SVARTLING NETWORK

A First Look at the Flowtica Scribe Recording & Note Taking Pen

stefan@svartling.net (Stefan Svartling) — Sun, 4 Oct 2026 14:33:54 +0200

The Flowtica Scribe Wants to Be the Ultimate AI Copilot for Your Handwritten Notes

In an increasingly digital world, the visceral satisfaction of putting pen to paper remains unmatched. But the analog format has one major flaw: it doesn't search, it doesn't sync, and it certainly doesn't summarize itself. Enter the Flowtica Scribe, a new hybrid device that bridges the gap between tactile note-taking and cutting-edge artificial intelligence.

At first glance, the Flowtica Scribe looks like a premium writing instrument, but packed inside its sleek chassis is a powerful audio recorder and Bluetooth transmitter. The premise is simple yet ambitious: record your meetings, lectures, or personal thoughts while writing normally on any piece of paper, and let a companion app instantly transcribe and summarize everything using AI.

Premium Hardware with a Clever Charging Solution

The unboxing experience of the Flowtica Scribe suggests a tool built for professionals. The packaging includes a generous supply of extra ink cartridges, ensuring the pen can remain your daily driver for a long time. But the standout hardware feature is the charging case. Wrapped in a satisfying, leather-like finish, the case uses USB-C to charge and allows the pen to capture up to 100 hours of recording on a single charge. The pen itself docks using a magnetic pogo-pin connector, a familiar and reliable mechanism for smart devices.

On the pen's body, you'll find an indicator light, a dedicated recording button, and a "Flow Mark" button. This mark button is a stroke of genius—press it during a recording, and it immediately highlights that specific important moment in the audio, saving you from scrubbing through an hour-long lecture to find the most critical takeaway.

The Magic of the Companion App

While the hardware is elegant, the true power of the Flowtica Scribe lies in its iOS and Android application. Pairing the pen is a breeze, followed by a quick firmware update to get everything synchronized. Out of the box, users get around 300 free minutes per month for AI-powered summaries and advanced transcriptions, along with unlimited standard audio recording for as long as you own the device. For power users, the ecosystem is surprisingly open—you can easily export audio to use with your preferred AI models, such as Google Gemini Pro.

The software supports multiple languages, though early testing reveals that manually selecting your spoken language yields significantly better transcriptions than letting the app guess. Once correctly configured, the transfer speed is nothing short of lightning-fast. Stop your recording on the pen, and within seconds, the audio is on your phone being processed into clean, readable text.

Action Items and The Smart Notebook

Perhaps the most impressive demonstration of the Scribe's ecosystem is how it handles actionable tasks. While the pen works flawlessly on any standard paper, Flowtica also offers its own specialized leather-bound notebook. If you jot down a to-do list in this specific notebook and snap a photo using the Flowtica app, the software works in tandem with the audio recording to extract those handwritten notes and convert them into interactive action items right on your device.

In practice, it feels like magic. A quick test session involving handwritten notes and simultaneous speech resulted in the app not only transcribing the spoken words accurately but also generating a concise summary, automatically identifying speakers, and appending the written tasks to a digital checklist.

Final Thoughts

The Flowtica Scribe is shaping up to be an incredibly nifty gadget for anyone who wants to digitize their workflow without giving up the tactile feel of real ink. While privacy concerns might limit its use in highly confidential corporate meetings, it is an absolute powerhouse for personal brainstorming, studying, and content creation. If you are looking for a way to streamline your note-taking process and leverage AI without staring at a screen all day, the Flowtica Scribe is a compelling new tool worth checking out.

Buy it here: https://bit.ly/3TDgZNl Discount code: SVARTLING

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How I use my e-Ink and other devices everyday

stefan@svartling.net (Stefan Svartling) — Fri, 25 Sep 2026 16:06:55 +0200

I Replaced My Smartphone Screen With a Fleet of E-Ink Devices. Here’s How My Wild Daily Workflow Actually Works.

If you’re reading this, there's a good chance your eyes are tired. We stare at glaring OLED and LCD screens all day, inviting eye strain, screen fatigue, and for some of us, debilitating migraines. For tech creator Stefan Svartling, standard smartphone screens became such a headache—literally—that he decided to fundamentally change how he interacts with the digital world.

The solution wasn't a digital detox; it was an e-ink revolution. Armed with a collection of over 20 electronic ink devices, he has meticulously engineered a multi-device workflow that hands off tasks from morning to midnight. It sounds like an intricate juggling act, but a closer look reveals a masterclass in intentional, distraction-free computing.

Here is how he navigates a typical day using a fleet of purpose-built e-ink readers, an Apple Watch Ultra 2, and an iPhone that has been permanently demoted to a mobile router.

The Morning Commute: Pocket-Sized Companions

When Svartling packs his bag for the office, two e-ink devices are absolute mainstays: the Viwoods AiPaper Reader (in classic black and white) and the XTEINK X4 Pro. The XTEINK is a dedicated micro-reader—strictly no Android distractions—that slides perfectly into a jeans pocket for a quick paragraph on the go.

But what about the smartphone? Svartling carries an iPhone Air, but you won't catch him staring at it. Slapped with a MagSafe battery pack, the iPhone is tossed in his bag and left on personal hotspot mode from dawn to dusk. "My iPhone is just a router," he explains. He relies on its powerful bandwidth to blanket his e-ink devices in Wi-Fi, leaving the actual screen time to the glare-free panels.

On the drive to work, he streams audiobooks via Storytel via Apple CarPlay. When he arrives, the beauty of ecosystem syncing takes over. The exact spot where the audiobook paused in the car is queued up on the Viwoods AiPaper Reader. Because the Viwoods boasts an ultra-fast refresh rate, he can utilize immersive reading—listening to the narrator through his AirPods while following the text simultaneously without any screen ghosting. For English titles, he relies on KOReader, seamlessly syncing his reading progress between the Viwoods and the tiny XTEINK X4 Pro.

The AI-Powered E-Ink Research Hub

E-ink is historically for consumption, but Svartling uses it as a dynamic research engine. During the day, he scrolls Reddit using the Sidekeys app, which maps scrolling to physical buttons for a flawlessly smooth, ghost-free experience.

When he finds an interesting news piece or a dense Reddit debate, he doesn't read it in the browser. Instead, he shares the link directly to Google Gemini. He prompts Gemini to analyze the text, summarize the key points, and translate it into Swedish. These AI-generated insights are then saved into dedicated Gemini notebooks.

When it's time to actually digest this research, he turns to his larger devices. He pushes the Gemini documents to the Viwoods AiPaper Mini—his absolute favorite form factor—or the expansive 10-inch Viwoods AiPaper for deep, distraction-free reading, highlighting, and stylus note-taking using the PARA (Projects, Areas, Resources, Archives) organization method.

The Evening Wind Down: Swapping for Warmth

As the sun sets, the device rotation shifts based on lighting. The 10-inch Viwoods AiPaper has a gorgeous screen for writing, but lacks a frontlight, making it strictly a dining table device. For the couch, the Viwoods AiPaper Mini takes over. Occasionally, he’ll reach for the Bigme B7 Color tablet, though its awkward side-button placement restricts it to seated reading only.

When it's finally time for bed, the Viwoods AiPaper Reader C (the color edition) comes out. This isn't just about seeing book covers in color; the black-and-white AiPaper Reader only features a cold frontlight, which is harsh in pitch-black rooms. The color edition features a soothing warm light, making it the ultimate bedside companion to finish the day's chapters.

Why Keep the iPhone?

If e-ink handles reading, journaling, Reddit, and AI research, why keep the iPhone Air around at all? Simply put: trust and utility. E-ink operating systems aren't yet secure enough for sensitive banking apps. Plus, the iPhone provides a high-quality camera and the backbone for CarPlay navigation.

For actual communication, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 does the heavy lifting. Equipped with its own eSIM, the watch handles phone calls, text messages, and streams Storytel during power walks. Svartling even uses it to record voice memos on the go, which are beamed to the iPhone and transcribed later by Gemini. Sometimes, the Bigme HiBreak Pro Color tags in as a primary phone, but the iPhone-as-a-router system remains supreme.

It is an intricate web of syncing, Wi-Fi handoffs, and highly specialized hardware. But in a world designed to burn our retinas with endless notifications and blue light, Svartling’s e-ink ecosystem is a brilliant, eye-saving escape.

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A comparison between CrossPoint and CrossInk on the XTEINK X4 Pro

stefan@svartling.net (Stefan Svartling) — Sun, 20 Sep 2026 15:01:38 +0200

Speed vs. Sync: The Ultimate Firmware Face-Off on the XTEINK X4 Pro

For e-reader enthusiasts, hardware is only half the equation. The operating system running under the hood dictates the entire digital reading experience, transforming a static e-ink display into a fluid, highly personalized library. On the acclaimed XTEINK X4 Pro, users are faced with a crucial software choice: stick with the robust, feature-heavy CrossInk, or pivot to the increasingly popular CrossPoint firmware.

After evaluating both operating systems on the XTEINK X4 Pro, the differences between CrossPoint and CrossInk are stark. Each caters to a fundamentally different type of reader. Here is a deep dive into how they compare across performance, interface design, syncing capabilities, and specialized reading features.

The Need for Speed and Intuitive Design

When it comes to raw performance and UI responsiveness, CrossPoint is currently dominating the competition. Booting up or putting the XTEINK X4 Pro to sleep requires just a single tap of the power button, allowing you to dive into a book instantaneously.

Beyond the boot sequence, the general speed of the user interface—page turns, opening new files, and navigating menus—feels incredibly snappy on CrossPoint. Conversely, recent iterations of CrossInk have grown noticeably sluggish, hindered by software overhead that slows down the fundamentally instantaneous nature of e-ink technology.

CrossPoint also wins out on interface design. The layout is remarkably intuitive, particularly for beginners. A swipe down reveals brightness, color warmth, and smart toggles like night mode and screen refresh, while a swipe up handles chapter navigation. It features only four main top-level menu categories, preventing the settings fatigue often associated with e-readers. Furthermore, CrossPoint includes native daylight saving time support directly in its clock settings—a minor but highly appreciated technical convenience that CrossInk lacks.

The Syncing Ecosystem and Data Tracking

Where CrossInk flexes its muscles is in its advanced ecosystem synchronization. If you own multiple XTEINK devices—such as an X4 Pro for the home and an X3 for commuting—CrossInk is unparalleled. It natively syncs files, exact reading progress, and reading statistics across all compatible devices in real-time.

CrossPoint, unfortunately, lacks this proprietary device-to-device syncing. Users are restricted to standard, somewhat clunkier methods like Calibre wireless, creating local hotspots, or web server transfers. While functional, these methods lack the frictionless ecosystem integration that CrossInk provides.

Additionally, CrossInk tracks granular reading statistics. For the data-obsessed reader, seeing exact metrics on reading habits is a major plus. However, this tracking can induce a sense of performance anxiety. CrossPoint omits reading stats entirely, offering a purer, more zen-like reading environment.

The Ergonomics of Reading

The physical handling of an e-reader is critical, and here, the two firmwares trade blows.

CrossInk provides a brilliant control mapping feature: you can set both physical page-turn buttons to "Next Page." This is an ergonomic triumph, allowing you to switch hands dynamically while reading without having to constantly shift your thumb to a specific button. CrossPoint currently forces a strict "Next/Previous" mapping.

However, CrossPoint claims the victory in touch control management. When you disable the touchscreen in CrossPoint to grip the device without accidental page turns, the touch layer is completely deactivated. Bizarrely, in CrossInk, even when touch is disabled, a long-press will still trigger the dictionary lookup. This technical oversight makes it frustrating to grip the XTEINK X4 Pro firmly by the bezel and screen without launching unintended software actions.

Dictionary Deep Dive and Typography Layout

For readers delving into complex texts or foreign languages, dictionary lookups are vital. CrossInk handles this flawlessly. It allows you to quickly switch between multiple installed dictionaries on the fly if a definition isn't found. More importantly, it correctly highlights and processes hyphenated words across line breaks. CrossPoint currently struggles here, only highlighting half of a hyphenated word, although developers have promised a patch in upcoming versions.

CrossInk also offers better layout optimization for the status bar. It neatly separates information, placing the current time at the top of the screen and a highly useful "minutes left in chapter" estimate at the bottom. CrossPoint crowds the bottom status bar with the time and entirely omits the chapter time estimate, leaving readers guessing how much longer a section will take.

The Verdict

Choosing between CrossPoint and CrossInk on the XTEINK X4 Pro comes down to how you consume literature.

If you value cross-device synchronization, advanced dictionary features, and granular hardware button customization, CrossInk remains an incredibly powerful choice.

However, if your priority is a frictionless, distraction-free reading experience, CrossPoint is the undisputed winner. Its superior speed, logical UI, and frequent developer updates make it feel like a modern, optimized operating system built purely for the joy of reading.

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viwoods AiPaper Reader Folding Case

stefan@svartling.net (Stefan Svartling) — Wed, 16 Sep 2026 17:37:55 +0200

The Viwoods AiPaper Reader Replaced My Smartphone. Here's How I'm Protecting It.

