Author: GizNews

  • Xiaomi New Snapdragon Alternative Leaks with Better Performance and Architecture

    Xiaomi New Snapdragon Alternative Leaks with Better Performance and Architecture

    Key Takeaway

    1. Xiaomi has developed its first in-house ARM chip, signaling a move toward competing with Qualcomm and MediaTek, with plans for a second version in 2026.
    2. The upcoming Xiaomi foldable, potentially called Mix Fold 5 or Xiaomi 17 Fold, is expected to feature a promising spec lineup based on leaked HyperOS code.
    3. The new Snapdragon alternative may utilize a new ARM architecture, skipping “big cores” in favor of a Prime core at 4.05 GHz and upgraded “little cores” at 3 GHz, along with a significantly faster GPU.

    Introduction to Xiaomi 15S Pro and Its Unique Features

    The Xiaomi 15S Pro was recently tested in laboratory settings but strangely, it did not make it to the European markets. It is a notable device mainly because it features Xiaomi’s very first domestically-produced ARM chip. This move has alot of tech enthusiasts talking because it signifies Xiaomi’s entry into direct competition with industry giants like Qualcomm and MediaTek. In a way, this also signals a strategic shift akin to what Apple has been doing with its custom chips. Nonetheless, it’s important to remember that most Xiaomi devices still rely on Snapdragon processors. The company appears to be experimenting, not abandoning, and whispers suggest that a new version of this SoC might be launched around 2026, tentatively named Xring O3, replacing the previous Xring O2.

    Potential Uses and Concerns

    This chip is expected to power upcoming devices, stemming from strong industry indications. Most notably, speculations point towards its integration in Xiaomi’s next foldable smartphone. The device in question likely bears the name Mix Fold 5, yet some sources argue it could be titled Xiaomi 17 Fold. Regardless of the final branding, this foldable phone is expected to compete directly with Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 8. Based on leaked HyperOS code, early technical specifications look promising, suggesting a significant upgrade in performance metrics and hardware features.

    Speculation on the Hardware and Performance

    Details about the chip architecture are still uncertain. However, the current code leaks hint at a possible use of Lumex generation cores, such as C1 Ultra and C1 Pro. What’s interesting is that Xiaomi might skip the conventional “big cores” setup. Observers predict a Prime core running at 4.05 GHz, marking a 4% improvement over previous models. Additionally, a “Titanium Core” at nearly the same frequency of 3.42 GHz might be included. The most notable upgrade appears to be in the “little cores,” which could now operate at 3 GHz, up from 1.79 GHz. The GPU is also expected to see a substantial bump, potentially running at 1.49 GHz instead of 1.2 GHz, which would mean almost a 25% speed increase—if these leaks prove correct.


    Sources

  • Xbox Mode Now Live on Windows 11 for Better Gaming Performance

    Xbox Mode Now Live on Windows 11 for Better Gaming Performance

    Key Takeaway

    1. Xbox mode provides a full-screen, controller-driven gaming interface on Windows devices, blurring the line between Windows PC and Xbox console.
    2. It can be activated via a keyboard shortcut or through settings, replacing the desktop with a focused gaming dashboard.
    3. The mode suppresses background processes and notifications to enhance gaming performance, resembling a console experience.
    4. Xbox mode is part of Microsoft’s Project Helix, unifying the Xbox and Windows ecosystems, and is now available to stable Windows 11 users.
    5. Limited multi-monitor support and occasional sleep/resume issues are noted, with Microsoft recommending hibernation during use.

    Microsoft’s Latest Gaming Interface

    Microsoft has recently introduced a new feature which transforms the way gamers interact with their PCs, specifically designed to mimic the Xbox experience. This new feature was rolled out on April 30, through an optional update known as KB5083631. Once activated, gamers can quickly switch into a dedicated gaming mode that immerses them into a full-screen, controller-driven interface. All it takes is opening the Xbox app and pressing Windows + F11, and the desktop promptly hides itself. What appears next is a sleek, console-like interface that centers around your game library, Game Pass, and cloud gaming options. This new interface makes your Windows device feel more like an Xbox than ever before, offering a seamless gaming experience.

