A year ago, I was obsessed with my Boox Palma. This phone-shaped e-ink device was my constant companion, and I credited it with helping me read more and use my phone less. However, after discovering the quirky, wallet-sized Xteink X4 last December, my Boox e-reader has literally been collecting dust.
Source: lifehacker.com
Xteink devices have garnered a significant following, particularly among Redditors in the r/xteinkereader community. The reasons behind this fervent fanbase are multifaceted: Xteink’s devices are really basic, really cheap (starting at $69), and really small. These factors have contributed to their viral success on social media and their cult-like following.
Source: lifehacker.com
Boox Enters the Tiny E-Reader Market
Boox, a company known for its e-readers, now wants in on the wee e-reader action. This week, the company leaked the first details about a forthcoming device it’s calling the Boox Picco. The Boox Picco is part of a new product line called Boox Tile, which focuses on creating more lightweight and flexible ePaper experiences for everyday use cases.
Source: lifehacker.com
The Boox Picco is a compact ePaper device designed for convenient reading scenarios, such as commuting and on-the-go reading. It features a 3.97-inch black-and-white e-ink display, larger than the Xteink X3 but smaller than the Xteink X4. The device also boasts a front light, a feature recently introduced on the Xteink X4 Pro. Additionally, the Boox Picco supports microSD cards.
While Boox has revealed some details about the Picco, several key aspects remain unknown. The company has not yet announced the processor that will power the device, whether it will feature physical buttons, or if it will run on Android, like the Palma and the rumored Xteink S4. Furthermore, the release date and pricing for the Boox Picco in China and the U.S. remain unclear.
Xteink’s stripped-down e-readers have gained popularity due to their simplicity and affordability. In an era defined by attention overload, a super basic e-reader that literally can’t do much more than show you a book feels like a welcome respite. The carry-anywhere size, tactile controls, and single-purpose design of Xteink devices have resonated with users seeking a break from the complexities of modern technology.
Given the enthusiasm in the market for Xteink’s devices, it’s no surprise that Boox is attempting to get in on the action. As a reviewer who has extensively covered Boox tablets and e-readers, I’m cautiously excited about the Boox Picco. However, I’m also aware of the potential pitfalls, as seen in the Palma’s feature-rich but expensive design.
If Boox understands the real factors behind Xteink’s success, the Picco will be a simple reading device with the polish you’d expect from a larger, more seasoned company. It will also likely cost $100 or less. However, if the Palma is any indication, the Picco might be just as overloaded with features, which could impact its price and appeal.
We’ll have to wait and see what the Boox Picco brings to the table. In the meantime, I’ve got plenty of books to read on my X4 Pro.