E-ink enthusiasts are a particular breed. We chase the perfect paper-like display, the fastest refresh rates, and the most distraction-free reading experience. For me, that pursuit recently culminated in crowning the Viwoods AiPaper Reader—specifically the black-and-white edition—as my absolute favorite device, with its color sibling, the AiPaper Reader C, trailing just behind in second place.

But declaring an phone-like e-reader your daily driver means accepting the risks of the real world. That’s why, despite my usual aversion to bulky covers and screen protectors, I recently dropped over 500 Swedish Krona (around $50) on the official Viwoods folding leather case.

The E-Ink Smartphone Shift

To understand why I bought this case, you have to understand the hardware shift I've made. The Viwoods AiPaper Reader has essentially become my main phone. My iPhone Air has been relegated to the role of a glorious 5G mobile hotspot and MagSafe battery host. From morning until night, the AiPaper is tethered to the iPhone's internet sharing, serving as my workhorse for both professional tasks and on-the-go reading.

But there’s a catch to this newfound e-ink minimalism. The AiPaper Reader, while a marvel of design and incredibly snappy to use, simply doesn't possess the bulletproof durability of modern flagship smartphones. I’ve dropped my case-less iPhone Air twice onto hard surfaces without a single scratch to show for it. I wouldn't dare test that same luck with an exposed e-ink screen. These displays are inherently more fragile than the thick Gorilla Glass slabs we're used to abusing. Thus, the hunt for protection began.

The decision of which device to protect was easy. Because I love both my AiPaper Readers, they serve distinct purposes in my life. The Kaleido 3 color version is my dedicated evening companion for reading at home, safely resting by my bedside. The black-and-white model, however, is the one that goes everywhere I go. It travels with me to the office, runs errands with me, and endures the bumps of my daily commute. Given the steep price tag of the official accessories, I couldn't justify buying two. The black-and-white model was the clear winner for the protective gear upgrade.

Hands-On With the Olive Green Armor

So, how does the official Viwoods case hold up to its premium price tag? In short: exceptionally well.

First impressions matter, and the aesthetic cohesion here is impressive. The case comes in an earthy olive-gray or olive-green hue that perfectly complements the device itself. Viwoods went the extra mile to match the case’s faux leather material to the green accents and branding on the side of the AiPaper Reader. It feels intentional, giving the reader a premium, book-like vibe when closed.

Functionally, the case strikes a solid balance between protection and accessibility. The device snaps securely into a hard plastic shell that wraps around the display's edges. What I appreciate most, though, is what remains uncovered. The USB-C port, the microphones, and the bottom speaker are left completely open. More importantly, all the physical side buttons—crucial for tactile page-turning and navigation on an e-reader—remain fully exposed and easy to press. The top of the device is also left completely free.

The faux leather cover isn’t just for show. It features built-in magnets that trigger the device's sleep/wake function automatically—a feature that feels mandatory these days but is always nice to see flawlessly executed. When you fold the cover back, it lays perfectly flat, meaning it doesn't add awkward bulk when you’re holding it in one hand for a reading session. And when you need to read hands-free at a desk or table, the front cover easily folds into a sturdy kickstand.

The Verdict

At over 500 SEK on the Swedish Amazon store, it’s undeniably a pricey accessory. But when you look at the build quality, it’s clear this case is built to go the distance and hold up for years. For someone who has completely shifted their daily workflow to an e-ink device, investing in its longevity isn't just a luxury; it's a necessity. If the Viwoods AiPaper Reader is going to survive the rigors of being my everyday digital companion, this olive-green armor is exactly what it needs.

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XTEINK X4 Pro is the new Kindle!

stefan@svartling.net (Stefan Svartling) — Sun, 13 Sep 2026 13:05:48 +0200

Forget the Kindle: Why "Micro E-Readers" Are the Future of Digital Reading

For more than a decade, the Amazon Kindle has been synonymous with digital reading. It is the default answer to a ubiquitous question: What should I buy to read ebooks? But as we move deeper into a hyper-mobile era, the traditional e-reader is starting to feel a bit like a relic. After spending significant time with the latest wave of micro e-readers—devices like the XTEINK X4 Pro, the XTEINK X4, the XTEINK X3, and even the SEEED reTerminal Sticky—it is becoming increasingly clear that the era of the dedicated, single-purpose Kindle might be drawing to a close. The future of reading isn't a tablet you leave on your nightstand; it is a micro-device that lives in your pocket.

The Portability Paradigm Shift

The fundamental flaw of traditional e-readers, such as the Kindle Basic or the Kindle Paperwhite, is their footprint. While they are thinner and lighter than a physical hardcover, they are still just large enough to be inconvenient. You typically need a bag, a protective case, or a large coat pocket to carry one. Consequently, a Kindle often gets left at home, relegated to sofa reading or bedtime routines.

The XTEINK X4 Pro flips this dynamic completely. It is a micro e-reader specifically designed to be carried everywhere. You can attach it to the back of your smartphone or slip it into the smallest of pockets. This radical portability changes the very nature of how you consume literature. Instead of carving out an hour to read at home, you can pull out the X4 Pro during a commute, while waiting in line for coffee, or during a five-minute break at the office. When your library is truly always with you, you fundamentally read more.

Breaking Down the Walled Garden

Beyond physical bulk, traditional Kindles operate within a rigid software ecosystem. Unless you are willing to jump through the hoops of jailbreaking to install third-party software like KOReader, you are heavily restricted to books purchased through the Amazon ecosystem.

The XTEINK X4 Pro, on the other hand, embraces open systems and user control. It seamlessly integrates with applications like KOReader, allowing for effortless reading progress synchronization across all your other devices. The hardware itself offers features that rival or exceed flagship models, including crisp resolution, responsive touch controls, and adjustable cold and warm front lights.

Furthermore, managing your digital library is vastly superior. Instead of relying exclusively on cloud delivery systems, the X4 Pro utilizes a robust web service accessible directly from your phone or computer. You can drag and drop files, install custom fonts, and tweak device settings on the fly. It also solves hyper-local problems that larger tech companies have long ignored. For example, the Kindle ecosystem has notoriously poor dictionary support for languages like Swedish. The X4 Pro handles international dictionaries effortlessly, providing the localized, highly customized experience that modern readers demand.

The Waterproofing Myth

Of course, the immediate defense of modern Kindles is durability—specifically, waterproofing. The XTEINK X4 Pro is not waterproof. But the necessity of waterproof e-readers has always been somewhat exaggerated in marketing materials. The vast majority of reading happens on public transit, at desks, or in cafes—not at the bottom of a swimming pool. If you get caught in a light drizzle, a quick wipe-down before slipping it back into your pocket is more than sufficient. The trade-off between absolute water resistance and absolute, frictionless portability is one that heavily favors the latter.

A Shifting Industry

The XTEINK X4 Pro is not an anomaly; it is the vanguard of a broader industry shift. The market is finally waking up to the demand for smartphone-sized—and smaller—e-ink devices. We are already seeing the horizon fill with similar hardware, from the upcoming Onyx Boox Picco to pocket-friendly offerings from PocketBook and the remarkably thin Viwoods AiPaper Reader. Even larger devices in this new class, like the Viwoods AiPaper Reader, maintain this underlying ethos of extreme, unencumbered portability.

We are entering a new era of digital reading. The clunky, walled-off devices of the past are making way for ultra-portable, open-source-friendly companions that fit seamlessly into everyday life. The traditional e-reader paved the way, but devices like the XTEINK X4 Pro are taking the baton. By ensuring your current book is never more than an arm's length away, the micro e-reader doesn't just change how you read—it makes you read more.

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My Top 10 e-Ink devices (e-Readers)!

stefan@svartling.net (Stefan Svartling) — Sun, 6 Sep 2026 17:12:50 +0200

The E-Ink Arsenal: The 10 Best Devices I Actually Use

The e-ink landscape has exploded far beyond the simple e-readers of yesterday. From full-fledged Android smartphones to massive digital canvases, there are more ways to read, write, and browse without the eye-straining glare of LCDs than ever before. But with so many options—and a rapidly evolving market—which ones actually earn their keep?

Out of a personal collection of over two dozen e-ink devices, these are the top 10 I reach for the most. This isn't just a list of the newest or most expensive hardware; it's a practical ranking of the readers that genuinely fit into a daily workflow, ranked from least-used to the absolute favorite daily driver.

Rank	Device	Standout Feature
1	Viwoods AiPaper Reader (B&W)	Flawless contrast & ideal form factor
2	Viwoods AiPaper Color	Premium Kaleido 3 reading experience
3	XTEINK X4 Pro	The ultimate pocketable reader
4	Bigme B7 Color	Fast refresh & highly customizable keys
5	Bigme HiBreak Pro Color	A true e-ink smartphone replacement
6	XTEINK X4	Gorgeous magnetic phone attachment
7	Viwoods AiPaper Mini	Fluid navigation & snappy performance
8	XTEINK X3	Exceptional battery & build quality
9	Viwoods AiPaper	Massive digital canvas for productivity
10	ReTerminal Sticky (Seed Studio)	Open-software friendly & robust

10. ReTerminal Sticky (Seed Studio)

A surprisingly solid entry with excellent build quality. It’s highly customizable and works seamlessly with third-party reading software like CrossInk and CrossPoint. The major drawback? A glossy display that essentially turns into a mirror under direct sunlight, making outdoor reading a frustrating challenge.

9. Viwoods AiPaper

If you want the sensation of reading a physical textbook, this massive digital canvas delivers. It boasts one of the widest displays available on an e-note, making it exceptional for PDF markup and heavy productivity. However, the lack of a front light and its sheer bulk mean it is strictly a desk-bound tool rather than a cozy bedtime reader.

8. XTEINK X3

A masterclass in battery life and minimalist design, but its pocket-sized form factor is a double-edged sword. It is a bit too cramped for comfortable page-turning. The absence of a front light also severely limits its usability when the sun goes down, but it remains a rugged, dependable backup device.

7. Viwoods AiPaper Mini

This compact tablet hits a sweet spot for speed and form factor. Navigating through apps and web browsers is remarkably fluid, a rarity in the e-ink space. Its only Achilles' heel is the front light setup: it completely lacks a warm temperature setting. The harsh, cool glow is far from ideal for nighttime reading, which holds it back from true greatness.

6. XTEINK X4

A gorgeous piece of hardware featuring flush bezels that seamlessly blend into the display background. It even magnetically snaps to the back of a smartphone for brilliant portability. Unfortunately, it lacks a front light and suffers from occasional sun-fading issues when reading outdoors. Still, the tactile page-turn buttons are among the best in the business.

5. Bigme HiBreak Pro Color

A true e-ink smartphone that can replace your daily driver. Powered by a Kaleido 3 color display, it's incredibly fast—capable of scrolling through YouTube, Reddit, and Google News without breaking a sweat. The front light leaves something to be desired, occasionally throwing a pinkish-purple hue when the warm light is cranked up, but its sheer utility makes it indispensable for smartphone usage.

Configuration Profile:
- Display: Kaleido 3 Color E-Ink
- Connectivity: Cellular, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
- Features: Full Android OS, Cameras, Audio/Mic

4. Bigme B7 Color

For those who need a capable color e-note, the B7 is a powerhouse. It’s fast, versatile, and features highly customizable physical buttons that can map to almost any app action. It’s the perfect companion for consuming digital news, browsing social media, or navigating the web in full color without eye strain.

3. XTEINK X4 Pro

This is the ultimate portable e-reader. It solves the shortcomings of its siblings by including a highly responsive touch display and a gorgeous warm front light. With excellent physical buttons and a design that begs to be taken everywhere, it’s a near-perfect pocket reader for commuting or traveling.

2. Viwoods AiPaper Color

A fantastic premium device equipped with a Kaleido 3 display. While e-ink color still struggles with human skin tones (faces tend to look a bit red or washed out in articles), you can easily switch to grayscale for a flawless reading experience. It’s a highly versatile daily companion, bridging the gap between a work tablet and a leisure reader.

1. Viwoods AiPaper Reader (Black & White)

The undisputed champion of the e-ink arsenal. While color e-ink is fun, absolutely nothing beats the razor-sharp contrast of a pure black-and-white display. It’s incredibly fast, features a perfectly balanced front light with granular controls, and boasts a form factor that feels perfectly weighted in the hand. From morning news roundups to novels, this is the device that rules them all.

Unmatched Contrast: Pure B&W e-ink provides a sharper, cleaner reading experience than any modern color panel.
Perfect Form Factor: Lightweight, highly ergonomic, and ideal for single-handed use during marathon reading sessions.

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Review: SEEED Studio reTerminal Sticky & a comparison to XTEINK X4 and X3

stefan@svartling.net (Stefan Svartling) — Wed, 2 Sep 2026 19:08:58 +0200

Forget the Kindle: Why the 4-Inch reTerminal Sticky is the Ultimate Pocket E-Reader

The e-reader market has long been dominated by giants pushing 6-inch and 8-inch slabs that demand to be carried in a bag. But a quiet revolution of micro e-readers is brewing, and the latest contender isn't even meant to be an e-reader at all. Meet the SEEED Studio reTerminal Sticky.

