Key Takeaways
- The new X4 Pro from Xteink features a touchscreen and lighting, making it more user-friendly.
- While the device is slightly more expensive at $99, it offers an improved reading experience compared to previous models.
- CrossPoint Reader software team plans to release alternative firmware for enhanced functionality.
Xteink has launched its latest e-reader, the X4 Pro, which introduces a touchscreen and lighting capabilities, aiming to enhance user interaction. The device is priced at $99, making it slightly more expensive than previous models but offering an improved reading experience.
Compared to earlier versions of Xteink’s e-readers, the X4 Pro includes a 4.26-inch E Ink screen with a resolution of 800 x 480 pixels, which is smaller and thinner than its predecessors. However, it lacks a traditional USB-C port, instead featuring an uncommon magnetic pogo-pin connection that requires an adapter for full functionality.
Despite the absence of a USB-C port, the X4 Pro retains several practical features such as dedicated page turn buttons on each side and a power/wake button. Additionally, it introduces a touch button on the front below its screen for navigating back to the homescreen. These changes make the device more user-friendly, especially with the added touchscreen.
The launch of the X4 Pro coincides with plans by the CrossPoint Reader software team to release alternative firmware that will further enhance the e-reader’s functionality. This development could potentially address some of the frustrations users have faced with previous versions of Xteink’s devices.
While the X4 Pro is a step forward in terms of user interface, it still falls short in certain areas. For instance, its size makes it awkwardly extend past the bottom of compatible smartphones when attached, and the magnets on the back are not strong enough to ensure secure attachment. These issues highlight the ongoing challenges faced by manufacturers in balancing portability with functionality.
The X4 Pro’s design also includes embedded magnets that allow for wireless battery charging when attached to certain smartphones. However, this feature is somewhat limited due to the magnets’ strength and the device’s size, which can cause it to detach easily during use.
Despite these limitations, the X4 Pro represents a significant improvement over previous models from Xteink. The addition of a touchscreen and lighting features makes it more comparable to larger e-readers like Amazon’s Kindle, albeit at a slightly higher price point. Users who have been considering an Xteink device may find that the X4 Pro is worth the investment for its enhanced usability.
In conclusion, while the X4 Pro from Xteink introduces several positive changes, it still faces some challenges in terms of portability and functionality. However, with the promise of improved software support, users can look forward to a more seamless reading experience.
The new touch controls and some welcome software updates do manage to make the X4 Pro easier to use, but frustrations still abound.
The Verge, Tech Reviewer