    Compatibility and Activation

    This new Xbox mode can be used on a variety of devices including laptops, desktops, tablets, and handheld PCs. The activation process is straightforward by going into the Settings menu, then selecting Gaming > Xbox mode, and toggling it on. The mode can be triggered anytime by pressing Windows + F11 or simply accessed through the Xbox app or Game Bar settings. While active, it reduces background activities and keeps notifications out of sight, providing a cleaner gaming environment. Microsoft claims it resembles sitting in front of an Xbox console more closely than traditional Windows interfaces, aiming to bridge the gap between PC and console gaming. Once active, users will experience a more focused gaming session free from desktop distractions.

    Technical Details and Limitations

    This feature suppresses background processes and notifications, akin to the existing Game Mode, but with a more comprehensive, console-style dashboard layered over the desktop interface. Microsoft sees it as a step towards unifying the Windows and Xbox ecosystems. The mode has been tested through Insider programs since late 2025, and the recent rollout marks its official release to regular users on Windows 11 24H2 and 25H2 updates. However, users should be aware of some limitations. Multi-monitor support isn’t perfect, with some secondary screens occasionally going blank when Xbox mode is active. Additionally, some configurations may experience issues with sleep and resume functions. Microsoft recommends using hibernation instead of sleep during this phase of deployment to avoid these problems. Despite these issues, the new feature signifies a major shift towards integrated gaming on Windows devices.

    Sources
  • Lenovo Yoga Laptop with 24GB RAM – $390 Off Limited Deal

    Lenovo Yoga Laptop with 24GB RAM – $390 Off Limited Deal

    Key Takeaway

    1. The Lenovo Yoga 7a 2-in-1 is available at a significant $390 discount, priced at $1,209.99, offering high-end specs like 24 GB RAM, 1 TB SSD, and an OLED display.
    2. Powered by the AMD Ryzen AI 7 445 “Gorgon” APU, it provides decent multi-core performance, though it lags behind the last-gen Ryzen AI 7 350 and Apple M5 in speed.
    3. The OLED display offers excellent color accuracy and coverage but suffers from low peak brightness (~290 nits), limiting outdoor usability.
    4. The machine features non-upgradable RAM and limited upgradable storage (smaller M.2 2242 SSDs), with no discrete GPU option, making it less suitable for high-end gaming or heavy workloads.

    Current Market Challenges and Price Adjustments

    The ongoing crisis surrounding RAM and storage prices has hits the laptop industry especially hard. Manufacturers, including Lenovo, have been forced to increase their prices in order to stay afloat with rising costs. Despite this, shoppers still find some golden deals showing up periodically, making it worth keeping an eye out.

    Special Offer on the Lenovo Yoga 7a 2-in-1

    Recently, Lenovo launched a 14-inch Yoga 7a 2-in-1 that now is available with a massive $390 discount on their official online platform. This slashes the price to a surprisingly low $1,209.99. The specific variant includes 24 GB of LPDDR5X RAM, a 1 TB SSD, and an OLED display, making it a pretty attractive option for many users.

    Coupon Codes for Extra Savings

    To make sure you get the most out of this deal, it’s advised to use coupons such as BUYMORELENOVO and USFRESHYOGA1 during purchase. These codes can add extra savings and ensure you get this powerful machine for the lowest possible price.

    Performance and Display Insights

    The core of this Yoga 7a 2-in-1 is powered by AMD’s Ryzen AI 7 445 “Gorgon” APU. This six-core processor is quite capable, often holding its own against the Intel Core Ultra 7 355 in multi-core testing. However, it falls a little behind the previous-generation Ryzen AI 7 350, which is about 20% faster, and even Apple’s M5 chips, which are nearly 40% more performant in similar benchmarks.