Marketed as a magnetic, ultra-low-power e-ink display for families, the reTerminal Sticky is designed to be the ultimate smart home companion. Out of the box, this ESP32-S3-powered, open-source device is meant to stick to your fridge, displaying voice-transcribed notes, weather forecasts, and daily to-dos. It is a tinkerer’s dream. But for a specific niche of bookworms, its true potential lies elsewhere. Thanks to its support for alternative firmware like Crosspoint Reader and CrossInk, the Sticky can be completely repurposed into a dedicated, pocket-sized e-reader, directly rivaling specialized devices like the XTEINK X4, X3, and X4 Pro.

The Glossy Display Paradox

When you boot up the CrossInk firmware on the reTerminal Sticky, the first thing you notice is the display. At 3.97 inches, it sits right in the sweet spot of the micro e-reader spectrum—larger than the ultra-compact XTEINK X3, but slightly smaller than the X4.

Interestingly, the current iteration features a glossy e-ink screen. In the e-reader community, glossy screens are traditionally viewed with skepticism due to severe glare under direct sunlight. However, there is a surprising upside: image and text clarity. Compared to the matte display on the XTEINK X4, the Sticky’s glossy finish delivers significantly deeper blacks and superior contrast. Text appears remarkably sharp, and book covers render with a crispness that matte layers often diffuse. For those who cannot stand the glare, Seeed Studio has confirmed that future batches will feature a matte display and will be made widely available in US and European storefronts to eliminate import taxes.

Hardware and Ergonomics

While the Sticky is noticeably thicker than its XTEINK competitors, this added bulk works in its favor. The device feels incredibly substantial and comfortable in the hand. Navigating the UI is remarkably fluid. The device supports full touch controls, allowing you to highlight text, create clippings, or tap into the built-in dictionary with ease.

Rather than relying on a single rocker switch like the X4, the Sticky features two distinct, highly tactile side buttons that make page-turning a snappy, satisfying experience. For those who prefer physical controls, you can disable the tap-to-turn functionality and rely entirely on the side buttons or screen swiping. Surprisingly, despite sharing the same CPU architecture as the XTEINK X4 Pro, the Sticky feels noticeably faster when turning pages.

Micro E-Reader Comparison

Feature	reTerminal Sticky	XTEINK X4	XTEINK X4 Pro
Screen Size	3.97 inches	Larger than Sticky	Same as X4
Display Finish	Glossy	Matte	Matte
Frontlight	No	No	Yes
Page Turn Controls	Discrete side buttons	Rocker switch	Rocker switch

Where It Falls Short

No device is perfect, and the Sticky’s smart-home roots do show through in a few limiting ways. First is the mounting system. While it features magnets in the corners, it lacks a true built-in MagSafe array. If you want to snap it onto the back of your smartphone for easy everyday carry, you’ll need to apply an aftermarket MagSafe ring—a clunky workaround.

Second, the device does not ship with a microSD card. While the native smart home software doesn’t require one, installing the CrossInk e-reader firmware absolutely depends on it. If you’re buying this to read, you must supply your own storage.

Visually, the Sticky misses one subtle but important design cue: bezel matching. The XTEINK X4 in white perfectly matches the background hue of its e-ink display, creating the seamless illusion of physical book margins. The Sticky’s bezel color is slightly off, breaking that visual continuity. Finally, it lacks a frontlight entirely. Much like a traditional paperback, you are dependent on ambient daylight or a desk lamp to read.

The Verdict

The SEEED Studio reTerminal Sticky represents a fascinating intersection of maker hardware and reading technology. By loading it with open-source reading firmware, you get a phenomenally fast, perfectly sized e-reader that slips effortlessly into any pocket.

For many minimalists, the era of carrying a dedicated, bulky e-reader is ending. A micro e-reader like the Sticky ensures that your current novel is always with you, significantly increasing how much you actually read on a daily basis. If you can live without a frontlight and do not mind supplying your own SD card, this smart home gadget might secretly be the most compelling e-reader you can buy.

Go check it out here and buy it:

https://www.seeedstudio.com/reTerminal-Sticky-p-6861.html?utm_source=KOL&utm_medium=StefanSvartling

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SEED Studio reTerminal Sticky - installing CrossInk / Crosspoint with a serious surprise!

stefan@svartling.net (Stefan Svartling) — Mon, 31 Aug 2026 18:56:10 +0200

Hacking a $50 Fridge Magnet Into a Pocket E-Reader (Mind the SD Card Trap)

The Seeed Studio reTerminal Sticky is officially marketed as a digital sticky note for your family. Slap its magnetic back onto a refrigerator, press a button, and speak to leave a voice-transcribed message or pull up the local weather forecast (measured in Celsius, naturally). Powered by an ultra-low-power, 3.97-inch E-Ink screen and an ESP32-S3 microcontroller, it is a brilliant piece of smart home technology that retails for just $50.

But for the open-source hardware community, the Sticky is not just a family dashboard—it is a blank canvas. Thanks to its open architecture, this little device can be completely repurposed. If you are a fan of minimalist reading devices, there is a brilliant firmware hack that transforms this unassuming fridge magnet into a full-fledged pocket e-reader.

The CrossPoint Connection

If you are familiar with pocket-sized e-ink devices like the XTEINK X3 and XTEINK X4, you might already know about CrossPoint and its popular fork, CrossInk. CrossPoint is a community-built, open-source firmware designed specifically to run on resource-constrained ESP32 chips. It strips away modern operating system bloat to deliver a distraction-free, highly customizable reading experience.

Because the reTerminal Sticky is built around the exact same ESP32-S3 architecture as these dedicated readers and features a responsive capacitive touch screen, developers have made it fully compatible with the CrossPoint ecosystem. By flashing this firmware, you overwrite the voice notes and smart home dashboards, replacing them with a dedicated e-book interface complete with rich typography settings, custom fonts, and touch-based page turning.

The Web Flashing Process

Installing the firmware is remarkably straightforward, requiring nothing more than a USB-C cable and a Chromium-based web browser. By navigating to the CrossPoint or CrossInk web flasher, you simply select the "Seeed Studio Sticky" from a dropdown menu, pick the latest release build, and hit flash.

The browser directly writes the bootloader, partition tables, and firmware to the Sticky's internal flash memory. It takes a few minutes, and the process is usually foolproof. However, as demonstrated in the YouTube tutorial below, there is a critical hardware trap waiting to catch first-time hackers off guard.

The "Serious Surprise": The SD Card Trap

After a successful flash, the standard procedure is to unplug the device, plug it back in, and hold the power button for three to five seconds to finalize the installation. But instead of booting into a pristine reading library, you might be greeted by a frustrating boot loop and a glaring "SD card error" on the E-Ink display.

The culprit is not a bad flash or corrupted software. The issue lies in the fundamental hardware constraints of the ESP32-S3 chip. The microcontroller has a very limited amount of usable RAM (roughly 380KB). To handle the heavy lifting of parsing large e-book files like EPUBs, the CrossPoint firmware is engineered to aggressively cache book data, layouts, and chapters directly to external storage.

While dedicated e-readers like the XTEINK series ship with a MicroSD card pre-installed in the slot to handle this heavy caching, the reTerminal Sticky does not. Seeed Studio provides the MicroSD slot on the motherboard, but leaves it empty to keep the retail cost down to a flat $50. When the CrossPoint firmware boots up and fails to find an SD card to write its cache directory to, the system panics and crashes.

The fix is incredibly simple: you just need to supply your own MicroSD card. By inserting a spare card—or borrowing one from an existing XTEINK device—the hardware bottleneck is cleared. The device immediately boots directly into the CrossPoint e-reader interface without skipping a beat.

The Verdict: A $50 E-Reader

Once properly set up with external storage, the reTerminal Sticky makes for a surprisingly capable reading device. The 800 by 480 resolution provides crisp, clear text, and the capacitive touch screen allows for smooth page turns with a simple tap. You can easily adjust font sizes, margins, and deep settings directly from the display.

It is worth noting that the Sticky lacks a frontlight, meaning you will need an external reading lamp for nighttime sessions. Additionally, early hardware batches feature a glossy screen overlay, though Seeed Studio has confirmed that future production runs will shift to a more traditional, glare-reducing matte finish.

If you are willing to spend five minutes in a web browser and have a spare MicroSD card lying around, the reTerminal Sticky is no longer just a smart home accessory. It is a fully hackable, pocket-sized e-reader that punches well above its weight.

Go check it out here and buy it:

https://www.seeedstudio.com/reTerminal-Sticky-p-6861.html?utm_source=KOL&utm_medium=StefanSvartling

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reTerminal Sticky from SEEED Studio - First Look! XTEINK alternative

stefan@svartling.net (Stefan Svartling) — Thu, 27 Aug 2026 18:55:09 +0200

Meet the reTerminal Sticky: The Hackable E-Ink Display That Wants to Run Your Home and Read Your Books

E-ink is no longer just for reading the latest bestseller. The technology has steadily infiltrated our daily lives, popping up in everything from smart home dashboards to digital typewriters. Now, Seeed Studio is pushing the boundaries of what a compact e-paper device can be with the reTerminal Sticky, an ultra-low-power, magnetic display designed to serve as the ultimate digital notice board for your family—and a highly hackable playground for makers.

A Smart Hub Powered by the ESP32-S3

At its core, the reTerminal Sticky is powered by the ESP32-S3 microcontroller, making it an open-source dream for tinkerers who want to build custom smart interfaces. Out of the box, however, it is positioned as a versatile family hub. The concept is simple but highly effective: stick the device to your wall, door, or refrigerator using the included magnetic ring, and use it to display voice-transcribed notes, real-time weather updates, to-do lists, or a digital clock.

Physically, the reTerminal Sticky stands out in a crowded market of increasingly razor-thin e-readers. Compared to streamlined devices like the minimalist XTEINK X4, the Sticky is substantially thicker and noticeably heavier. It feels purposeful in the hand, though its primary destiny is to be mounted on a surface. It features a glossy touch screen—a departure from the matte finishes usually preferred by reading purists—and notably lacks a frontlight.

Despite these unconventional choices, Seeed Studio made an excellent design decision: matching the white bezels perfectly with the background color of the e-ink display. This creates a seamless, borderless illusion where text appears to float without any physical hardware margins boxing it in.

Voice Input, Audio, and App Integration

Unlike most traditional e-readers, the reTerminal Sticky is equipped with both built-in microphones and onboard speakers. This hardware supports its AI-powered voice input capabilities. Through the companion app—which connects to both iOS and Android via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi—users can dictate notes that are instantly transcribed and pushed to the display.

Currently, the voice transcription supports English and Chinese, meaning users looking for other languages will need to rely on the app's manual text input for the time being. The interface also beautifully supports landscape mode, making it an excellent standalone weather station, widget dashboard, or indoor temperature monitor.

The Ultimate E-Reader Alternative?

What truly makes the reTerminal Sticky fascinating is its open-source ethos. Through the community-driven "reTerminal Sticky Playground," users are encouraged to flash custom software and completely repurpose the hardware. For smart home enthusiasts, it can run ESP Home, transforming it into a low-power control node for your local network. For developers wanting a bit of fun, there is even a "Sticky Arcade" firmware.

Perhaps most exciting for the e-ink reading community is the device's compatibility with alternative reading firmware. The Sticky fully supports both Crosspoint Reader and CrossInk. By flashing these, you can effectively bypass the smart-home family hub interface and transform the Sticky into a pocket-sized, touch-enabled e-reader. This positions it as a highly capable alternative to devices like the XTEINK X3, X4, or X4 Pro.

While the lack of a frontlight and the glossy screen mean it might not replace a dedicated bedtime reader, the added utility of physical buttons (which double as page-turners or volume rockers), USB-C charging, and an SD card slot make it a surprisingly robust reading companion for the tinkering crowd.

The Verdict

The reTerminal Sticky elegantly bridges the gap between a consumer-friendly smart display and a hacker’s blank canvas. Whether you want a low-power dashboard to leave reminders for your family, or a customizable ESP32-S3 device to flash with CrossInk for your afternoon reading, Seeed Studio’s latest offering is a delightfully unique addition to the expanding e-ink ecosystem.

Go check it out here and buy it, it’s cheaper than XTEINK:

https://www.seeedstudio.com/reTerminal-Sticky-p-6861.html?utm_source=KOL&utm_medium=StefanSvartling

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This APP makes the viwoods AiPaper Reader (also Reader C, Bigme HiBreak) Incredibly Awesome!

stefan@svartling.net (Stefan Svartling) — Tue, 25 Aug 2026 18:06:40 +0200

This Free App Radically Transforms How You Use Android E-Readers

If you have ever tried browsing the web or reading on an Android-based e-reader, you already know the central frustration of the form factor. E-ink displays are magnificent for static text, but they were never originally designed for continuous vertical scrolling. Swiping with your finger on an E-ink screen often results in ghosting, stuttering refresh rates, and an ergonomically awkward reading experience.

But a new, completely free utility called SideKeys is fundamentally changing the way we interact with Android e-readers. Originally developed with the Bigme HiBreak Pro in mind, the application has proven to be a game-changer for devices like the viwoods AiPaper Reader, the AiPaper Reader C, and the Bigme HiBreak Pro Color. By taking absolute control over your device's physical buttons, SideKeys bridges the gap between traditional tablet navigation and the unique demands of E-ink hardware.

The Mechanics of Deep-Level Key Mapping

To understand why Side Keys is so revolutionary, we have to look at how Android handles physical input. Out of the box, most Android e-readers only allow rudimentary customization of their hardware buttons—typically limiting them to volume control or standard page turns in supported apps.

