Category: All News

  • Microsoft’s Xbox Game Pass Game Costs Exceed $50 Million

    Microsoft’s Xbox Game Pass Game Costs Exceed $50 Million

    Key Takeaways

    1. Microsoft includes all first-party titles on Game Pass at launch and adds popular third-party games, enhancing subscriber value.
    2. The cost to acquire games for Game Pass ranges from $50,000 to over $50 million, indicating significant financial investment.
    3. Despite high costs, Game Pass is reportedly still profitable for Microsoft.
    4. The increasing expenses of developing AAA games pose challenges for sustaining current acquisition rates.
    5. Microsoft may need to consider raising subscription prices or focusing on indie/AA games to manage costs and meet financial goals.


    Ever since Xbox Game Pass started, many have been trying to guess how much money Microsoft spends to keep the service filled with great games. All first-party titles from Microsoft are now available on Game Pass on their release day, and the company has also been bringing in big third-party games like Expedition 33 right at launch.

    Great for Subscribers

    The inclusion of highly expected third-party games is beneficial for Game Pass, providing subscribers with popular content. However, it raises serious concerns about how sustainable this approach is. Just how much is Microsoft really paying to ensure major game launches for Game Pass? Can they keep this up in the long term?

    A Surprising Discovery

    A sharp-eyed user on X, Timur222, spotted something intriguing about the costs of Xbox Game Pass games in the LinkedIn profile of Iain MacIntyre, a recently dismissed Senior Business Development Manager at Microsoft. He noted that MacIntyre “negotiated over 500 deals ranging from $50,000 to more than $50 million, securing both indie hits and AAA titles for Game Pass.”

    Thus, it seems that Microsoft shells out between $50k and a staggering $50m or even more to acquire games for Game Pass. But this doesn’t necessarily mean that the service is draining Microsoft’s finances, as it is reportedly still making money.

    Future Uncertainties

    The range of costs per title suggests the challenges of maintaining the current speed of acquisitions in the future. Developing AAA games is notoriously pricey and has only gotten more expensive in recent years. With the average AAA title now taking several years to finish and costing tens of millions, if not hundreds of millions, Microsoft will have to invest even more to secure blockbuster titles for Game Pass.

    To address this issue, the company might consider raising Game Pass subscription prices, which seems likely since Xbox has to meet strict financial goals, or they could choose to focus more on indie or AA games instead of AAA deals. No matter what path they choose, one thing is evident: Xbox faces a tough road ahead.

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  • Hyundai Ioniq 6 N vs Model 3 Performance: V8 Sounds, Slower Speed

    Hyundai Ioniq 6 N vs Model 3 Performance: V8 Sounds, Slower Speed

    Key Takeaways

    Performance Comparison: The Ioniq 6 N has 650 HP but is slower (0-60 mph in 3.1 seconds) and likely has a shorter range than Tesla’s Model 3 Performance (501 HP, 0-60 mph in 2.9 seconds).

    Charging Speed and Size: The Ioniq 6 N offers faster charging (10% to 80% in 18 minutes with 350+ kW charger) despite being larger and heavier than the Model 3 Performance.

    Unique Features: The Ioniq 6 N includes Active Sound and e-Shift technologies, allowing drivers to choose engine sounds and has improved handling with new stroke sensing dampers.

    Pricing Information: The US price is not yet announced, but the Ioniq 6 N is expected to cost around £65,000 in the UK with a launch anticipated in early 2026.

    Estimated Range: The Ioniq 6 N is expected to have an estimated range of about 291 miles based on local standards.


    After the previous model won EV of the year in 2024, Hyundai has unveiled the impressive Ioniq 6 N sports sedan, ready to compete against the Tesla Model 3 Performance.

    Performance Comparison

    The Ioniq 6 N boasts 650 HP, but it is slower and likely has a shorter range on a single charge, along with a higher cost compared to Tesla’s 501 HP Performance sedan. The new dual-motor Ioniq 6 N can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 3.1 seconds, which is a tad slower than the Model 3 Performance’s 2.9 seconds, even with its more powerful engine and the larger 84 kWh battery.

    Charging Speed and Size

    Despite being larger and heavier than the Model 3 Performance, the sporty Hyundai Ioniq 6 N offers much quicker charging capabilities. With an appropriate 350+ kW charger, like Tesla’s V4 Superchargers, it can charge from 10% to 80% in merely 18 minutes. Hyundai’s EVs have shown to have a better charging curve when compared to Tesla’s vehicles, even those built on an 800V architecture, like the Cybertruck.