    Display Quality and Usage Experience

    • The 16-inch review shows that its OLED screen is really stunning, with vibrant colors. It covers 100% of sRGB and 99.9% of P3 color gamut, which is excellent for multimedia tasks.
    • Color calibration is quite impressive after adjustment, making it suitable for creative work. But, at only around 290 nits peak brightness, it is not very bright and difficult to use outdoors.

    Graphics and Upgradeability

    There’s no discrete GPU option available, which aligns with expectations for this model. The AMD Radeon 840M integrated GPU handles very light tasks well enough, but anything demanding like high-end gaming will struggle. For example, in a Cyberpunk 2077 test, the Intel Arc 140V was over 50% faster than the 840M.

    Memory and Storage Considerations

    The RAM is soldered on the motherboard, which means it can’t be upgraded later. Storage, however, can be replaced but only supports smaller M.2 2242 SSDs—limiting options for expansion.

    Port Selection and Overall Verdict

    The available ports are decent, providing a good array of connectivity options, although specifics are not listed here. Buyers searching for a powerful, well-rounded device with a decent display and plenty of memory might be happy with the Lenovo Yoga 7a 2-in-1, provided they are okay with the screens’ brightness and fixed memory configuration.

    Important Notices

    Note that prices and deals are subject to change, and the given discounts were valid at the time of writing. Not all units may be available for long or in large quantities. Always double-check before buying.


    Sources

    • Best Steam Strategy Sandbox Game Now $5 – Limited Time Deal

      Best Steam Strategy Sandbox Game Now $5 – Limited Time Deal

      Key Takeaway

      1. Europa Universalis IV offers deep and extensive strategy gameplay spanning nearly four centuries, with complex mechanics across trade, war, diplomacy, religion, and technology.
      2. The game is highly praised for its vast scope and historical accuracy but has a steep entry barrier due to its complexity.
      3. It is currently available at a reduced price (~$4.99), with numerous expansions offered at a discounted bundle price (~$105), though it is not compatible with the Steam Deck.

      Immerse Yourself in Deep Strategy

      If you like to jump into a complex and detailed game, Europa Universalis IV is exactly what you need. This game might not look flashy but its gameplay is incredibly profound, with lots of layers to explore. Right now, you can get it on Steam for about $4.99, which is a huge discount from its usual $50. According to SteamDB, this is the lowest price yet. But, if you use a Steam Deck, tough luck – the game isn’t compatible with handheld play.

      Gameplay and Features Overview

      Europa Universalis IV puts you in charge of a nation, where you shape its future from 1444 all the way to 1821. Instead of rapid-fire battles seen in other strategy games like Total War, it features a world map you can pause to make decisions, with many stats, menus, and a kind of plain visual style. The game’s appeal lies in its incredible complexity: everything from trade, warfare, diplomacy, faith, and tech all happen at the same time, weaving together in a intricate dance. Sometimes a tiny duchy can grow into a mighty empire, while a badly executed war could bring down a large power in moments.

      Critical Reception and Pricing Details

      German game magazine GameStar highly praised the game for its broad scope and realistic historical details, mentioning unique systems like different government types and colonial expansion. The main criticism they had was that the game is hard to get into due to its steep learning curve. It’s not ideal for someone just wanting a quick gameplay experience. Still, it scored 87 out of 100 points from GameStar. Similar opinions are reflected on Steam and Metacritic: about 85% of reviews are positive from nearly 140,000 ratings, with a Metascore of 87 and a User Score of 8.7. Also, there’s a bunch of expansion content, with the Ultimate Bundle usually costing around $204, but now you can grab it for about $105 because of a 49% sale.

      Note for Potential Buyers

      Keep in mind, this price and deal might change, as retailers can update their offers. The discounted rate mentioned was correct at the time of writing, but availability could be limited or temporary.