Side Keys bypasses these limitations by leveraging Android's deep-level Accessibility APIs. Instead of merely sending standard volume up or down signals (known programmatically as KeyEvent), the app operates as a persistent background service that intercepts hardware button presses before they reach the active application. It then translates these physical inputs into simulated touch gestures (MotionEvent) or programmatic scrolling commands.

This deep-level control means you can bind complex actions to physical buttons using specific triggers:

Single Press: Execute a standard forward action or partial scroll.
Double Press: Execute reverse actions or secondary commands.
Long Press: Trigger global system actions, such as navigating "Back" or forcing a screen refresh.

Furthermore, Side Keys incorporates advanced hardware logic like "Key Debounce." In mechanical switches, a single physical press can sometimes register as multiple rapid electrical signals, causing the operating system to detect accidental double-clicks. The software's debounce feature operates as a time-based threshold filter, actively ignoring micro-stutters to ensure that each press is registered intentionally and precisely.

Unleashing the viwoods AiPaper and Bigme Devices

For users of the viwoods AiPaper Reader and its Color variant, this software unlocks the full potential of the hardware. The viwoods devices feature a dedicated physical "AI button" on the chassis. Without third-party intervention, its utility is limited, but Side Keys liberates it.

You can configure a single press to scroll down exactly 70% of the screen height, map a double press to scroll up, and assign a long press to execute a global "Back" command. Suddenly, navigating text-heavy applications like Reddit, Google News, or Gmail becomes entirely frictionless. You can hold the device comfortably in one hand and browse endlessly without ever smudging the screen with your fingers or enduring the jarring screen refreshes that accompany manual swiping. The app even allows you to fine-tune the exact scroll distance, allowing you to lower the value for precise, line-by-line reading or raise it to jump quickly through massive blocks of text.

The Storytel Solution: App-Specific Automation

Perhaps the most powerful feature of Side Keys is its Per-App Key Mapping capability. Utilizing Android's usage tracking services, the app dynamically monitors the foreground package (the application currently displayed on your screen) and instantly switches your button hardware profiles on the fly.

This is a massive triumph for audiobook and e-book enthusiasts, particularly those who use services like Storytel. A long-standing grievance with the Storytel app is its lack of native support for volume-button page turns. Side Keys solves this elegantly. Instead of sending a generic "page down" hardware command that the app would ignore, Side Keys can be configured to execute a precise, simulated physical tap on the far right or left edge of the screen.

When you open Storytel, Side Keys seamlessly detects the app environment and alters the AI button's behavior. A single press programmatically taps the right screen edge to page forward, while a double press taps the left edge to page back. You can even configure a long press to trigger a full E-ink screen refresh, clearing any residual text ghosting. It takes an app that is notoriously stubborn to use on e-readers and makes it feel perfectly native to the hardware.

Seamless Background Execution

Because Side Keys operates as a high-priority system-level overlay, it features an essential option to "Hide from recent apps." This critical setting ensures that when you clear your device's memory or swipe away all running applications, Side Keys remains persistently active in the background, ready to translate your hardware inputs without interruption.

Currently residing in its beta testing phase and completely free to download, SideKeys is easily the most essential utility you can install on your Android e-reader today. By eliminating the need to physically tap the display and introducing granular, app-specific hardware control, it doesn't just improve your E-ink experience—it completely redefines it.

How to join (it’s free):

Join this Google Group with the same Google account you use on the Play Store: https://groups.google.com/g/sidekeystester

Then open this link and hit "Become a tester": https://play.google.com/apps/testing/com.sidekeys.hibreak

Now install it here: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.sidekeys.hibreak

If you do so you help the developer to get this app into Google Play Store.

You can also install it yourself via Github but then again, you don’t help the developer:

https://github.com/Yannick158/sidekeys-hibreak

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XTEINK X3, X4 and X4 Pro - A simple comparison

stefan@svartling.net (Stefan Svartling) — Sun, 23 Aug 2026 14:53:12 +0200

The Ultimate Pocket E-Reader Showdown: XTEINK X3 vs. X4 vs. X4 Pro

The pursuit of the perfect, distraction-free reading device has led to a fascinating evolution in the e-reader market. We are no longer limited to hauling around tablet-sized screens; the latest trend is the ultra-portable, magnetic pocket e-reader. At the forefront of this movement is XTEINK, a brand that has garnered a cult following for its minimalist, smartphone-attachable E-Ink devices. After spending considerable time with the company's core lineup—the X3, the standard X4, and the newly minted X4 Pro—it is time for a definitive breakdown. Which of these pocketable companions truly deserves a spot on the back of your phone?

The Display Dilemma: Whiteness and Screen Clarity

When it comes to E-Ink, screen clarity and background whiteness are paramount. Putting the three devices side-by-side reveals a surprising quirk in visual perception. The compact X3 emerges as the device with the whitest-looking display. However, this is partially an optical illusion; the X3’s stark black bezels create a high-contrast framing that tricks the eye into perceiving a brighter white canvas.

In contrast, the standard X4 (specifically in its frost white colorway) and the X4 Pro sit slightly lower on the perceived whiteness scale. The X4 Pro, in particular, has a slightly darker tint compared to the minimalist X3. This is a common technical trade-off: the Pro model is equipped with both a capacitive touch layer and a front-light layer. These two additional layers sit between your eyes and the e-ink capsules, subtly pushing the text further away and reducing the raw brightness. Despite this, the text on the Pro remains incredibly crisp—vastly superior to many mainstream e-readers—but purists who demand the rawest E-Ink experience will notice the difference.

Device Breakdown

XTEINK X3: The Ultra-Light Minimalist

If portability is your absolute highest priority, the XTEINK X3 is a masterclass in miniaturization. Featuring a 3.7-inch display and weighing a mere 58 grams, this device is designed to live in a jeans pocket all day long. It ditches modern USB-C ports in favor of pogo pins for data transfer and charging. In practice, you rarely need to consciously charge its 650mAh battery; simply plugging it in to update the Crossink software provides enough trickle charge to keep the device alive indefinitely. The physical page-turn buttons are its primary control method, though their placement on the opposite sides can feel awkward. Thankfully, the software allows you to map both buttons to "page forward."

XTEINK X4: The Aesthetic Middle Ground

Stepping up in size, the standard XTEINK X4 features a 4.3-inch display. The white version of the X4 is a particular standout. The white bezels blend seamlessly with the background, allowing users to push the software margins incredibly thin—down to a setting of one or two—maximizing text real estate. With robust magnets, the X4 mounts flawlessly onto larger smartphones like the iPhone Air, sitting flush without overhanging the edges. Note that XTEINK recently sold out and discontinued the standard X4 to focus on the Pro, making the original a bit of a collector's item.

XTEINK X4 Pro: The Undisputed Champion

Retaining the 4.3-inch form factor, the X4 Pro fundamentally transforms the user experience by adding a touchscreen and a dual-tone front light. The front light is a game-changer for night reading in bed. The touchscreen allows for instantaneous dictionary lookups (via long-press) and seamless clipping. What makes the X4 Pro brilliant is its software flexibility: if you hate accidental screen taps, you can disable capacitive touch entirely, relying on physical buttons or a simple swipe gesture to turn pages.

Quick Spec Comparison

Feature	XTEINK X3	XTEINK X4	XTEINK X4 Pro
Display Size	3.7 inches	4.3 inches	4.3 inches
Input Method	Buttons only	Buttons only	Touchscreen + Buttons
Front Light	No	No	Yes
Battery	650mAh	650mAh	1100mAh

Key Takeaways

Best for minimalists: The X3 remains the most pocketable and features the highest perceived screen contrast.
Best aesthetics: The white X4 provides the illusion of a larger screen and thinner margins.
Best overall functionality: The X4 Pro wins with its front light, touch dictionary support, and customizable touch controls.

Ultimately, if you are investing in a pocket e-reader today, the XTEINK X4 Pro is the clear recommendation. It packs everything a modern reader needs into a tiny, magnetic footprint, ensuring your library is always just a flip away.

Buy them from here:

https://www.xteink.com/

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My review of the Awesome viwoods AiPaper e-Note Tablet!

stefan@svartling.net (Stefan Svartling) — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 18:36:27 +0200

The Viwoods AiPaper Is a Note-Taking Marvel That Redefines E-Ink Whiteness

The quest to build the perfect digital notebook often involves throwing every conceivable feature at an e-ink display until it becomes a compromised jack-of-all-trades. But what happens when a device strips away the excess to focus on the absolute fundamentals of reading and writing? Enter the 10.65-inch Viwoods AiPaper, a black-and-white e-Note tablet that delivers one of the purest, most paper-like experiences on the market.

A Display So White, You Won't Miss the Front Light

The most striking thing about the Viwoods AiPaper is its screen. In a market crowded with grayish, muddled e-ink panels, the AiPaper boasts what might just be the whitest display ever seen on an e-reader. The contrast is incredibly sharp, making text pop beautifully whether you are reviewing documents or reading a thriller on the Storytel app.

To achieve this stark clarity, Viwoods made a controversial design choice: they omitted the front light entirely. While this might sound like a dealbreaker for late-night readers, the screen's natural brightness compensates in almost any decently lit room. If you are sitting in a well-lit office or reading by a sunny window, the lack of an artificial glow is actually a relief. It forces the tablet to behave like an actual pad of paper—if it's dark, you need a lamp. For those who prioritize screen crispness over reading in the pitch black, it’s a trade-off that makes perfect sense.

Writing That Actually Feels Like Paper

An e-Note device lives or dies by its stylus, and the Viwoods AiPaper absolutely nails the tactile experience. The included pen feels excellent in the hand, gliding across the textured display with a satisfying, paper-like friction. It sounds and feels like you are dragging a real graphite pencil across a thick sheet of notebook paper.

The digital erasing experience is equally refined. A dedicated button on the stylus offers precise, controlled erasing, sidestepping the clunky software toggles that plague lesser tablets. Viwoods has also built out a robust daily planner and note-taking ecosystem. You can lasso handwritten text to instantly add it to your calendar or to-do list, making it a formidable productivity tool for journaling and daily task management.

Cloud Syncing and Android Flexibility

Thanks to a recent software update, Viwoods has introduced seamless cloud syncing. If you happen to own the smaller AiPaper Mini, your daily logs, to-do lists, and reading notes automatically update across both devices via the Viwoods Cloud. You can jot down a thought on the large 10.65-inch tablet at your desk and pull it up on the Mini while on the go.

Under the hood, the AiPaper runs Android and fully supports the Google Play Store. While heavy web browsing in Chrome can be a bit laggy—par for the course with e-ink—apps like Reddit run surprisingly well. Scrolling is snappy, and the device handles ghosting expertly with its customizable refresh modes. Whether you prefer ultra-fast refreshing or the crispest possible text, the display settings are highly granular.

Unprecedented Battery Life

Perhaps the most shocking feature of the Viwoods AiPaper is its battery endurance. Android-based e-ink tablets are notoriously power-hungry, often dying after just a few days of use. The AiPaper shatters this expectation. Straight out of the box at an 80 percent charge, the device can easily power through 12 days of daily journaling, task logging, and reading without ever seeing a charging cable. This is Kindle-class battery life on a full-fledged Android tablet, an incredibly rare feat.

A Few Rough Edges

No device is perfect, and the AiPaper does have a few minor quirks. The Wi-Fi antenna isn't as robust as some competitors, struggling to hold a signal outdoors where devices like the Bigme HiBreak Pro Color remain connected. Additionally, while the tablet itself is remarkably thin, light, and easy to hold, the included folio cover tends to attract dirt and fray at the edges after a few weeks of heavy use. You might find yourself wanting to upgrade to the premium leather case option.

Finally, while the built-in fingerprint sensor is a welcome security touch, the cover design occasionally makes it slightly awkward to access quickly.

The Verdict

The Viwoods AiPaper isn't trying to be a multimedia powerhouse. It is a focused, premium e-Note tablet designed for people who take their reading, journaling, and note-taking seriously. By ditching the front light, Viwoods managed to create an astonishingly white display that, combined with exceptional battery life and a true-to-life writing feel, makes it an absolute joy to use. If you want a digital notebook that truly feels analog, this is the one to get.

Official site:

https://viwoods.com/

AiPaper:

https://viwoods.com/products/viwoods-aipaper

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CrossInk for XTEINK X4 Pro! A lot of cool things available

stefan@svartling.net (Stefan Svartling) — Sun, 16 Aug 2026 14:03:17 +0200

CrossInk Beta Transforms the XTEINK X4 Pro: Gestures, Offline Sync, and Library Support

The e-reader market is crowded, but true power users know that hardware is only half the battle. The software running on your e-ink device dictates whether it is a seamless reading companion or a frustrating paperweight. For owners of the XTEINK X4 Pro, the newly released CrossInk beta firmware is proving to be a massive leap forward. Pushing the boundaries of customization, gesture control, and offline capabilities, this firmware update effectively turns the X4 Pro into an entirely new device. Whether you are using it alongside a premium color display or as your standalone workhorse, CrossInk unlocks features that standard e-readers simply cannot match.