    Unique Features

    One of the most exciting aspects of the Ioniq 6 N is its blend of Active Sound and e-Shift technologies, designed to mimic the experience of driving a real internal combustion engine racer. Drivers can pick from various sounds, including a traditional V8 rumble with the Ignition option, Evolution’s EV heritage tones, or the futuristic sounds of the Lightspeed selection.

    Hyundai claims they have revamped the chassis and suspension to improve handling, introducing new stroke sensing dampers that work well for both easy commutes and thrilling racetrack adventures.

    Pricing Information

    While the price of the Ioniq 6 N in the US is still under wraps, it is anticipated to cost around £65,000 in the UK upon its launch, expected in early 2026, with an estimated range of about 291 miles on local standards.

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  • HMD Global Reduces US Operations: What You Need to Know

    HMD Global Reduces US Operations: What You Need to Know

    Key Takeaways

    1. HMD Global is scaling back its operations in the U.S. due to a challenging geopolitical and economic environment.
    2. The company is committed to ensuring a seamless transition for customers and will honor all warranty and service commitments.
    3. HMD has previously stopped selling Nokia-branded devices in Europe and is now offering limited smartphone options in the U.S.
    4. Current U.S. offerings include the HMD Fusion, HMD Skyline, HMD XR21, and several feature phones, but the online store is offline.
    5. HMD is planning to release a new budget smartphone for the Indian market with a 6.74-inch display and a 90Hz refresh rate.


    HMD Global, a Finnish company that makes smartphones and owns the Nokia brand, has revealed that it will be “scaling back” its operations in the United States. This decision comes as a result of “a challenging geopolitical and economic environment.”

    Customer Transition

    In a message posted on Threads by Wired’s Julian Chokkattu, the company emphasized its focus on ensuring “a seamless transition” for its customers and business partners. HMD will continue to honor all warranty and service commitments for the products that are still available in the market.

    Support for Employees

    The company also stated that it is dedicated to helping employees who are impacted by this transition. Last year, HMD stopped selling Nokia-branded devices in Europe, taking down its inventory from websites in nations like the UK and Germany.

    Limited US Offerings

    Under the HMD name, products like the repairable HMD Fusion, which received a score of 72% in our review, and the HMD Skyline, which scored 76%, are among the few smartphones that have reached the US market. The HMD XR21, essentially a rebranded Nokia XR21, and the HMD Vibe are also in the lineup. Other offerings were primarily feature phones, including the flip Barbie phone and the Heineken co-branded Boring phone.

    As of now, the HMD Fusion, HMD Skyline, HMD XR21, HMD Vibe, the Barbie flip phone, and Nokia-branded feature phones are still listed on the website, although the store itself is currently offline. The “Where to buy” button is also not functioning.

    Future Plans in India

    Reports indicate that HMD is working on a new budget smartphone aimed at the Indian market. This device is rumored to feature a 6.74-inch display with a 90Hz refresh rate and likely utilizes a Unisoc T7200 12mm chip.

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  • JEDEC Unveils LPDDR6 Standard with 14,400 MT/s Data Rates

    JEDEC Unveils LPDDR6 Standard with 14,400 MT/s Data Rates

    Key Takeaways

    1. Launch of LPDDR6 Standard: JEDEC has introduced JESD209-6, marking the official launch of LPDDR6 five years after DDR5.

    2. Enhanced Performance: LPDDR6 features dual-sub-channel architecture, increasing peak data rates to 10,667 – 14,400 MT/s, providing bandwidths of 28.5 – 38.4 GB/s.

    3. Improved Power Efficiency: The standard reduces power consumption through lower core voltages, Dynamic Voltage Frequency Scaling, and partial self-refresh capabilities.

    4. Increased Reliability: LPDDR6 includes on-die ECC, programmable link protection, and built-in self-test features to enhance fault coverage and reliability for critical applications.

    5. Industry Support and Adoption: Major chipmakers and tech companies, including Qualcomm and Samsung, are backing LPDDR6, indicating rapid adoption across various devices.


    JEDEC has introduced JESD209-6, marking the official launch of LPDDR6, five years after DDR5 made its debut in the market. This new standard enhances peak data rates to between 10,667 and 14,400 MT/s, which translates to bandwidths of about 28.5 to 38.4 GB/s. It also aims to meet the lower power requirements that are critical for mobile devices and next-gen AI technologies.