      Sources

    • GameHub Adds Epic Games Store Integration, Portrait Mode, and More

      GameHub Adds Epic Games Store Integration, Portrait Mode, and More

      Key Takeaway

      1. The latest GameHub beta introduces support for the Epic Games Store on both PC and Mac.
      2. Users can expect a launch boost for several Steam games and the ability to add Retro games.
      3. New features are currently limited to the beta version, with no announced timeline for stable release.

      New Features in GameHub’s Beta Release

      GameHub, that popular app used for PC gaming emulation, has just dripped some new features into its beta build, but be aware they are not available in the regular version yet. The team has been working on improvements, and the latest beta update brings some long awaited capabilities, but only for those willing to test in the experimental version. Don’t expect these features in your daily use, but they’re promising.

      Epic Games Store Integration & Mac Support

      A recent post on X reveals that the newest beta of GameHub now support the Epic Games Store, which means you can check out a big library of games without switching apps. This feature has been sorely missing until now, especially considering that a competing app, GameNative, offered it since February 2026. Plus, Mac users are not left out, since support for Epic on Mac was also rolled out earlier this month, making it easier to access a wide variety of titles on different platforms.

      Performance Boosts & Additional Enhancements

      • Gamers will notice faster launches on certain Steam titles, improving overall experience.
      • The app now lets you upload your retro collection directly into the interface.
      • Support for vertical orientation has been added, making it more flexible for different screen setups.

      Keep in mind, these features are only available in the 6.0 beta, and there are important warnings from the developers. They explicitly state that you won’t be able to revert back to a previous version because of major changes to the core architecture. If you feel brave enough, you can download the beta from their source—just be aware it’s meant for testing only. No official date has been announced for when these capabilities will reach the stable release, so patience is key.

      Note on Stability and Future Updates

      Beta versions are always a bit unstable, but they offer a glimpse of what’s coming next. Users should keep in mind that new features might still have bugs or issues, so it’s best to use them with caution. We wait to see how these updates perform in the next full release, but for now, they represent a promising step forward for GameHub in making its platform more comparable to other emulation tools out there.

      Sources
    • Ugreen Nexode 100W GaN Charger Deal – Lowest Price on Amazon

      Ugreen Nexode 100W GaN Charger Deal – Lowest Price on Amazon

      Key Takeaway

      1. The Ugreen Nexode 100 W GaN charger is currently available at a record low price of $33.23, representing a 40% discount.
      2. It offers a high power output of 100 W across four ports, with three USB-C ports and one USB-A, all in a compact and portable design.
      3. The charger features intelligent PWM technology for device safety and high efficiency, along with foldable prongs for enhanced portability.

      Great Deal on a Multiport Charger

      If you are searching for a reliable charger to power up all your gadgets, then listen up! Ugreen’s popular multiport charger is now on a fantastic sale. The Nexode 100 W GaN charger has its price slashed on their storefront, making it a must-have for tech lovers. You can buy it now for just $33.23, which is a big drop from their original price of $54.99. That’s about a 40% discount, so it’s really worth considering.

      Price Trend and Limited Time Offer

      According to Camel’s price history, this charger is at its lowest ever price. But, honestly, no one knows how long this deal will stay. The charger uses GaN technology and can provide up to 100 W from its four ports. Three are USB-C ports, and the other is USB-A. Even with such power, it’s still really tiny — measuring only 2.7 by 1.3 by 2.7 inches, and it weighs around 235 grams. Pretty convenient for carrying around.

      Power Specs and Port Details

      • Top two USB-C ports: 45 W and 30 W
      • Bottom USB-C and USB-A ports: up to 10.5 W each, when all four ports are used

      This charger is equipped with a GaN chip, which helps it run efficiently without heating up too much. Its foldable prongs make it super compact, easily fitting into your pocket or bag. It’s handy for travel or daily commutes, making it a portable powerhouse.

