Boox Picco: Tiny Touchscreen E-Reader Surfaces

We've been hearing whispers about the Boox Picco, Onyx Boox's answer to the intriguing Xteink X4 e-reader, since July. Back then, details were scarce, but thanks to some recent reporting from IFA, we're finally getting a clearer picture of this tiny gadget. While a price point is still under wraps, the Picco seems to be shaping up to be a compelling option for readers on the go.

One of the most significant upgrades compared to some earlier models is the inclusion of a touchscreen on its 3.97-inch e-paper display. This is a feature that our own Andrew Liszewski praised as a "welcome upgrade" on the X4 Pro, and it should make navigating your library and turning pages a much more intuitive experience. The Picco also retains physical page-turn buttons, which is great news for those who prefer tactile feedback. What's even better is that these buttons are customizable, allowing you to assign different actions to short and long presses, which could be a real game-changer for personalizing your reading workflow.

Interestingly, the Picco appears to forgo onboard storage altogether, relying solely on a microSD card for all your e-books. While this might be a drawback for some, it also keeps the device incredibly small and potentially more affordable. Unlike the Xteink devices, the Picco won't feature magnets on the back for attaching to a phone, suggesting it's designed to be a standalone reading companion.

With its compact size, touchscreen functionality, and customizable buttons, the Boox Picco looks set to carve out a niche in the e-reader market. We're eager to see the final pricing and availability details when they emerge, but for now, this little device is definitely one to watch for avid readers who value portability and a streamlined experience. Keep an eye out, as it's expected to launch around November.