    Enhanced Performance Features

    The performance improvements stem from a dual-sub-channel architecture. Each memory die includes a 24-bit channel, which is further divided into two 12-bit sub-channels. This setup reduces access times, decreases latency, and keeps a minimum granularity of 32 bytes. Additionally, the capability for on-the-fly burst-length control enables easy transitions between 32 and 64-byte data transfers.

    Better Power Efficiency

    Power efficiency sees enhancements due to lowered core voltages and Dynamic Voltage Frequency Scaling for Low Power, which lowers supply voltages during lighter workloads. The introduction of static and dynamic efficiency settings helps minimize active circuitry when demand is low. Furthermore, the design allows for partial self-refresh to lower standby power usage.

    Improved Reliability Features

    Advancements in reliability come from on-die ECC, programmable link protection, per-row activation counting, and designated meta regions for priority tasks. Additional features like optional command/address parity and built-in self-test capabilities boost fault coverage, fulfilling the more stringent needs of both automotive and data-center applications.

    The industry’s reaction has been immediate. A variety of chipmakers, IP vendors, and suppliers of testing equipment—such as Cadence, Synopsys, MediaTek, Qualcomm, Samsung, Micron, and SK Hynix—have expressed their support, indicating a quick shift towards adoption in smartphones, personal computers, edge servers, and automotive systems.

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  • Nintendo Shuts Down Popular Switch ROM Sites to Fight Piracy

    Nintendo Shuts Down Popular Switch ROM Sites to Fight Piracy

    Key Takeaways

    1. Nsw2u and Nswdl, popular sites for downloading Switch ROMs, are no longer accessible due to FBI action.
    2. The FBI’s seizure was part of a law enforcement operation following a warrant related to copyright infringement.
    3. Many ROM sites do not host files themselves, but Nintendo continues to target those aiding in piracy.
    4. Emulator developers, like Yuzu, have faced legal challenges, leading to the closure of some projects.
    5. Nintendo is taking legal action against products like the MIG Switch, leading to concerns about unfair restrictions on gamers.


    Finding Switch ROMs has gotten a little harder for emulation fans. Recently, gamers found out that both Nsw2u and Nswdl are no longer accessible. A message from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) now appears for visitors to these sites. Supporters used to be able to download Switch games that could be played on emulators and modified consoles.

    FBI’s Action Explained

    The notice states that this action was taken “in accordance with a seizure warrant issued pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 2323 issued by the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia as part of a law enforcement operation and action by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.” Interestingly, the Fiscal Information and Investigation Service (FIOD) from the Netherlands was also part of this. As noted by Kotaku, Nsw2u was included in an EU piracy watchlist back in May 2025.

    The Nature of ROM Sites

    Like Nsw2u and Nswdl, many websites that provide access to Switch ROMs do not actually store the files themselves. Nevertheless, Nintendo has been going after anyone who aids in copyright infringement or piracy. Fortunately, since the ROMs can be found on different file-sharing platforms, there are still many other options available.

    Targeting Emulator Developers

    A perhaps more successful approach has been to go after the creators of Switch emulators and mods. Yuzu stopped its operations in March 2024 after a settlement due to a lawsuit from Nintendo. However, this open-source program continues to be a favored choice among gamers.

    Nintendo has also reportedly taken legal action against a retailer that was selling the MIG Switch. This cartridge is meant for legal backups but can also run some Switch ROMs. Given that the Switch 2 is backward compatible, Nintendo has been banning consoles that use the MIG Switch from online services. This has raised alarms at a Brazilian consumer protection agency, which worries that other gamers might experience unfair restrictions.

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  • Hisense Launches 13-Speaker Dolby Atmos Surround System, 720W

    Hisense Launches 13-Speaker Dolby Atmos Surround System, 720W

    Key Takeaways

    1. Hisense HT Saturn surround sound system launched globally, with online retailers listing it.
    2. Priced at €999, it features Dolby Atmos and a 4.1.2 channel setup with 13 speakers.
    3. The system includes up-firing speakers and a 6.5-inch subwoofer, certified “tuned by Devialet.”
    4. Connectivity options include Bluetooth 5.3, HDMI In, eARC, and optical inputs, with stable wireless transmission.
    5. EzPlay feature allows control via a Hisense TV remote for easy sound management.


