CrossPoint Reader firmware brings Libby and Kobo support to Xteink e-readers
Users can now borrow from OverDrive or purchase from Kobo, though the process requires manual file handling and beta-level stability.
Developers behind the CrossPoint Reader alternative firmware have introduced plug-in support for DRM-protected ebooks on Xteink’s X3, X4, and X4 Pro e-readers. The update, which is now publicly available following testing by The Verge, allows users to borrow titles from OverDrive’s Libby library app or purchase books from Kobo, addressing a historical limitation where these pocket-friendly devices lacked easy access to mainstream ebook ecosystems.
The functionality is currently in beta and requires the installation of the CrossPoint Reader firmware, the Plugin Store, and a 'Protected Content' plug-in. Users must also establish a ByteBooks account for DRM authorisation. Because Xteink devices utilise low-power ESP-32 processors, they cannot directly search or download ebooks; instead, users must download ACSM files from Libby or Kobo on a separate device, transfer them to the e-reader’s microSD card, and process them via the device’s web server to access the final EPUB files.
An optional third-party application, Common Stacks, is available to facilitate this transfer process. Available for Android, Windows, and macOS with iOS support forthcoming, the app can download and send ebook files directly to Xteink’s e-readers. Common Stacks relies on CrossPoint Reader’s web server functionality in the background, streamlining the workflow for users who wish to avoid manual file management.
The installation process begins with flashing the free CrossPoint Reader firmware via a browser using the device’s USB-C connection. Following this, users unzip the Plugin Store files to the microSD card, which adds a new section to the e-reader’s home screen. The critical 'Protected Content' plug-in runs through the built-in web server, enabling access to ebooks protected by Adobe Digital Editions DRM once the user logs into their ByteBooks account.
While the update significantly expands the utility of Xteink’s hardware, users should be mindful of potential limitations. Title availability depends on local library holdings and digital copy limits, and users may experience wait times for popular titles due to loan restrictions. The functionality remains in beta, meaning stability and performance may vary, but it marks a substantial shift for owners of these low-power e-readers.
