Xteink's tiny e-readers gain access to library books via Libby
Developers of CrossPoint Reader, alternative firmware for Xteink's pocket e-readers, have added plug-in support that lets the devices open DRM-protected books borrowed through Libby or bought from stores like Kobo. The feature is in beta but already available to try.
One of the biggest drawbacks of Xteink's compact e-readers has been the lack of easy access to ebooks. While Kindle and Kobo owners can buy titles directly through built-in bookstores, Xteink users previously had to find DRM-free ebooks on their own.
That is now changing. The team behind CrossPoint Reader, a free alternative firmware for the X3, X4, and X4 Pro models, has introduced support for third-party plug-ins. One of the first community-built plug-ins unlocks access to DRM-protected ebooks borrowed through OverDrive's Libby app or purchased from stores such as Kobo.
How it works
Getting started requires flashing the CrossPoint Reader firmware onto the device via USB-C and a browser-based installer. Users then download CrossPoint Reader's Plugin Store and install the "Protected Content" plug-in, which runs through the device's built-in web server and allows access to ebooks protected by Adobe Digital Editions DRM.
A free ByteBooks account is needed (or an older Adobe Digital Editions account), along with access to Libby on a separate device using a library card. The e-readers themselves cannot browse or download from Libby directly, since Xteink's devices run on low-power ESP-32 processors.
After borrowing a book, Libby provides a small ACSM file, which the plug-in processes once it's copied to the e-reader's microSD card, downloading and transferring the actual EPUB file. A similar process applies to books bought from Kobo's store, which also uses ADE protection.
For a simpler workflow, a free app called Common Stacks — available for Android, Windows, and macOS, with iOS coming soon — can download and send borrowed library books to Xteink devices in just a couple of clicks.
Availability of titles depends on the library, and popular books may still require waiting in a digital queue. Still, the addition makes Xteink's tiny e-readers a more compelling alternative to Kindle and Kobo devices.
