Boox Picco e-reader set for November launch with touchscreen and Linux OS
The Chinese device maker's competitor to the Xteink X4 will feature a 3.97-inch touchscreen, customizable page-turn buttons, and a stripped-down Linux-based operating system rather than Android.
What happened
Boox announced additional details about its Picco e-reader, originally teased in July, ahead of an expected November launch. The device will feature a 3.97-inch touchscreen e-paper display with physical page-turn buttons customizable for short and long presses. It will run a stripped-down Linux-based OS rather than Android like other Boox devices. Storage relies entirely on microSD cards, with book transfer supported via USB-C or WiFi through a companion app. The Picco will not have magnetic attachments for phones, unlike the Xteink X4.
Context
Boox is positioning the Picco as a competitor to the Xteink X4 e-reader. The Picco's touchscreen has been called a welcome upgrade over the X4 Pro. However, Boox's decision to use a proprietary Linux OS and keep its firmware closed—contrasting with Xteink's open approach—may limit customization and hacking possibilities. Key specifications including price, battery life, Bluetooth support, and audiobook capability remain undisclosed pending the November announcement.