewind, pause, volume control, bookmarks
Search — text search through the catalog
Recommendations — content catalog with the ability to add items to favorites
Book card — the ability to select and purchase an audiobook through the app interface
Authorization — sign-in via QR code from the main app
Results
Audience growth
Attracted users of the brand’s ecosystem in China who had not previously used the service on wearable devices
Increase in average purchase size
Users buy books more often “in the moment” (e.g., during a run)
Increased application usage time
Owners of the updated smartwatch model actively started using the LitRes service
Positive feedback
Users highlighted the convenience of managing audiobooks during workouts and trips, even without an internet connection
“The project made it possible to quickly — in less than two months — enter a new environment for LitRes and start working with smartwatch users. The small screen (1.5 inches), wheel and frame navigation, limited memory, the new operating system, and other features posed both an interesting and challenging task for the team. The implementation ensured that every function — from synchronization to offline mode — was carefully designed. The app turned out to be a perfect companion for sports, especially running, when carrying a phone is inconvenient.”
Boris Papinyan, Head of eReading Devices and Platforms, Litres