Boox is preparing to challenge Xteink’s dominance in the compact e-reader market with its upcoming Tile lineup. The first device in this new series, called the Picco, will offer a 3.97-inch front-lit display with black-and-white e-paper technology and the ability to expand storage through an SD card slot, according to reports from Good E-Reader and confirmation from Boox to The Verge.
While Boox has confirmed the Picco is in development and emphasized an “accessible price point,” the company has remained tight-lipped about additional specifications, exact pricing, and launch timing. The device’s front-lit display suggests it could compete directly with Xteink’s $99 X4 Pro model, which has earned recognition as a leading option in the tiny e-reader category.
Some details about the Picco remain uncertain. Promotional images suggest the device will include physical buttons, though it is unclear whether it will rely exclusively on buttons like earlier models or incorporate touchscreen functionality. Reports also indicate the Picco may feature a minimal tiled user interface with access to basic applications such as a news reader, music player, and podcast player, positioning it differently from Boox’s Android-based Palma device.
Currently unclear is whether the Picco will support magnetic attachment to smartphone backs, a signature feature of Xteink’s popular compact e-readers that has resonated with consumers seeking portable reading devices.
Originally reported by Theverge →
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