Boox has shared more details about the Picco, its latest entry in the ultra-portable e-reader category, during the IFA trade show. Originally teased in July, the device is the company's response to the popular Xteink X4, though it follows a distinct design philosophy.
Technical Specifications and Design
The Picco features a 3.97-inch e-paper display that includes touchscreen functionality—a notable upgrade over similar pocket-sized competitors. It also retains physical page-turn buttons, which can be customized to perform different actions based on short or long presses. Notably, the Picco lacks the rear magnets found on Xteink devices for phone attachment.
Storage and Software
In a unique hardware choice, the Picco has no onboard storage, relying entirely on a microSD card slot for holding digital books. Users can transfer reading material to the device via its USB-C port or through WiFi using a companion application.
Regarding software, the Picco diverges from Boox’s typical Android-based ecosystem. Instead, it runs a stripped-down, Linux-based operating system. The firmware includes several utility apps, such as:
- A timer
- A todo list
- A reading stats tracker
However, it is unlikely that Boox will open its firmware to the same extent as competitors, potentially making it less customizable for hobbyists. While the device is expected to launch in November, key details including price and battery life have yet to be disclosed.