    Back in April, Hisense introduced a new surround sound system named the HT Saturn. At that time, the company mentioned that it would be available globally soon. June was suggested as the launch month for several countries, but it has not yet appeared in many European regions. However, the wait seems to be nearly over, as some online retailers have already started to list the home theater system.

    Pricing and Specs

    The official price tag for the Hisense HT Saturn is €999. For this price, customers receive a surround sound system featuring Dolby Atmos and 4.1.2 channels. It includes a total of 13 speakers spread across four satellite units and a subwoofer.

    Each satellite comes with an up-firing speaker, a tweeter, and a full-range speaker. Furthermore, there is a subwoofer that has a 6.5-inch driver. The outcome is a 4.1.2-channel surround sound setup that boasts an exclusive “tuned by Devialet” certification, which reportedly merges Hisense’s advanced Hi-Concerto architecture with Devialet’s acoustic innovations.

    Connectivity and Features

    The Hisense HT Saturn can be effortlessly synchronized with compatible Hisense TV speakers. It is compatible with both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, promising to deliver a sound that fills the room. The Chinese brand also claims to offer an impressive 7.1.2-channel 3D audio experience when all the outputs are functioning together.

    Wireless transmission utilizes 2.4, 5.2, and 5.8GHz frequencies to ensure stable connections with minimal latency. The new Hisense speaker system also supports Bluetooth 5.3, HDMI In, HDMI eARC, and optical inputs. Lastly, Hisense’s EzPlay feature lets users manage the sound system using a standard Hisense TV remote control to modify volume, sound modes (like standard, movie, music, game, and sport), and more.

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  • MacBook Pro with M5 Launch Delayed; New iPad and More Leaked

    MacBook Pro with M5 Launch Delayed; New iPad and More Leaked

    Key Takeaways

    1. Apple is expected to launch new iPhones and Apple Watches in September 2025, along with an iPad Pro featuring the M5 chip in October.
    2. A successor to the Apple Vision Pro with an upgraded M4 chipset and improved head strap is anticipated by the end of 2025.
    3. New products like Apple TV 4K and HomePod mini are expected to include Apple’s own WiFi chip; however, the new MacBook Pro has been delayed to early 2026.
    4. The MacBook Air M5 is set to launch in early 2026, alongside refreshed budget-friendly iPads and the iPad Air with the M4 chip.
    5. A new Apple Studio Display and a smart home hub are likely to debut in the first half of 2026, while a more affordable MacBook with an iPhone processor is also rumored.


    Based on leaked identification numbers and code from an internal version of iOS 18, a new report from Bloomberg provides further details on the products Apple is expected to launch within the next twelve months.

    Expected Launches in Late 2025

    The product lineup for the second half of 2025 doesn’t hold many surprises, as it’s likely that Apple will unveil new iPhones and Apple Watches in September, as is the custom. Following this, there is an expectation of the iPad Pro powered by the Apple M5 chip in October, which will likely see minimal upgrades apart from the system-on-chip. Additionally, the Apple Vision Pro is anticipated to have a successor, which will feature an upgraded Apple M4 chipset and a more comfortable head strap. The following Apple products are expected to launch by the end of the year:

    Apple roadmap for H2 2025

    Earlier speculations have also suggested a new Apple TV 4K and a HomePod mini, both of which are anticipated to incorporate Apple’s own WiFi chip for the first time. Notably, a new MacBook Pro, which should have been based on the Apple M5 Pro and M5 Max, is missing from this list. Bloomberg reports that the launch of this product has been delayed until early 2026. This iteration is said to be the last with the current design before the MacBook Pro transitions to a thinner and lighter chassis with an OLED screen.

    Looking Ahead to Early 2026

    The MacBook Air M5 is also expected to be introduced early next year. In March or April 2026, Apple may refresh its most budget-friendly iPad along with the iPad Air, equipping them with newer processors. However, the iPad Air is expected to lag a generation behind the iPad Pro, featuring the Apple M4 chip. Aside from the new processor, there are no significant changes or updates planned. Particularly exciting is the possibility of a new Apple Studio Display, since the current model is now over three years old. Additionally, the long-anticipated smart home hub could debut in the first half of 2026. Notably absent from Bloomberg’s list is a more affordable MacBook utilizing an iPhone processor, which is also rumored to launch early in 2026.

