eenk is a custom firmware for Xteink ESP32-powered e-ink reader devices that turns them into dedicated interactive fiction players. Stories are written in inkle's Ink scripting language, compiled via the eenky IDE (a fork of Inky), and run on-device using the inkcpp C++ runtime. The project includes a browser-based web flasher for firmware installation and library management over USB with no drivers or WiFi required.
- Supports three hardware models: X3 (ESP32-C3, 792×528), X4 (ESP32-C3, 800×480, USB-C), and X4 Pro (ESP32-S3, 800×480, touchscreen, backlight)
- Uses Papyrix firmware's text layout and rendering pipeline for custom fonts that can be applied per story or globally
- Images (cover art, thumbnails, inlined) are bundled with stories using the same pattern as Inky's web export
- Supports three hardware models: X3 (ESP32-C3, 792×528), X4 (ESP32-C3, 800×480, USB-C), and X4 Pro (ESP32-S3, 800×480, touchscreen, backlight)
- Uses Papyrix firmware's text layout and rendering pipeline for custom fonts that can be applied per story or globally
- Images (cover art, thumbnails, inlined) are bundled with stories using the same pattern as Inky's web export
Tyler August writes about eenk, a project that brings long-form text adventures'' think Zork with several novels' worth of prose' 'to palm-sized Xteink e-ink readers. Built on the ESP32 microcontroller and the ink scripting language, it ships with its own IDE (eenky) for authoring choose-your-own-adventure books and is released under an MIT license on GitHub.
- The X3/X4 use an ESP32-C3 with no PSRAM, giving developers less memory than 1980s home computers
- The X4 Pro variant uses an ESP32-S3 for more RAM and adds a touchscreen
- Commenters note Xteink sells identical hardware through different channels with different software configurations (locked vs. unlockable)
- A commenter suggests packaging the project as a Crosspoint plugin rather than a standalone firmware to avoid repeated reflashing
- The X3/X4 use an ESP32-C3 with no PSRAM, giving developers less memory than 1980s home computers
- The X4 Pro variant uses an ESP32-S3 for more RAM and adds a touchscreen
- Commenters note Xteink sells identical hardware through different channels with different software configurations (locked vs. unlockable)
- A commenter suggests packaging the project as a Crosspoint plugin rather than a standalone firmware to avoid repeated reflashing
Andrew Liszewski writes that CrossPoint Reader alternative firmware for Xteink'''s X3, X4 and X4 Pro is adding plug-in support that lets the pocket e-readers open DRM-protected EPUBs borrowed via OverDrive/Libby or purchased from stores like Kobo, using a Protected Content plug-in that processes ACSM files through the firmware'''s built-in web server.
- Stock firmware must be replaced via browser-based flashing tool on crosspointreader.com
- Plugin Store and Protected Content plug-in are installed to microSD card
- Access requires a free ByteBooks account to authorize Adobe DRM on the device
- ESP-32 hardware prevents direct Libby search/download on the reader itself
- Common Stacks app automates borrowing from Libby and pushing books to the e-reader
- Stock firmware must be replaced via browser-based flashing tool on crosspointreader.com
- Plugin Store and Protected Content plug-in are installed to microSD card
- Access requires a free ByteBooks account to authorize Adobe DRM on the device
- ESP-32 hardware prevents direct Libby search/download on the reader itself
- Common Stacks app automates borrowing from Libby and pushing books to the e-reader
This documentation details the various network endpoints available when CrossInk is operating in File Transfer or Calibre Wireless mode. It covers HTTP requests for file management, device status monitoring, and system settings configuration via specialized APIs. Additionally, it describes WebSocket protocols for fast binary uploads, WebDAV support for external file managers, and UDP discovery services used to locate the device on a network.
- Uses port 80 for HTTP/WebDAV and port 81 for WebSocket uploads
- Supports both Station (STA) and Access Point (AP) network modes
- Employs a custom UDP discovery mechanism via port 8134
- Implements a specific START:<filename>:<size>:<path> protocol for WebSockets
- Uses port 80 for HTTP/WebDAV and port 81 for WebSocket uploads
- Supports both Station (STA) and Access Point (AP) network modes
- Employs a custom UDP discovery mechanism via port 8134
- Implements a specific START:<filename>:<size>:<path> protocol for WebSockets
Boox has announced the Picco, a new ultra-compact e-reader designed to compete with small form-factor devices like those from Xteink. The device features a 3.97-inch front-lit black-and-white E Ink display and includes an SD card slot for expandable storage. While exact pricing is not yet confirmed, the Picco will be part of a new Tile lineup at an accessible price point and will likely feature a simplified user interface focused on core functions like Neoreader, music, and podcasts.
- 3.97-inch front-lit e-paper display
- SD card slot for expandable storage
- Minimalist UI optimized for reading and basic media
- 3.97-inch front-lit e-paper display
- SD card slot for expandable storage
- Minimalist UI optimized for reading and basic media
The upcoming XTEINK X4 Pro, also known as the X4P or X4 Pro V2, is an ultra-portable 4.3-inch E-Ink touchscreen e-reader scheduled for announcement on July 21st. Priced at approximately $99 USD, this premium version of the minimalist X4 adds highly requested features such as integrated lighting and a slim 5.98mm profile.
* 220 PPI E-Ink touchscreen with physical page-turn buttons.
* Integrated reading light for low-light environments.
* 16 GB internal memory, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and a 1,000 mAh battery.
* Magnetic pogo-pin charging system (USB-C adapter included).
* Support for EPUB and TXT formats via micro SD or cloud sync.
* 220 PPI E-Ink touchscreen with physical page-turn buttons.
* Integrated reading light for low-light environments.
* 16 GB internal memory, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and a 1,000 mAh battery.
* Magnetic pogo-pin charging system (USB-C adapter included).
* Support for EPUB and TXT formats via micro SD or cloud sync.
