Boox's tiny Picco e-reader to arrive in November, featuring touchscreen and physical buttons
Boox has shared more details about its Picco e-reader, which will have a 3.97-inch touchscreen e-paper display and physical page-turn buttons. Unlike the Xteink X4, it lacks magnets for attaching to a phone and has no onboard storage, relying on microSD. It will run a Linux-based OS and support USB-C and WiFi file transfers.
The Picco distinguishes itself from rival Xteink models by omitting magnetic phone attachment, yet it adds a touchscreen layer to its compact e-paper panel. Users can assign distinct functions to short and long presses of its physical buttons. File management relies solely on microSD cards, though USB-C and WiFi transfers offer alternative loading methods.
Unlike Boox's typical Android devices, this model uses a simplified Linux system bundled with productivity tools like a timer and reading tracker. Its firmware likely remains closed, limiting customization. Several specifications, including pricing, battery endurance, and audio capabilities, remain undisclosed until the November release.
This device could appeal to readers seeking a minimalist, distraction-free alternative to smartphones, particularly those who prioritize physical buttons over magnetic attachments. The closed Linux system may frustrate hobbyists who enjoyed hacking Xteink devices, but the touchscreen and WiFi file transfer could broaden its appeal to less technical users. Its November debut may signal a growing trend toward ultra-portable e-ink gadgets, potentially reshaping how casual readers consume short-form content.