      Smart and Safe Charging Features

      Another neat feature is its intelligent PWM chip, which dynamically adjusts the power to protect your devices from overcharging or overheating. At its current bargain price on Amazon, the Ugreen Nexode 100 W 4-port GaN charger is a smart buy for anyone who needs fast-charging multiport options. If you want, check out the review video below for more insights — it’s definitely worth a look.

      Note: Prices and deals might change over time. The deal mentioned was available when this was written but might be limited or end soon.

      Sources
      • Apple Price Hikes Begin with Mac Mini; Will MacBook Neo Follow?

        Apple Price Hikes Begin with Mac Mini; Will MacBook Neo Follow?

        Key Takeaway

        1. Apple has increased the entry-level Mac mini price by $200, eliminating the 256GB storage option and making the base model start at $799.
        2. The removal of the more affordable storage tier effectively raises the “buy-in” cost, impacting overall value proposition for new customers.
        3. The MacBook Neo remains the most budget-friendly option, currently starting at $599, potentially making it a better entry point than the Mac mini for some users.
        4. Future Mac upgrades are anticipated with the M6 chip, expected to offer significant performance improvements and new features like OLED displays and touchscreen support.

        Mac mini Price Increase and Market Changes

        Shortly after we discussed how Mac and MacBook prices gonna keep rising, apple has officially made a change to the Mac mini lineup. They now increased the starting price by $200, making it more expensive for people who just wanna start with their smallest desktop.

        Shift in Storage Options and Pricing

        By quietly dropping the 256GB storage option from the global configuration, apple has set a barrier higher for new buyers. The new M4 Mac mini now starts at $799 with a chip, 16GB RAM, and at least 512GB storage. The 512GB model itself did not see a price change, but the loss of the cheaper base model counts as a hidden price hike. Apple has used similar tactics before with the M5 MacBook Air and MacBook Pro launches, so no big surprise here.

        Supply/Demand and Industry Factors

        During a recent earnings call, Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO, explained that both high demand and supply constraints have led to these price adjustments. He also mentioned that Mac mini and Mac Studio are gaining popularity among AI tool users. Industry analysts, however, point to a global chip shortage and increasing component costs as main reasons behind the price hike.

        Global Pricing and Market Impact

        Looking at different countries, the price of the Mac mini’s base model (with M4 and 16GB RAM) now varies. While the 512GB version stayed the same price, the removal of 256GB configuration means new customers are now paying $200 / £200 / €230 more to buy into Mac mini.

        Implications for Buyers and Ecosystem Shifts

        With the new pricing, the value of Mac mini is kinda shifting. Interestingly, the MacBook Neo, Apple’s cheapest device, is now the most affordable way to get into the Apple ecosystem. Currently, Neo starts at $599 for a 256GB drive and 8GB RAM. The 512/8GB model is $699, still $100 less than the Mac mini.

        Alternative Choices for Consumers

        Some users might find it more sensible to spend around $1,100 for a MacBook Air with 512GB storage and 16GB RAM – which offers portability, a built-in display, and a more powerful M5 chip compared to the Mac mini’s M4. At this price point, the MacBook Air might be a better buy considering overall features and performance.

        Future Outlook and Rumors

        Now with the Mac mini starting at $799, attention turns to the MacBook Neo as Apple’s budget-friendly option. Launched in March 2026, the Neo became unexpectedly popular, which could lead Apple to consider discontinuing the 256GB variant, especially given ongoing memory shortages.

        Upcoming Mac Developments

        Rumors are already brewing about the next generation of Macs, expected around late 2026 or early 2027. The upcoming M6 Macs may feature OLED displays, slimmer designs, and even touchscreen support. The M6, built on a new 2nm process, promises to be a significant upgrade over current models, especially for professional users who need high performance.

        Conclusion: Price hikes are Unavoidable

        One thing is clear – just like Windows laptops, Mac prices are going up, and they’re unlikely to get any cheaper any time soon.