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  • Krafton: Subnautica 2 Delay to 2026 Not Due to Financial Issues

    Krafton: Subnautica 2 Delay to 2026 Not Due to Financial Issues

    Key Takeaways

    1. Subnautica 2 has been postponed to 2026, with Krafton denying that financial issues caused the delay.
    2. Krafton dismissed the three founders of Unknown Worlds Entertainment, replacing them with Steve Papoutsis as the new CEO.
    3. The timing of the leadership changes is suspicious, as it coincides with a potential $250 million bonus tied to revenue goals for Unknown Worlds.
    4. Charlie Cleveland, one of the ousted founders, claims the game is ready for early access, contradicting Krafton’s stance that it is not.
    5. The first Subnautica was a huge success, selling over 6 million copies, but the controversy surrounding the sequel has affected trust between Krafton, Unknown Worlds, and fans.


    The follow-up to the 2018 underwater survival title, Subnautica 2, has been officially postponed until 2026. Krafton, the publisher, insists that the delay was not driven by any financial or contractual issues, despite reports revealing a potential $250 million payment that developers, Unknown Worlds, could have received if they met specific performance goals.

    Leadership Changes

    Last week, Krafton made headlines by dismissing the three founders of Unknown Worlds Entertainment from their roles. Charlie Cleveland, who was the original I Director, along with CEO Ted Gill and co-founder Max Guire, were ousted from the company they established in 2001. In their place, Krafton appointed Steve Papoutsis from Striking Distance as the new CEO of Unknown Worlds.

    Suspicious Timing

    As reported by Bloomberg, the timing of these changes raises eyebrows, especially considering the financial implications. Krafton had earlier promised a signing bonus of $250 million to Unknown Worlds, which would be shared among the studio’s employees if revenue targets were met by the end of 2025. This arrangement was heavily weighted towards the three executives who were let go, providing them with a significant portion of the bonuses if the conditions were fulfilled.

    With Subnautica 2 now officially pushed back to 2026, it seems improbable that Unknown Worlds will hit the revenue goals, effectively blocking the team from receiving their potential payout of a quarter-billion dollars.

    Response from Charlie Cleveland

    After his dismissal, Charlie Cleveland voiced his concerns and contradicted Krafton’s narrative, stating, “We know that the game is ready for early access release, and we know you’re ready to play it. And while we thought this was going to be our decision to make, at least for now, that decision is in Krafton’s hands. And after all these years, to find that I’m no longer able to work at the company I started things.”

    On the flip side, Steve Papoutsis, the new CEO, informed staff that Krafton did not think Subnautica 2 was ready for early access and claimed he was unaware of the bonus agreement: “It’s never been told to me that we’re making this change specifically to impact any earnout or anything like that.”

    A Successful Predecessor

    The first Subnautica entered early access back in 2014 and had its full launch in 2018. The game sold over 6 million copies, marking it as one of the most successful indie survival games ever.

    Whether the delay for Subnautica 2 is warranted remains unclear, but the controversy has already damaged the trust between Krafton, Unknown Worlds, and the fans of the Subnautica series.

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  • Ultimea Skywave F30 Boom: Preorder New 3.1.2 Dolby Atmos Soundbar

    Ultimea Skywave F30 Boom: Preorder New 3.1.2 Dolby Atmos Soundbar

    Key Takeaways

    1. Ultimea has introduced the Skywave F30 Boom, a Dolby Atmos soundbar with a dedicated subwoofer, priced at $185.
    2. The soundbar features a 3.1.2-channel audio configuration with multiple drivers, including upward-firing speakers for enhanced audio experience.
    3. It delivers a peak audio output of 360 watts and supports various audio input methods including HDMI (eARC) and optical input.
    4. The system allows playback from USB drives with up to 128GB capacity and includes Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity.
    5. Users can control and personalize the soundbar through a dedicated smartphone application.


    Ultimea has started to make a name for itself, especially in areas like projectors and soundbars. Recently, the Skywave F30 Boom has been added to their collection of home theater devices, and it includes a special subwoofer. In the US, customers can now place preorders for this Dolby Atmos soundbar priced at $185 on the brand’s official website, but shipping won’t begin until late August.

    Features and Design

    The soundbar comes equipped with several individual drivers. It has left and right drivers, a central speaker, and two upward-firing speakers. The sound produced by these upward speakers is meant to bounce off the ceiling, aiming to create a richer audio experience without needing extra satellite speakers. Ultimea has also included a dedicated subwoofer to enhance the bass, resulting in a 3.1.2-channel audio configuration.

