Boox Launches Competing Mini E-Reader Against Xteink

Boox is gearing up to launch its new Tile series, aiming to compete with Xteink’s well-received compact e-readers that can easily attach to the back of an iPhone using MagSafe. The first model in this lineup is the Picco, which boasts a 3.97-inch front-lit black-and-white e-paper display and offers expandable storage via an SD card slot. Boox has confirmed that the Picco is in development and will be priced affordably, though specific details regarding its specifications, exact price, or release date remain under wraps.

The front-lit display positions it as a contender against Xteink’s $99 X4 Pro, which has been praised as “the best tiny e-reader you can buy.” However, a key feature of Xteink’s devices is their magnetic attachment capability, and it’s still uncertain whether the Boox Picco will offer something similar.

Promotional images suggest the Picco will include physical buttons, but it’s unclear if it will function solely with buttons like the original Xteink X4 or if it will also feature a touchscreen. Reports indicate that the Picco will likely have a streamlined, tiled user interface focused on basic applications such as Neoreader, a music player, and a podcast player, distinguishing it from the more advanced Android-powered Boox Palma.