        Sources
      • Lenovo Yoga Tab Plus Tablet Deal – Save $265 with 256GB & 144Hz Display

        Lenovo Yoga Tab Plus Tablet Deal – Save $265 with 256GB & 144Hz Display

        Key Takeaway

        1. The Lenovo Yoga Tab Plus is available at a significant discount of $265, bringing its price to $534.99 when using the coupon “BUYMORELENOVO.”
        2. It features a 12.7-inch OLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate, 2944×1840 resolution, and up to 905 nits brightness for HDR content.
        3. Equipped with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, 16 GB of LPDDR5X RAM, and 256 GB UFS 4.0 storage, it handles everyday tasks efficiently despite not matching flagship speeds.
        4. The tablet includes productivity accessories like a stylus with 4,096 pressure levels and tilt support, as well as a keyboard with multi-touch gesture support.

        Unfortunate Trends in DRAM and Storage Costs

        Right now, the market for DRAM and storage is crazy expensive, making it hard for those thrifty shoppers who really on finding a good deal. Even tho sellers try, most of the best cheap deals are just a pipe dream. Still, if someone takes their time they might find some offers that helps them save some good bucks.

        Lenovo Yoga Tab Plus – A Pretty Good Deal

        For example, the Lenovo Yoga Tab Plus is now on sale, saving buyers a full $265. That brings the price down to a low $534.99 on Lenovo’s US online store. To score this deal, you need to use a special code: “BUYMORELENOVO”.

        This model features 16 GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 256 GB of UFS 4.0 storage, making it quite a capable tablet. Aside from that, it offers some nifty accessories, like a stylus with a whopping 4,096 pressure levels and tilt support, plus a keyboard with a multi-touch trackpad built-in.

        Performance and Display Features

        The tablet is powered by a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, which is strong, but not as fast as the latest flagship devices. For instance, the M4-powered Apple iPad Air is over twice as speedy. Nonetheless, it should be good enough for most everyday tasks and some heavier work, without too much trouble.

        The display, on the other hand, is pretty sizable at 12.7 inches, with a 144Hz refresh rate and a high resolution of 2944×1840 pixels. This results in a pixel density of 273 PPI, which produces sharp images. While OLED screens are generally better with deep blacks and quick response times, this LCD performs well enough. Our tests show it hits about 726 nits of brightness, and even peaked over 905 nits in small areas, making HDR content look good.

        Color Gamut and Final Thoughts

        The panel covers an impressive 98.5% of the sRGB color space, though the accuracy needs some improvement. At this budget-friendly price point, the Lenovo Yoga Tab Plus offers a solid value, especially considering the high prices of memory and storage lately. Prospective buyers should definitely read more detailed reviews before making a purchase decision.

        Please note that prices and availability are subject to change, and this special offer was valid at the time of writing. Deals may be limited by time or stock.


        Sources

        • Xiaomi Announce Global Launch of Budget Smartwatch with NFC & 24-Day Battery

          Xiaomi Announce Global Launch of Budget Smartwatch with NFC & 24-Day Battery

          Key Takeaway

          1. Xiaomi has officially listed the Redmi Watch 6 and Redmi Watch 6 NFC on its global website, indicating plans for broader international release.
          2. The watches will support Mastercard and Visa tap-to-pay, available only on the NFC variant.
          3. Both variants feature a 2.07-inch AMOLED display, GPS, Bluetooth 5.4, and up to 24 days of battery life.
          4. Color options include Obsidian Black and Silver Grey, with the regular version also offering Glacier Blue.
          5. The watches have aluminum alloy frames, TPU straps, and are designed for wrists measuring 135-205 mm.

          Redmi Watch 6 Now Reach Out Beyond China

          Xiaomi recently gived us some news about their Redmi Watch 6. After being only in China for over six months, the watch finally made its way to Hungary. As of now, you can see the listings still online, and some stores even saying you can pre-order it. It looks like Xiaomi will be soon making it available more broadly, expanding the watch’s global reach.