    Performance Specs

    The audio output is rated at 360 watts, which refers to its peak power. This home theater system supports Dolby Atmos and can accept audio signals through HDMI (eARC), optical input, and various audio formats that can be played directly from an external USB drive with a capacity of up to 128GB. Additionally, it features Bluetooth 5.4, and the Ultimea soundbar comes with a remote control in the package. Finally, the Skywave F30 Boom can be personalized and managed using a special smartphone application.

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  • CheckMag | Booklore: The Plex for Self-Hosted E-Book Libraries

    CheckMag | Booklore: The Plex for Self-Hosted E-Book Libraries

    Key Takeaways

    1. Calibre is a popular e-book management tool but has an outdated user interface and lacks an optimal reading experience.
    2. Booklore serves as a web-based alternative to Calibre, offering a visually appealing and user-friendly way to manage and read e-books.
    3. Booklore supports multiple users, custom “shelves,” and allows for easy book downloads and transfers to e-readers, including Kindle integration.
    4. DRM restrictions on e-books complicate the process of building a personal library and can limit access to certain titles, pushing users toward piracy.
    5. The rise of self-hosting solutions like Booklore highlights the desire for more control over personal data in an ecosystem dominated by major retailers.


    Calibre has been a popular choice for managing e-books for quite some time. It lets users manage, convert, and read e-books easily. Furthermore, it also helps in removing DRM from books bought from Amazon (we’ll discuss this later). While it can be hosted in a Docker container like Booklore, the user interface feels outdated. Despite its strong book management features, it doesn’t provide the best experience when browsing or reading books in your collection.

    An Alternative to Calibre

    Booklore isn’t intended to replace Calibre; rather, it serves as a web-based manager for your book collection. It allows you to arrange and read your titles in a visually appealing and user-friendly manner. Since it operates via Docker, you can access it from any device on your network. It works seamlessly through a web browser on phones, tablets, and e-readers.

    With Booklore, you can sort books into custom “shelves,” download missing covers, artwork, and metadata, and also read content via a built-in e-reader that tracks your reading progress. If you prefer not using the built-in reader, you can download books and transfer them to your preferred e-reader using OPDS (Open Publication Distribution System) integration. Additionally, it can even email books directly to a Kindle. Booklore supports multiple users, which means different accounts can be created for various people, allowing them to manage their libraries separately.

    Getting Started with Booklore

    Installing Booklore is quite easy and involves setting up a Docker container. You can find the Docker Compose file on GitHub. A MariaDB instance must also be running, and pre-configured templates for both can be located in the Unraid apps section. Just ensure that the Booklore container can access the MariaDB container by consistently setting the database name and password in both containers, while also informing the Booklore container of the MariaDB container’s address.

    You can also specify a folder containing books for the Booklore container, allowing direct import to your library. This feature is handy if you’re importing many books, but you can also upload multiple files directly via the web interface.

    Once properly set up, you should see a login page upon accessing the web interface, prompting you to create an administrator account.

    The DRM Dilemma

    While you can purchase some DRM-free books from sites like eBooks.com, you won’t find the latest Pulitzer Prize winners readily available without DRM. Those wanting to set up their own e-book library or read outside of the Amazon or Kobo ecosystems might find it challenging. You’ll need specific hardware like the Kindle (available on Amazon) or an app from the respective company.

    There are methods to remove DRM from Amazon-bought books using Calibre and several plugins (which do work), but the process can be tedious. It often requires a Kindle serial number and, for Windows users, depends on downloading an older and specific version of the Kindle App, making this method less reliable over time.

    As an alternative, you might download a DRM-free version of a book from a shadow library like Z-Library (which I won’t link to for obvious reasons). However, due to piracy associations, downloading books you’ve legally purchased still hovers in a grey area of legality.

    The Broader Implications

    Extracting audio, video, and even games from physical media takes mere minutes with modern technology, though it often resides in a grey legal area in many regions. Unfortunately, applying the same concept to physical books is quite impractical. Although owning a physical book allows for loaning or selling it, DRM hasn’t hindered piracy, yet we remain trapped in ecosystems where purchased content can be removed at any moment. This is something that cannot happen with a physical copy.

    DRM on books forces consumers to buy from major retailers or resort to piracy. This makes tools like Booklore less feasible for many, which is unfortunate because self-hosting is gaining popularity. Booklore is an excellent resource for book enthusiasts who want to maintain control over their data.

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