Key Upgrades at a Glance

Granular Touch Controls: Disable screen taps to avoid accidents while retaining deliberate swipe gestures.
Custom Button Mapping: Reassign any physical key, such as using the power button to toggle the front light.
Offline Peer-to-Peer Sync: Transfer reading progress and entire books between devices without any internet connection.

The Best of Both Worlds: Granular Touch and Tactile Control

One of the most pervasive dilemmas with modern e-readers is the touch screen itself. While essential for navigation, touch displays often lead to accidental page turns when you are just trying to hold the device comfortably. The CrossInk firmware introduces an elegant solution: the ability to turn off the touch display entirely, allowing the X4 Pro to operate strictly via its physical buttons, much like the standard non-touch X4.

However, the true genius lies in its granular customization. Users can disable general touch sensitivity while keeping specific swipe gestures active. This means you can grip the device naturally, completely immune to stray taps, but still use a deliberate thumb swipe to turn the page. Furthermore, every physical button is fully reprogrammable. Want to use a short press of the power button to instantly toggle your front light on or off? With CrossInk, assigning that shortcut takes just a few seconds.

Smart Reading Tools and Seamless Annotations

An e-reader is only as good as its reading tools, and CrossInk brings a suite of powerful utilities right to your fingertips. Long-pressing a word instantly summons a comprehensive, multi-page dictionary—such as Cambridge—which you can easily dismiss with a quick swipe.

Highlighting, referred to in the ecosystem as "clippings," is also receiving a smart overhaul. While dragging a finger across an e-ink screen to highlight text can occasionally feel fiddly due to the screen refresh rates, CrossInk offers a highly precise alternative. By simply tapping the first word and the last word of your desired passage, the software instantly creates a clean, accurate clipping. You can easily access these clippings, along with bookmarks and global settings, through a dedicated swipe-up menu or custom gestures like a double-tap for the home screen.

True Offline Independence and Peer-to-Peer Syncing

Perhaps the most futuristic addition in the CrossInk beta is its approach to device syncing. Typically, keeping your reading progress updated across multiple devices requires a steady Wi-Fi connection and a cloud server. CrossInk introduces a "nearby position sync" feature that completely bypasses the internet.

Using a direct peer-to-peer connection, you can sync your exact reading location—or even transfer an entire book file—between two CrossInk-enabled devices. You could be sitting in a remote cabin in the woods with zero mobile connectivity, and your XTEINK devices will still seamlessly communicate with each other.

The Verdict

While still in its beta phase, the CrossInk firmware for the XTEINK X4 Pro is already polished enough to serve as a daily driver. It is a shining example of how open, highly customizable software can elevate e-ink hardware from a simple reading tablet into an absolute powerhouse tailored precisely to the reader's habits.

Inky:

https://inky.crossink.dev/

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My review of the viwoods AiPaper Reader C (color)

stefan@svartling.net (Stefan Svartling) — Sat, 15 Aug 2026 12:46:06 +0200

The Viwoods AiPaper Reader C Review: A Pocket E-Reader That Shines Brightest in Grayscale

The smartphone-sized e-reader market is an intriguing niche for those of us who want a dedicated reading device that fits effortlessly into a pocket without the distraction of a traditional smartphone. The latest contender to enter this space is the Viwoods AiPaper Reader C (also known as the Reader Color), a device that packs a Kaleido 3 color e-ink display into an ultra-portable form factor. After spending considerable time with it, the Reader C proves to be a fascinating, albeit flawed, addition to the pocket e-reader landscape.

The Kaleido 3 Trade-Off and Illumination

Upgrading to a color e-ink display always comes with a built-in compromise, and the AiPaper Reader C is no exception. Because of the Kaleido 3 technology, the screen is noticeably darker than its standard black-and-white counterpart. If you try to use it with the front light turned completely off, you are met with a dark gray canvas that is difficult to read. Essentially, you are required to keep the front light active at all times.

Fortunately, the front light on the Reader C is genuinely outstanding. It gets incredibly bright, outperforming many other Kaleido 3 devices currently on the market. More importantly, unlike the black-and-white AiPaper Reader, this Color version includes an adjustable warm front light. This alone is a massive selling point, making it exceptionally comfortable to read in a pitch-black room. Keeping the light on constantly does impact the battery, but it still comfortably delivers two to three days of life on a single charge—only a minor step down from the monochrome version.

The Color Calibration Conundrum

Here is where the device stumbles: the color calibration. If you are buying a color e-reader specifically for rich, accurate image rendering, the Reader C might disappoint. The colors are overwhelmingly saturated, particularly in the red spectrum. When scrolling through web feeds or viewing photos of people, skin tones often look artificially red and blown out. Compared to competitors like the Bigme HiBreak Pro Color—which handles Kaleido 3 color calibration significantly better—the Reader C falls short.

However, there is an ironic twist to this color e-reader: its best feature might actually be its Grayscale mode. When you turn off the color rendering, the device transforms. Scrolling through news feeds in Grayscale, illuminated by that warm front light, is a gorgeous, distraction-free experience. In fact, if you want a compact black-and-white e-reader with a warm light, the Reader C is arguably a better purchase than the actual black-and-white version, provided you do not mind the darker baseline screen when the light is off.

A Refined Reading Experience

When it comes to its primary purpose—reading text—the AiPaper Reader C excels. Firing up platforms like Storytel or KOReader yields crisp text, excellent contrast, and sharp typography. Viwoods has also implemented a remarkably effective "Quick Refresh" mode. As you scroll through text or articles, the device automatically refreshes the display the moment the page stops moving, instantly wiping away any ghosting. It is a seamless software trick that makes navigation feel snappy and responsive.

Hardware, Controls, and Ecosystem Syncing

The hardware itself is thoughtfully designed for avid readers. The physical volume buttons can be utilized as page-turn buttons in reading apps like KOReader, BookFusion, and the Kindle app, making one-handed reading a breeze. Additionally, the device features a reliable fingerprint sensor for quick security.

Viwoods also offers programmable hardware keys. You can remap the dedicated AI button to perform a manual screen refresh—a highly recommended tweak that prevents accidental AI prompts while giving you complete control over screen clarity.

The Verdict

The Viwoods AiPaper Reader C is a paradox. You are paying a premium for a color display that is ultimately let down by poor calibration and over-saturation. Yet, thanks to its brilliant warm light, snappy automatic refresh modes, and tactile page-turn buttons, it manages to be a superb ultra-portable reading device—if you use it primarily in Grayscale mode. For readers looking for a phone-sized companion that won't strain their eyes at night, the Reader C is a compelling, if slightly contradictory, choice.

Official site:

https://viwoods.com/

AiPaper Reader C:

https://viwoods.com/products/viwoods-aipaper-reader-colour

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How to use Dictionaries on the XTEINK X4 Pro!

stefan@svartling.net (Stefan Svartling) — Sun, 9 Aug 2026 12:02:01 +0200

XTEINK’s Latest Update Brings Dictionaries to the X4 Pro—Here’s How It Works (and Where It Falls Short)

For dedicated e-ink enthusiasts and avid digital readers, a robust, offline dictionary is not just a luxury—it is an absolute necessity. E-reader ecosystems have historically struggled to balance open-source flexibility with intuitive user interfaces. However, for users invested in the XTEINK ecosystem, reading just received a significant upgrade. The latest iteration of the Crosspoint firmware introduces comprehensive dictionary support to the XTEINK X4 Pro, transforming the reading experience for those tackling complex literature or foreign languages.

While the implementation is a massive step forward, it still lacks the sophisticated, cascading query systems found in competing software. Here is a deep dive into how to set up the new dictionary feature on the XTEINK X4 Pro, how it adapts to older hardware like the X4 and X3, and the one crucial update developers need to prioritize next.

The Technical Setup: Embracing Open Standards

Unlike mainstream e-readers that lock users into proprietary store dictionaries, Crosspoint takes a decidedly open-source approach by supporting the widely adopted StarDict format. Sideloading these files requires a bit of manual file system management, but it offers unparalleled freedom to customize your reference library.

To populate your device with definitions, you will need to bypass the cloud and interface directly with the hardware's local storage:

Extract the Storage: Power down your XTEINK device completely, and carefully remove the MicroSD card from the chassis.
Mount to a Computer: Using the dedicated USB-A adapter that ships with XTEINK devices, mount the SD card to your desktop computer (or a compatible smartphone with file management capabilities).
Establish the Directory Hierarchy: Navigate to the root of the SD card and create a new master folder titled exactly dictionaries.
Transfer StarDict Files: Drag and drop your downloaded StarDict files into this new directory. Crucially, each specific dictionary (e.g., Oxford, Cambridge, or a specialized technical glossary) must reside in its own dedicated subfolder within the main dictionaries directory.

Once the transfer is complete, safely eject the SD card, reinsert it into your XTEINK device, and power it back on. The Crosspoint software will automatically index the newly added reference materials.

Configuration and Interface Mapping

With the files successfully indexed, the next step is routing the software to recognize your preferred workflow. Navigating to Settings > Reader Mode > Dictionary reveals a populated list of every StarDict package you transferred. Here, you must designate your primary active dictionary.

To make the feature seamless during active reading, you need to map the dictionary trigger to a hardware action. On the XTEINK X4 Pro, the most efficient method is assigning the dictionary function to the long-press action of the front capacitive touch menu button. Once mapped, engaging with the text is incredibly fluid: a simple long-press on the menu button activates dictionary mode, allowing you to tap any word—like "fluttered" or "brilliant"—to instantly summon a pop-up overlay containing the full definition. Exiting the overlay immediately returns you to an uninterrupted reading state.

Backwards Compatibility: The X4 and X3 Experience

One of the most commendable aspects of this firmware release is its backwards compatibility. The dictionary feature is not artificially gatekept behind the newer "Pro" moniker. Users operating the standard XTEINK X4 or the older X3 models can utilize the exact same feature via the latest Crosspoint or CrossInk updates.

The core setup—managing the SD card and selecting the StarDict files—remains identical. The only divergence is in the user experience mapping. Because the X4 and X3 lack the capacitive touch display layer found on the X4 Pro, users must map the dictionary activation and word-selection navigation to the physical hardware buttons instead.

The Missing Link: Cascading Fallbacks

Despite the excellent file format support and fluid touch implementation on the Pro, the current software has a glaring architectural flaw that prevents it from competing with advanced reading software like KOReader.

Currently, the Crosspoint software operates on a strict, one-to-one query limitation. If you select a word that does not exist within your currently designated primary dictionary, the system simply returns a "not found" error. It forces the user to manually dive back into the settings menu, select an alternative dictionary, and try again.

In contrast, software like KOReader utilizes a cascading query system. If the primary dictionary fails to yield a result, the software automatically and instantaneously searches the next available dictionary in the directory, seamlessly jumping through resources until it finds a match. For a device built for power users, the lack of an automated fallback mechanism creates unnecessary friction.

The introduction of dictionary support is a phenomenal leap forward for the XTEINK ecosystem. If the development team can refine the software to include a cascading dictionary search in a future patch, the XTEINK X4 Pro will cement its status as a premier, uncompromising reading device.

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You don't like Touch Display on the XTEINK X4 Pro? Check this out in Crosspoint!

stefan@svartling.net (Stefan Svartling) — Sat, 8 Aug 2026 14:04:08 +0200

How Open-Source Software Fixed the XTEINK X4 Pro’s Most Divisive Feature

When XTEINK released the X4 Pro, the successor to its cult-favorite pocket e-readers, it introduced a feature that immediately polarized its dedicated user base: a touchscreen.

For years, minimalist reading enthusiasts championed devices like the XTEINK X3 and the original X4 precisely because they lacked a touch interface. Operating entirely via physical buttons, those earlier models offered a tactile, distraction-free experience that felt closer to reading a physical paperback than scrolling through a smartphone. The X4 Pro disrupted that legacy by adding a capacitive digitizer over its compact 4.3-inch E Ink display, replacing the traditional page-turn buttons on the front with a single circular home button and a touch-driven interface.

The Ergonomic Problem

While the addition of touch brought modern conveniences—like easier menu navigation and quicker typing—it introduced a significant ergonomic hurdle. The X4 Pro weighs a mere 72 grams and is barely thicker than a few credit cards. It is designed to be gripped securely in one hand, often with fingers resting slightly over the screen’s bezel. On a capacitive touch display, a resting thumb is easily misinterpreted as a tap, resulting in accidental, frustrating page turns.

Some users simply want to hold their e-reader naturally without having to meticulously hover their fingers over the screen. For these readers, the manufacturer's default touch implementation felt like a step backward in usability.

The Open-Source Solution

Enter CrossPoint, the open-source e-reader firmware built specifically for ESP32-powered e-ink devices. Maintained by a dedicated community of developers, CrossPoint is effectively an aftermarket operating system that unlocks absolute control over how devices like the XTEINK series function.

One of the most brilliant implementations within CrossPoint is its granular control over the touchscreen digitizer. If you find the X4 Pro’s touch layer obtrusive, CrossPoint allows you to neuter it completely. By navigating to the device’s settings, opening the controls menu, and selecting "Touch reader controls," users can turn off the touchscreen entirely during reading sessions. This effectively reverts the X4 Pro into a button-only device, mimicking the beloved user experience of the older X3 and X4 models.

