Boox Announces the Picco, an Ultra-Compact E-Reader

Boox, a maker of e-paper tablets and displays, is expanding into a new “Tile” category of devices that emphasize very small form factors. The move follows the popularity of Xteink’s miniature e-readers, which have been praised for fitting on the back of a phone. Industry observers have noted that Boox’s existing products have not yet entered this niche, prompting speculation about what shapes the new lineup will take.

The Verge

The Picco is described as having a 3.97-inch front-lit black-and-white e-paper screen, a size that places it below the Xteink X4 Pro, which costs $99. An SD-card slot allows expandable storage; Boox indicated that an 8 GB card could hold roughly 2,000–8,000 titles. Promotional images show physical buttons, though it is unclear whether the device will also incorporate a touchscreen. The Verge noted that the Picco’s user interface is expected to be a minimal, tiled layout limited to basic apps such as Neoreader, a music player, and a podcast player, distinguishing it from Boox’s Android-based Palma tablet.

The VergeEngadget

Boox confirmed to The Verge that the Picco is part of the new Tile lineup and will be offered at an “accessible price point,” though the exact cost, battery life, weight, and release schedule remain undisclosed. Engadget reported that Boox has not provided details on the device’s dimensions or pricing, but the company suggested that further information will be released in the near future.

The Verge

If priced competitively, the Picco could challenge Xteink’s dominance in the ultra-small e-reader segment, especially if it matches the front-lit display quality of the $99 X4 Pro. However, uncertainty remains about whether the Picco will support magnetic attachment to phones—a key feature of Xteink’s models—and how its limited UI will affect user adoption. The lack of concrete specifications and a launch timeline leaves consumers and analysts awaiting further announcements from Boox.

The Verge