Boox's latest e-reader, the Picco, is due to launch in November. Unlike its Xteink X4 counterpart, the Picco eschews magnetic phone attachments in favor of a touchscreen 3.97-inch e-paper display, a welcome upgrade for some. Physical page-turn buttons can be customized, adding a personal touch to your reading experience.

However, the Picco is not a fully-fledged Android device; instead, it runs a stripped-down, Linux-based OS. It offers basic apps like a timer and a todo list, along with a reading stats tracker. Despite these features, it’s unclear if the device will support audiobooks or have Bluetooth connectivity, and pricing remains a mystery.

Storage is handled via a microSD card, allowing users to add reading material directly or transfer files over USB-C or WiFi. This setup is an improvement over the Xteink devices, which lacked USB-C support. The battery life and other technical specifications are yet to be revealed, leaving readers in the dark about the Picco's performance.

The launch is expected in November, giving enthusiasts just enough time to decide if they’re ready to make the digital leap. Will this be the e-reader that finally convinces the last holdouts, or will it be another gadget gathering dust on the shelf?