The "Swipe-Only" Sweet Spot

However, shutting off the touchscreen entirely isn't the most elegant solution. The side buttons on the X4 Pro is awkwardly placed for extended reading, particularly if you hold the device in your left hand. Reaching to the other side to click the button to advance the page requires a constant, uncomfortable shifting of your grip.

This is where CrossPoint’s "Swipe Only" feature shines as the ultimate sweet spot, and it is a trick that completely changes the hardware's usability.

By setting the touch controls to recognize swipes rather than taps, the software fundamentally alters how the device interprets inputs from your fingers. A static tap—like an accidental brush of the thumb—is ignored. But a deliberate swipe across the screen registers as a page turn.

This configuration offers the best of both worlds. You can grip the X4 Pro firmly without worrying about errant taps jumping you three pages ahead. At the same time, you aren't forced to contort your thumb to reach the physical buttons. Whether you are holding the reader in your left or right hand, a simple, lazy swipe of the thumb anywhere on the screen effortlessly advances the text. It also preserves vertical swipe gestures, allowing users to swipe up to access the reader menu or swipe down to toggle the adjustable front light and dark mode.

Future Updates and Evolution

It is a subtle software tweak that solves a glaring hardware friction point, proving why open-source projects like CrossPoint are so vital to niche hardware communities. Instead of forcing users to adapt to the manufacturer's rigid vision of how a device should be used, it empowers the user to mold the technology to their own physical habits.

And the firmware continues to evolve. While the X4 Pro currently lacks the dictionary lookup available on button-only models, the CrossPoint development community is already implementing robust dictionary support specifically tailored for the touch interface in an upcoming release.

The XTEINK X4 Pro might have alienated some purists right out of the box, but with a few taps in the CrossPoint settings, it transforms into the most versatile, pocketable reading device on the market today.

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Viwoods AiPaper - First Look at this awesome 10.65-inch e-Note

stefan@svartling.net (Stefan Svartling) — Sun, 2 Aug 2026 14:35:32 +0200

The Viwoods AiPaper 10.65” First Look: An E-Ink Display So White, You Won't Miss the Front Light

When you think of modern e-notes, a built-in front light feels like a mandatory feature. But what if the underlying screen technology was so brilliantly white that it didn't need one? Enter the Viwoods AiPaper, a 10.65-inch pure black-and-white e-note device that challenges the current status quo in the e-reader space. After unboxing and setting up this tablet, it is clear that Viwoods has engineered a display that must be seen to be believed.

Unboxing: Premium Feel, Thoughtful Design

Out of the box, the Viwoods AiPaper delivers a premium experience. Along with the standard USB-C cable and a quick start guide, you get a textured, tactile magnetic cover—identical in feel to the one found on the Viwoods AiPaper Mini, but scaled up for this 10.65-inch canvas. The magnetic cover does more than just protect the screen; it features a clever storage compartment for spare nibs.

The included stylus immediately stands out. It is lightweight, slightly longer than the pen bundled with the Mini, and provides an impressive amount of friction. When you drag it across the screen, it genuinely feels like a traditional pen gliding over paper.

The Display: The Whitest E-Ink on the Market

Booting up the device reveals its core selling point: an impossibly white e-ink display. The contrast is staggering. Most e-paper displays have a grayish hue that manufacturers mask by blasting a front light. Viwoods has opted for a pure black-and-white panel that reflects ambient light so effectively, a front light is entirely unnecessary in normal room lighting.

To explain the technical significance of this at a detailed, high level: traditional e-ink (electrophoretic display) relies on millions of microcapsules containing positively charged white particles and negatively charged black ones suspended in a clear fluid. Achieving a truly "white" background usually requires sacrificing resolution or relying heavily on internal LEDs (the front light) and a light-guide layer to trick the eye. By maximizing the reflectivity of the white particles and removing the light-guide layer entirely, the Viwoods AiPaper achieves a sharper, more analog contrast ratio. The result is a gorgeous, glare-free aesthetic that significantly reduces eye strain, provided you are in a well-lit room.

A Notetaker’s Paradise

If you are a person who writes heavily or sketches, the expansive 10.65-inch screen is a revelation. The software ecosystem backing this hardware is equally robust. Viwoods has implemented an intuitive template system where you can seamlessly switch between layouts like wide-ruled lines, custom grids, and blank canvases.

One of the standout software features is the built-in Daily planner and To-Do list system. Unlike static digital notebooks, the AiPaper is dynamic. If you write down a task with the pen or the on-screen keyboard and fail to complete it by midnight, the operating system automatically prompts you to roll it over to the next day. It is an intelligent approach to task management that bridges the gap between analog journaling and digital productivity.

The Knowledge Base and Visual Notes

While note-taking is phenomenal, the device’s "Knowledge Base" and "Visual Notes" features truly elevate the overall experience. Because the AiPaper allows you to activate Google Play Services, you can pull up virtually any Android application and instantly annotate over it.

For instance, if you are reading an e-book through your Storytel subscription, you can capture a visual note of the page, crop a specific paragraph, scribble your thoughts directly over the text, and save it to a dedicated notebook in your Knowledge Base. You could be browsing Google News or Reddit, spot an interesting article about Apple iOS, take a snapshot, and file it into a custom "Apple" notebook. This system-wide global annotation capability turns the tablet into a powerful research and learning tool.

The Missing Link: Syncing

There is a catch, though it is likely temporary. Currently, if you own multiple Viwoods devices—such as the 10.65-inch AiPaper and the AiPaper Mini—your Visual Notes, Knowledge Base, and AI Notes do not automatically sync between them. However, Viwoods has confirmed they are actively developing a firmware update to introduce full ecosystem syncing. Once that feature goes live, the ability to seamlessly move a project from the expansive 10.65-inch screen down to the pocketable Mini will make this an almost unbeatable digital stationery setup.

Final Thoughts

The Viwoods AiPaper 10.65-inch e-note isn't just another tablet; it's a statement that fundamental display technology still has room for improvement. It relies on the raw quality and reflectivity of its e-ink rather than artificial illumination. For artists, researchers, and dedicated note-takers, the sheer size, paper-like writing feel, and high-contrast display make it a phenomenal piece of hardware. If you can live without a front light, this might just be the best black-and-white e-note on the market right now.

Official site:

https://viwoods.com/

AiPaper:

https://viwoods.com/products/viwoods-aipaper

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Viwoods AiPaper Reader C (Color) - Unboxing and first look!

stefan@svartling.net (Stefan Svartling) — Sat, 1 Aug 2026 12:31:19 +0200

The Viwoods AiPaper Reader C Review: A Bold Step Towards the E-Ink Smartphone

The e-ink revolution is quietly reshaping how we think about mobile devices. For years, the conversation has been dominated by large-format tablets and traditional e-readers. But there is a growing appetite for pocket-sized e-ink devices—tools designed to curb our doom-scrolling habits while offering a sanctuary for reading and focused productivity. Enter the Viwoods AiPaper Reader C, a compelling new entrant that packs a color Kaleido 3 e-ink display into a form factor that feels strikingly like a modern smartphone.

Unboxing the E-Ink Future

Straight out of the box, the AiPaper Reader C makes a strong impression. Viwoods has established a reputation for stellar hardware with its beloved black-and-white AiPaper Reader and the AiPaper Mini, and the Reader C follows suit. The device is lightweight, perfectly proportioned for one-handed use, and ships with a beautifully braided charging cable, a SIM ejector tool, and a protective case (though e-reader purists may find the case remarkably tight-fitting and opt to use the device without it).

What truly sets the AiPaper Reader C apart from a standard e-reader is its ambition to be a connected companion. It features a SIM card tray with 4G/5G cellular data support. For those looking to escape the hyper-stimulation of standard OLED screens, this device presents a fascinating proposition: use the AiPaper Reader C as a daily driver for reading, browsing, and messaging, and relegate a traditional device—like an iPhone Air—to a secondary role for tasks that require a camera or NFC, which this e-ink device purposefully omits.

Hardware controls are thoughtfully laid out along the chassis, featuring a USB-C port, integrated microphones, a power button, a volume rocker, and a dedicated AI button. Thanks to recent firmware updates, users can fully customize these buttons to suit their workflows—or disable them entirely to avoid accidental clicks while reading.

The Realities of Kaleido 3 Color

The star of the show is the Kaleido 3 color e-ink display, but it comes with the inherent trade-offs of current color e-paper technology. When you set the Reader C next to its black-and-white sibling, the difference is immediate. The Kaleido 3 technology utilizes a color filter array layered over a traditional black-and-white e-ink capsule layer. This physical color filter inevitably blocks some ambient light, resulting in a display that is noticeably darker and grayer when the screen is unlit.

Because of this optical reality, the front light isn't just an option for night reading; it is a necessity for daytime visibility and contrast compensation. Balancing the color temperature is critical. By dialing in a careful mix of cool and warm light (for instance, a cool light setting of 12 and a warm light setting of 9), users can offset the slightly greenish-yellow tint of the raw display, achieving a neutral, paper-like white background that allows the colors to pop.

Software and the Art of Tweaking

Once Google Play Services are activated and your favorite apps are downloaded, the true e-ink experience begins—which is to say, the tweaking begins. E-ink is not a plug-and-play technology when applied to standard Android applications.

Because apps like Google News, Reddit, or Chrome are designed for high-refresh-rate LCD or OLED screens, navigating them on e-ink requires finding the right refresh mode. Viwoods offers granular control over these settings. You can set "Quick Refresh" as the system-wide default from the homepage, which sacrifices some image clarity for faster response times, making scrolling smooth and even allowing for casual video watching.

Furthermore, the color layer demands calibration on a per-app basis. Pushing the contrast too high might make text beautifully sharp, but it will inevitably turn human faces in photos into a sunburned, unnatural reddish hue. It requires a delicate dance of adjusting contrast values and saturation sliders to find a compromise where both text and images look natural. Once dialed in, the display is quite stunning, providing a muted, pastel-like color palette that is incredibly gentle on the eyes.

A Focused Companion

The Viwoods AiPaper Reader C isn’t just an e-reader; it’s an experiment in intentional computing. It challenges the notion of what a pocketable screen should be. While it demands some patience to configure and lacks the multimedia prowess of a traditional smartphone, its excellent form factor and eye-friendly color display make it a stellar companion for those who prioritize reading, browsing, and visual comfort. For the dedicated digital reader looking to downsize their distractions, it just might be the perfect fit.

Official site:

https://viwoods.com/

AiPaper Reader C:

https://viwoods.com/products/viwoods-aipaper-reader-colour

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My review of CrossPoint firmware for the XTEINK X4 Pro

stefan@svartling.net (Stefan Svartling) — Mon, 27 Jul 2026 19:53:32 +0200

The Custom Firmware That Finally Unleashes the XTEINK X4 Pro

The ultra-compact e-reader market is fiercely competitive, but the brand-new XTEINK X4 Pro has carved out a unique space. It is a micro-sized powerhouse, built to be the perfect dedicated reading companion to a primary device—like the Bigme HiBreak Pro Color. But as any enthusiast knows, capable hardware is only half the battle. Out of the box, the X4 Pro’s stock firmware leaves a lot to be desired. Enter CrossPoint, a custom operating system that transforms this compromised reader into an absolute necessity.

Let us look at why the current Beta 4 release of CrossPoint is an essential upgrade for the X4 Pro.

Fixing the Fundamentals: Typography and Syncing

The most glaring issue with the XTEINK X4 Pro’s original firmware is its handling of international languages. If you read outside of English—specifically in languages like Swedish—the text formatting is frankly unacceptable. The hyphenation is broken, and the layout feels chaotic. CrossPoint instantly remedies this. Booting up a Swedish novel on the new beta reveals gorgeous, properly formatted text with zero hyphenation errors. It is a night-and-day difference that makes reading in local languages genuinely enjoyable.

Beyond typography, CrossPoint brings KOReader sync to the table. The original firmware locks you out of this beloved ecosystem, but with CrossPoint, syncing your reading progress across all your devices works flawlessly. It even restores the simple joy of displaying your current book cover on the sleep screen—a feature bafflingly absent from the stock OS.

Illuminating the Hardware: Lighting and Layers

Adding a front light and a touch layer to a micro-sized e-ink screen is always a balancing act. Because of those extra layers, the X4 Pro’s display isn't quite as starkly white or crisp as the base X4 or X3 models. However, it remains a stunning display compared to other lit e-readers on the market.

Where CrossPoint truly excels is in granular light control. The stock firmware’s lowest brightness setting can feel blinding in a pitch-black room. CrossPoint significantly lowers that floor. Dialing the front light down to 5% or 6% provides the perfect, subtle illumination for late-night reading. You also get full access to warm lighting controls and a true dark mode for those who prefer white text on a black background.

The Quirk of Touch and Buttons

The X4 Pro features physical page-turn buttons, but their placement—directly mirroring each other at the same height on both edges—is not ideal. A rocker design on one side, similar to the older X4, would have offered a much more ergonomic one-handed grip.

CrossPoint navigates this hardware limitation by offering excellent touch controls. Tapping the sides of the screen to flip pages is remarkably fast and responsive. Unfortunately, the beta currently lacks swipe-to-turn functionality; you can only tap to change pages, though you can still swipe to back out of system menus.