          Official Global Listings and Features

          On Xiaomi’s official international website, both the Redmi Watch 6 and its NFC version are listed. This change hint that the company intends to replace their older Redmi Watch 5 in many different markets, instead of just keeping it limited. The NFC model supports tap-to-pay with Mastercard and Visa, showing Xiaomi’s focus on adding more handy payment features. These watches will be available in Obsidian Black, Silver Grey, and for the regular version, Glacier Blue, which the NFC version does not have.

          Design and Compatibility

          The new smartwatches will be built with aluminum alloy frames and TPU straps, designed to comfortably fit wrists from 135 to 205 mm in circumference. Whether you choose the basic or NFC version, both will feature GPS and Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity. The impressive battery life extends up to 24 days on a single charge of the 550 mAh battery, which is quite good for a smartwatch in this price range. Xiaomi also packed a 2.07-inch AMOLED screen, with a resolution of 432 x 514 pixels, a 60 Hz refresh rate, and brightness peaks reaching 2,000 nits. Still, it’s not clear when exactly these watches will be officialy available outside China.


          Sources

        • Booklore Self-Hosted E-Book Library Sparks Licensing Controversy

          Booklore Self-Hosted E-Book Library Sparks Licensing Controversy

          Key Takeaway

          1. Concerns about code quality and reliance on vibe coding raise reliability and maintenance questions for Booklore.
          2. License changes and community contribution handling suggest potential transparency and ethical issues.
          3. Privacy and security concerns, including telemetry and permission settings, have impacted user trust.
          4. Features like paywalled downloads and file permission issues upon uninstallation have frustrated users.

          Initial Impressions of Booklore

          I first got to know about Booklore when it was a fresh new player in the scene, trying to be a modern alternative to Calibre Web. The platform aimed at being a self-hosted way to handle your e-book library, complete with a slick and modern user interface. It looked promising at first, especially for those wanna’ keep things in house, without needing third-party hosting services. But, like a lot of new projects, it didn’t take long before some red flags began to showed up.

          Community Concerns and Code Quality

          On Reddit, some users started raising questions about the quality of code behind Booklore. There were comments suggesting that much of it might be vibe-coded—quick, informal, and perhaps not the most structured coding practices. Judging by the frequent commits, it’s clear the developer was actively pushing updates, but that doesn’t always means the code is solid. And the risk of vibe coding for an app meant to handle important libraries could be problematic. Poor coding sometimes leads to issues like data loss or corruption, especially if the app deletes a database with a simple mistake. For those storing a big collection of ebooks, this is pretty concerning.

          License Changes and Community Feedback

          Another thing that stirred controversy was the licensing. Initially, Booklore was released under an AGPL license, which is open source. But then, there were whispers about a switch to a BSL license—a license that gives the project sponsor more control, including the ability to publish contributions under non-open-source terms without consulting contributors or getting their permission. This felt like a breach of trust for many community members. Plus, the developer’s handling of the situation on Discord didn’t sit well with everyone, as they did not acknowledge the community’s contributions properly.

          Privacy and User Control Issues

          There were also worries about privacy; namely, telemetry data being sent to servers owned by the developer, despite users opting out of the feature. Although later updates seem to have addressed this, it was a source of frustration early-on. And let’s not forget a paywall feature—those attempting to download multiple books from their own library found themselves blocked, which upset a lot of users who thought they were in control of their own data. Such limitations can easily make users reconsider whether the software is really worth using.

          Uninstalling and Final Thoughts

          When I finally removed Booklore from my setup, I noticed something odd. All the permissions on my e-book files on my Unraid server had been changed to d–x–x–x, blocking me from moving or deleting my books without adjusting permissions manually. This is not just inconvenient, but also a potential risk for data security. Changing those permissions was straightforward, but the experience confirmed that, for me, removing it was the best move. The whole controversy, combined with the technical issues, made it clear that I needed a more reliable solution for my library management needs.