CrossPoint makes up for this minor setback with deep customization. If you prefer to grip the device tightly, resting your thumbs directly on the display, you can completely disable the touch reader controls. This locks page-turning exclusively to the physical buttons, preventing accidental jumps while keeping the home button functional.

The Verdict: An Essential Upgrade

Despite being in its fourth beta, CrossPoint feels like mandatory software. By installing it, the XTEINK X4 Pro finally lives up to the promise of its micro-sized form factor, becoming the ultimate library in your pocket.

CrossPoint Beta 4 on XTEINK X4 Pro: At a Glance

Feature	Original Firmware	CrossPoint Beta 4
International Formatting	Poor (broken hyphenation)	Excellent (flawless rendering)
Low-Light Brightness	Too bright	Dim and comfortable (5-6%)
KOReader Sync	Unsupported	Fully Supported
Sleep Screen Cover	Missing	Supported
Page Turning	Buttons & Touch	Buttons & Touch (Tap only, no swipe)

Key Takeaways:

Network Flexibility: Connect via Wi-Fi, tether to your phone's hotspot, or use Calibre wireless seamlessly.
Sun Fading Quirks: Some minor sun fading in direct sunlight.
Disable Touch on Demand: A standout feature allowing you to rest fingers directly on the screen without triggering page turns.

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Tutorial: How to install Crosspoint on XTEINK X4 Pro

stefan@svartling.net (Stefan Svartling) — Fri, 24 Jul 2026 12:15:00 +0200

Hack Your Reading: How to Supercharge the XTEINK X4 Pro with Crosspoint Firmware

If you’re serious about e-ink, you know that a device is only as good as its software. The XTEINK X4 Pro is a phenomenal piece of hardware—crisp, lightweight, and perfectly sized for marathon reading sessions. But for power users, stock firmware can sometimes feel like a gilded cage. Enter Crosspoint.

With the release of the third beta of the Crosspoint firmware, the developer community has delivered a massive upgrade for the XTEINK X4 Pro. It is not an exaggeration to say that this custom firmware changes everything. If you've been searching for the ultimate reading setup—one that lets you comfortably read in bed in the pitch black without searing your retinas—this is the update you've been waiting for.

Here is everything you need to know to ditch the stock experience and install Crosspoint on your XTEINK X4 Pro.

The Preparation Phase

Before we begin the flashing process, there are a few ground rules. First, ensure your device is turned on and sitting on the default home screen. If you’re currently in the middle of a novel, tap the home button and back all the way out.

You are also going to need your data cable—specifically, the magnetic Pogo pin cable that interfaces with the device (an XTEINK X3 cable works perfectly here if you have one lying around). Snap the magnetic connector onto the X4 Pro, plug the USB end into your computer, and verify that the device remaining on that crucial home screen.

The Web Flasher Magic

Gone are the days of wrestling with command-line interfaces to flash custom ROMs onto e-readers. The Crosspoint installation is delightfully modern, utilizing a web-based flashing tool.

Open up a Chromium-based browser (like Google Chrome) on your desktop and navigate to crosspointreader.com. From the main page, select the “Get Crosspoint Flash Firmware” button. You will be greeted by a menu of supported devices; look for the new option dedicated to the XTEINK X4 Pro.

Clicking this will bring you to the firmware selection screen, highlighting "X4 Pro Beta 3, or any newer version." (A quick pro-tip: this page also hosts the original stock English firmware. If something ever goes sideways, or you just want to revert to the factory settings, you can re-flash the stock image here. Just be warned that flashing the original firmware is a heavier lift, sometimes taking upwards of 25 minutes, requiring a hyper-stable connection so the device doesn't time out. Fortunately, the Crosspoint firmware flashes much faster.)

Once you've selected Beta 3, review the prompt ensuring your device is powered on and on the home screen, and click "Flash." A small browser dialogue box will pop up asking you to select your connected device. Choose your XTEINK, hit "Connect," and let the browser do the heavy lifting.

Booting into a New Ecosystem

The flash takes just a few moments. Once the progress bar wraps up, the tool will instruct you to press and hold the power button to boot into Crosspoint. However, for good measure, it is highly recommended to give the physical reset button a quick press before holding down the power button to boot it up.

When the screen refreshes, you will be greeted by the new Crosspoint UI. The transformation is immediate. The interface is highly responsive to both physical button presses and touch inputs.

First Steps in Crosspoint

Diving into the system settings reveals why this firmware is so beloved by the e-reading community. Core features like KOReader sync are readily available, making cross-device library management a breeze.

You'll also want to connect to Wi-Fi right away to take advantage of the font manager. Downloading custom fonts directly to the device—like the excellent "Bitter" typeface—takes just seconds.

But the absolute killer feature of this beta is the lighting control. By simply swiping down from the top of the screen, you can access an intuitive lighting menu. The granular control here is outstanding. You can dial the brightness all the way down to a true 1% and crank the warmth slider to the absolute maximum. For nighttime readers, this ultra-dim, ultra-warm profile is the holy grail, allowing you to read in total darkness without eye strain.

The Verdict

The third beta of Crosspoint isn't just a fun experiment; it is a fundamental shift in how the XTEINK X4 Pro operates. It turns a great e-reader into an exceptional one. If you own an X4 Pro, take the ten minutes to flash this firmware. It will completely redefine your reading experience.

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XTEINK X4 Pro - My Thoughts on the original firmware

stefan@svartling.net (Stefan Svartling) — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 12:16:53 +0200

Why the XTEINK X4 Pro Desperately Needs a Custom Firmware Intervention

The market for pocketable e-ink (electrophoretic ink) devices has never been more vibrant. E-ink technology relies on microcapsules filled with positively and negatively charged particles suspended in fluid; when an electric field is applied, the display mimics ink on paper, providing a glare-free sanctuary for readers. However, hardware is only as good as its software. Enter the XTEINK X4 Pro, a promising device currently hindered by its official software. After testing the device, it is clear that the original firmware—the low-level software programmed into the device's read-only memory serving as the critical bridge between hardware and interface—requires a serious intervention.

The Case of the Vanishing Features

Out of the box, the X4 Pro initially boasted robust customization options. Strangely, a recent official firmware update gutted the operating system. Crucial settings vanished overnight. The ability to customize physical buttons, assign the current book cover as the sleep screen, and access detailed progress bar settings disappeared. Users are left with an uncomfortably sparse menu allowing only basic network toggles, Bluetooth pairing, and language selection. Even the physical Quick Start Guide references features that simply no longer exist.

A Redeeming Companion App

This software regression is partially offset by the capable XTEINK companion app, perfectly suited for iOS devices like the iPhone Air. The app is a creative powerhouse for designing personalized fonts, downloading wallpapers, generating book covers, and managing RSS feeds. This ecosystem is crucial because the X4 Pro’s default system fonts are frustratingly diminutive. By utilizing the app’s font builder, users can upload bolder, legible typography directly to the device, salvaging the reading experience.

Linguistic Limitations and Hyphenation Hurdles

When reading, the X4 Pro is a device of stark contrasts. For English literature, the typography engine works wonderfully, handling hyphenation—the algorithmic process of splitting words at line ends using language-specific rules to maintain a uniform text block—with absolute grace. However, for Swedish texts, it is a linguistic disaster. The software lacks the dictionaries to process Swedish hyphenation correctly, resulting in words awkwardly severed after just one or two characters. For anyone reading extensively in Swedish, this flaw makes the stock firmware practically unusable.

Hardware Quirks and Front-Lit Triumphs

Hardware-wise, the X4 Pro introduces polarizing design choices. It features incredibly strong internal magnets for snapping onto a smartphone. However, unlike its perfectly sized predecessors (the X3 and X4), the Pro model extends awkwardly past the bottom edge of an iPhone Air, compromising its pocketability. Furthermore, the touch-sensitive home button invites accidental presses. Fortunately, a screen-lock feature disables the capacitive touchscreen entirely, allowing you to grip the device securely while relying on physical buttons for navigation.

A major hardware win is the inclusion of a front light. Unlike LCD screens that shine backlights directly into your retinas, front-lit displays use microscopic LEDs embedded in the bezel. These project light evenly across a layer on top of the electronic paper, reducing eye fatigue. This addition transforms the X4 Pro into a phenomenal bedside reader.

The Custom Firmware Solution

How do we fix solid hardware with crippled software? The answer lies in the developer community. Custom firmware like CrossPoint or CrossInk—third-party operating systems that completely overwrite the factory system to unlock advanced capabilities—is the lifeline the X4 Pro needs. With the CrossPoint beta available, users can look forward to recovering customizations, fixing language support, and enabling reading synchronization across the entire XTEINK ecosystem.

The XTEINK X4 Pro is a diamond in the rough—a brilliant piece of hardware trapped in a software cage. With a quick flash of custom firmware, it is poised to become the ultimate pocket companion.

Go and buy it here.

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The brand new XTEINK X4 Pro is official now

stefan@svartling.net (Stefan Svartling) — Mon, 20 Jul 2026 14:29:35 +0200

The XTEINK X4 Pro Just Redefined Pocket E-Readers—And It's Only $99

The current landscape of e-readers is often a battle of massive screens and walled-garden software ecosystems. But a quiet revolution is happening in the pocket-sized space. Having daily-driven both the standard XTEINK X4 and the ultra-compact X3, I've seen firsthand how XTEINK has been iterating on the micro-e-Reader concept. Now, with the official launch of the XTEINK X4 Pro, the brand has delivered what might be the definitive minimalist reading device for everyday carry. My review of it will hopefully soon come on my Youtube channel.

Hardware That Disappears

At a remarkably thin 5.95mm and weighing just 72g, the X4 Pro isn't just small; it is practically invisible in a pocket. The genius built-in magnetic backplate that snaps securely onto the back of my iPhone Air, transforming a standard smartphone setup into a dual-screen powerhouse without the bulk of a dedicated tablet.

The visual experience relies on a 4.3-inch display pushing 219 PPI (Pixels Per Inch). From a technical standpoint, pixel density in electrophoretic displays dictates the sharpness of vector text rendering. At 219 PPI on a screen this compact, the microcapsules of black and white particles provide enough edge clarity that anti-aliasing artifacts are virtually unnoticeable to the naked eye. This makes reading long-form text incredibly crisp. Furthermore, XTEINK has integrated a dual-tone front light—a massive upgrade over the unlit X4 and X3. The ability to seamlessly adjust between warm and cool color temperatures ensures a glare-free, paper-like reading experience in any lighting condition.

Unlocked Freedom

One of the most compelling technical aspects of the X4 Pro is its pure developer operating system. Unlike heavily locked-down competitors that force you into specific storefronts, the X4 Pro offers complete "Unlocked Firmware Freedom" with zero third-party restrictions. You choose exactly how you want to read.

It comes equipped with a 16GB MicroSD card (expandable up to an impressive 256GB), providing vast local storage for massive libraries. It also includes native Bluetooth wireless technology alongside Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz.

XT-Cloud and Ambient Utility

The companion XT-Cloud platform elevates the X4 Pro from a mere book reader to an ambient lifestyle screen. Through the Vision app, the device automatically syncs reading schedules, RSS feeds, and localized weather updates. It is incredibly satisfying to glance at the e-ink display on your desk and instantly see if the temperature is sitting at 12°C with a wind speed of 5 m/s before stepping out for the day.

The X4 Pro can switch between photo modes, a desktop clock, or live market updates. This diversity in utility ensures it remains useful even when you aren't actively flipping pages—a smart way to reduce main-screen time and explore new ambient computing habits.

Supported Configuration Formats

[SYSTEM_FILE_SUPPORT_PROTOCOLS]
Document Formats: EPUB, TXT, MOBI, PDF
Image Formats: JPG, PNG, BMP
Font Formats: BIN, XTF
Storage: 16GB MicroSD (Expandable to 256GB)

What's In The Box

1 × X4 Pro E-Reader
1 × 16GB MicroSD Card
1 × Matte Screen Protector
2 × E-Reader Adhesive Metal Rings
1 × Magnetic Charging Adapter
1 × Quick Start Guide

The Verdict

At $99.00 USD, the X4 Pro is aggressively priced. Navigation is fluid, offering both touchscreen gestures and dedicated physical buttons for tactile, single-handed page turns. Powered by an upgraded 1100mAh battery utilizing an efficient Pogo-pin magnetic charging interface, endurance is exceptional.

Feature	X4 Pro Specification
Dimensions & Weight	111 × 69 × 5.95 mm / 72g
Display Type	4.3-inch, 219 PPI
Front Light	Dual-Tone (Adjustable warm/cool)
Battery	1100 mAh (Pogo pin charging)
Connectivity	Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz & Bluetooth

XTEINK has proven that you do not need a heavy, tablet-sized footprint to enjoy a premium, customizable, and distraction-free digital ecosystem. The X4 Pro isn't just a reading device; it is an essential piece of modern gear.

Check it out here and buy it.

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CrossPoint vs. CrossInk: Choosing the Right Open-Source Soul for Your XTEINK E-Reader

stefan@svartling.net (Stefan Svartling) — Mon, 20 Jul 2026 10:22:42 +0200

CrossPoint vs. CrossInk: Choosing the Right Open-Source Soul for Your XTEINK E-Reader

The e-reader landscape is currently experiencing a quiet revolution. For years, the market has been dominated by massive tech ecosystems locked behind proprietary walls. But a growing movement of open-source developers is proving that hardware belongs to the user. At the center of this shift are the XTEINK X4 and X3, a pair of highly pocketable, minimalist e-ink devices powered by the ESP32-C3 microcontroller. While their affordable price tag and compact footprint make them incredibly appealing, the stock operating system has left power users feeling constrained by rigid button mapping and generic typography.

Enter the custom firmware scene, where developers are unleashing the true potential of these devices. Today, the community is largely divided between two exceptional open-source operating systems: the foundational CrossPoint firmware and its feature-rich, high-performance fork, CrossInk. Here is a deep dive into the technical differences and how to choose the right firmware for your workflow.

The Sturdy Foundation: CrossPoint Reader

CrossPoint is the bedrock of the XTEINK modding community. Developed as a free, fully hackable alternative to the official OS, its primary mandate is removing friction from the reading experience. The firmware elegantly solves the navigation quirks of the X3 and X4's six physical buttons by introducing contextual button labeling, ensuring the interface dynamically adapts to your current screen.

From an engineering perspective, CrossPoint is a masterclass in high-level optimization. The ESP32-C3 chip is highly efficient but severely constrained, offering roughly 380KB of usable RAM. To handle complex EPUB files without crashing, CrossPoint employs an aggressive data caching protocol. It actively pages metadata and complex document structures down to the device's microSD card, dramatically reducing the memory overhead. This technical wizardry allows the firmware to deliver smooth anti-aliased text, bold and italic rendering, and instantaneous chapter jumping without hardware lag.

The Power User's Upgrade: CrossInk

While CrossPoint provides a flawless, minimalist reading environment, CrossInk—a personal fork maintained by developer uxjulia—transforms the XTEINK hardware into a productivity-focused powerhouse. CrossInk is engineered for readers who demand granular control over their typography, advanced reading analytics, and seamless multi-device continuity.

If you find yourself juggling both the ultra-compact X3 for your pocket and the slightly larger X4 for home reading, CrossInk’s flagship feature is an absolute game-changer: device synchronization. The firmware allows all-time reading statistics and precise page-level progress to sync wirelessly between two CrossInk devices. You can put down the X4, grab the X3, and resume your book exactly where you left off.

Furthermore, CrossInk introduces an array of typographic and quality-of-life enhancements. Key additions include:

Expanded typography options including Lexend Deca and Bitter fonts.
A dedicated Bionic Reading mode to accelerate text processing.
Force Paragraph Indents for poorly formatted EPUB files.
Customizable Auto Page Turn intervals ranging from 5 to 120 seconds.

Installation and Flashing

Both firmwares are deployed using a brilliant Web Serial API installer natively hosted in your browser. By simply connecting your device via USB-C and navigating to the flashing portal, you can overwrite the stock OS in under a minute. It is an entirely reversible process, provided you keep a backup of the official firmware binaries.

Note for Linux users: You may need to grant serial port permissions before flashing.

sudo setfacl -m u:$USER:rw /dev/ttyACM0

Feature Breakdown: What Sets Them Apart?

Feature	CrossPoint (Base)	CrossInk (Fork)
Typography & Rendering	Standard anti-aliased text, fundamental bold/italics support.	Lexend Deca, Bionic Reading mode, Guide Dots, Force Paragraph Indents, and thicker underlines.
Reading Analytics	Basic saved location and chapter progress tracking.	Comprehensive tracking: total books, reading time, pages per minute. Includes a dedicated Dashboard theme.
Device Synchronization	Standalone, single-device experience. KOReader Sync.	Full wireless sync of reading progress and aggregate stats across two devices. KOReader Sync.
Interface & Automation	Folder-based screensavers, contextual button labels.	Customizable Auto Page Turn, ability to pin favorite sleep images, and a 3x3 grid view for recent books.

The Verdict

Choosing between CrossPoint and CrossInk ultimately hinges on your personal reading philosophy. If you view your e-reader as a pure, distraction-free digital paperback, the mainline CrossPoint firmware provides unmatched stability and an elegant, intuitive interface. Its highly efficient memory management guarantees a smooth experience without overwhelming the user with unnecessary menus.

However, if you love digging into the technical capabilities of your hardware—whether that means tracking your pages turned per minute, tweaking font sizes, or utilizing Bionic Reading to accelerate your pace—CrossInk is the definitive upgrade. More importantly, its ability to sync progress seamlessly makes it practically mandatory for multi-device owners. By bridging the gap between hardware simplicity and software sophistication, both firmwares prove that the future of e-reading isn't just in the hands of massive corporations, but in the creativity of open-source developers.

How to do Highlights (clippings) and Bookmarks in CrossInk on XTEINK X4 and X3

stefan@svartling.net (Stefan Svartling) — Sun, 12 Jul 2026 14:17:28 +0200

The Tactile E-Reader Renaissance: Mastering Highlights and Bookmarks in CrossInk

In an era dominated by ubiquitous, hyper-responsive touchscreens, a quiet revolution is happening in the e-reader community. Devices like the XTEINK X4 and its smaller sibling, the X3, are proving that there is still immense value in a purely button-driven interface. Stripped of the capacitive layers that can reduce screen clarity and introduce glare, these devices offer an unadulterated, paper-like reading experience. But navigating an operating system and managing annotations without a touchscreen requires intelligent software design. Enter CrossInk, an exceptional custom firmware fork that transforms the XTEINK hardware into a powerhouse for focused reading.

One of the most requested features for dedicated e-readers is robust annotation management. Readers need to bookmark pages, highlight essential passages, and aggregate these notes for later review. Historically, doing this via physical buttons was a clunky, frustrating endeavor. However, the latest updates to the CrossInk firmware have introduced an elegant, highly intuitive system for creating and managing "My Clippings"—a feature that brilliantly rivals the industry-standard Kindle ecosystem.

Navigating the Interface: Bookmarks and Highlights

The true triumph of CrossInk lies in how it maps complex interactions to simple hardware button inputs. Without the luxury of simply tapping the screen, the software utilizes a directional pad and contextual menus to achieve precise text selection. It is a brilliant solution that keeps the user engaged with the text rather than wrestling with the UI.

Adding a Bookmark

While inside a book, click the dedicated Reader Menu button.
Navigate through the settings and select the Next option to reach the Bookmark menu.
Choose Add Bookmark and click select. The page is instantly saved for future reference.

Creating a Highlight (Clipping)

Access the Reader Menu and proceed to the Bookmark menu.
Select Create Clipping.
Using the directional buttons, move the cursor to the first word of the passage you wish to save, then click Select.
Navigate down and right to the final word of the passage and click Done. A "Clipping Saved" notification confirms the action.

Aggregating Knowledge: Three Ways to Access Your Notes

Saving highlights is only half the battle; retrieving them efficiently is where an e-reader proves its worth. CrossInk addresses this by storing all highlights in a universal file, actively avoiding the trap of proprietary database lock-in. The firmware offers three distinct pathways to access this data, catering to different reading workflows.

Access Method	Workflow & Navigation	Best Use Case
In-Book Menu	Reader Menu > Bookmark Menu > View Clippings	Reviewing notes specific to the currently open book while actively reading.
Global Menu	Home Page > Menu > Bookmark & Clippings	Browsing all annotated books and diving into specific highlights without opening the source file first.
Raw Text File	Browse > "My Clippings.txt"	Exporting your entire master database of highlights to a computer or smartphone for archival or secondary processing.

Access Method

Workflow & Navigation

Best Use Case

In-Book Menu

Reader Menu > Bookmark Menu > View Clippings

Reviewing notes specific to the currently open book while actively reading.

Global Menu

Home Page > Menu > Bookmark & Clippings

Browsing all annotated books and diving into specific highlights without opening the source file first.

Raw Text File

Browse > "My Clippings.txt"

Exporting your entire master database of highlights to a computer or smartphone for archival or secondary processing.

The Technical Underpinnings: Why the .txt Format Matters

Under the hood, CrossInk operates with a refreshing level of simplicity and transparency. Instead of burying user data inside encrypted or proprietary database files that require companion apps to read, it actively appends new highlights to a standard .txt file. This mirrors the behavior of larger ecosystems but keeps the actual data open.

==========
Book Title: Example Tech Novel
Highlight Location: Page 42

This is how the exact text of the highlighted clipping appears, seamlessly saved as raw data for easy cross-platform export.
==========

This technical decision allows users to effortlessly transfer the file to an external device, ensuring that their intellectual property and marginalia remain entirely within their control.

The Final Frontier: Ecosystem Synchronization

While the current implementation of highlights and bookmarks is fundamentally brilliant, there remains one critical missing link for power users operating multiple devices. Currently, the CrossInk firmware boasts a fantastic local syncing capability—via the "File Transfer > Sync Nearby Stats" feature, users can seamlessly synchronize their reading statistics between the XTEINK X3 and X4.

However, the holy grail of this particular e-reading ecosystem would be extending this synchronization to the My Clippings text file itself. Imagine highlighting a profound paragraph on the highly portable X3 during a morning commute, and later picking up the larger X4 at home to find that exact highlight already waiting in the master file. Given the developer's excellent track record of implementing requested features, there is profound hope within the community that she will find a way to bridge this gap in an upcoming update.

Until then, CrossInk has undeniably proven that a touchscreen is not a prerequisite for a sophisticated, highly functional reading experience. By marrying intelligent software mapping with tactile hardware, the XTEINK devices continue to carve out a vital niche in the modern tech landscape.

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How I add books to XTEINK X3 or X4 and make them sync Reading Progress to KOReader e-Readers

stefan@svartling.net (Stefan Svartling) — Tue, 7 Jul 2026 16:37:25 +0200

Break Free from the Walled Garden: How to Sync Reading Progress Across XTEINK and KOReader Devices

By Stefan Svartling

There is a specific kind of freedom that comes with reading on an e-ink display—a distraction-free sanctuary away from the glaring LCDs and OLEDs of our smartphones. As an avid e-reader enthusiast who relies on devices like the XTEINK X3, XTEINK X4, and e-Readers running KOReader, I often switch between form factors depending on where I am. But moving between different e-readers usually introduces a frustrating problem: losing your reading progress.

If you are trapped in an ecosystem like Amazon's Kindle, cross-device syncing happens automatically behind the scenes. But what if you prefer open systems, or you want to sync your pocket-friendly XTEINK device with a jailbroken Kindle or a Kobo running KOReader? The good news is that you can achieve perfect, cloud-like synchronization across completely different hardware. The secret lies in KOReader Sync, and it is vastly easier to set up than you might think.

The Wireless Transfer: Cutting the Cord

Before you can sync your progress, both devices need the exact same digital book. Thankfully, transferring EPUB files to an XTEINK device doesn't require a tangle of USB cables. The XTEINK X3 and X4 (and remember, the X4 isn’t newer than the X3, just a different form factor in the lineup) feature excellent built-in wireless file transfer options.

From the XTEINK menu, you can connect directly to your Calibre library, but I often prefer the network transfer method. If you are at home, you can simply select the "Join Network" option. This generates a QR code on your e-reader that you scan with your phone, or you can navigate to crossink.local on your desktop browser. This opens a surprisingly robust web-based file manager directly on your phone or computer, allowing you to peek into the XTEINK’s storage seamlessly.

Even more impressively, if you are completely off the grid—say, out in a cabin without a local Wi-Fi network—you can use the XTEINK’s "Create Hotspot" feature. This initiates a Wi-Fi Direct connection between your phone and the e-reader. You do not need 4G or 5G cell service; as long as your phone's Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are active, you can transfer books in the middle of nowhere.

The Secret Sauce: File Name Matching

Here is the most critical step for cross-device synchronization: KOReader relies heavily on file names to match documents across different platforms. If your book is titled spindeln.epub on your Kobo Libra H2O, it must be named exactly spindeln.epub on your XTEINK device. "Close enough" will not work.

When uploading the book via the XTEINK web interface, you have the opportunity to rename the file before you disconnect. Just tap the edit (pen) icon in the file manager and remove any extraneous text to ensure the file names are identical.

A crucial warning here: when uploading, never select the "Optimize EPUB" option. Modifying the EPUB structure during transfer will almost certainly break the syncing process.

Configuring KOReader Sync

Once the identically named book is on both devices, it is time to link them up. On your KOReader-enabled device (like your Kobo), ensure you are logged into your KOReader Sync account and that you have enabled "Keep documents in sync." Importantly, set your "Document matching method" to "File name."

Next, jump over to your XTEINK device. Navigate to Settings > System > KOReader Sync. Input the exact same username, password, and sync server details. Just like on the Kobo, you must ensure the document matching method is set to use the file name.

The Magic of Multi-Device Reading

With the setup complete, you are ready to read. When you open the newly transferred book on your XTEINK for the first time, have a little patience. E-ink processors prioritize battery life over speed, and the device needs a moment to index the file and generate the cover art.

Once it opens, the magic happens. Read a few chapters on your XTEINK, push your progress to the cloud via the progress sync menu, and later that evening, pick up your Kobo Libra H2O. With a quick tap to pull the remote progress, your Kobo will jump precisely to where you left off.

You are no longer tied to a single brand's ecosystem. By leveraging the open-source power of KOReader and the versatile wireless features of the XTEINK lineup, you can build a personalized, synchronized reading utopia that spans across all your favorite e-ink screens.

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