The Boox Picco, teased ahead of its November launch, introduces an exceptionally small e-reader option with a screen just under 4 inches. Unlike recent Boox models that used Android to support Google Play Books, Kindle, and a full range of third-party apps, the Picco drops Android entirely, limiting users to the Boox store and directly transferred ePub files.
Design and Core Features
The Picco is designed for portability—with a size likened to a small field journal—and features a thin and lightweight build. Key features include an adjustable front light for reading in various lighting conditions and tactile controls like custom buttons and page rockers for simplified navigation. Despite its diminutive dimensions, the device delivers what Boox describes as a “take anywhere” reading experience.
No Android, No MagSafe, No Qi2 Support
One of the biggest departures for the Picco is its lack of Android. Without Android, no third-party app support is offered—users won’t be able to install Kindle, Play Books, or similar apps natively. Instead, content must come from the built-in Boox store or be sideloaded as ePub format via a companion app.
Additional omissions: the Picco won’t support magnetic wireless attachments like MagSafe or the newer Qi2 standard for accessories. These absences underscore the device’s simplified approach, focused on reading rather than accessory ecosystems.
Price & Release Window
The Picco is expected to hit the market in November with a price tag around $100, though the final figure may vary. Earlier units have been described as feeling well-built, with the reading experience smooth despite the constrained screen size.
Boox has built a reputation for Android-based e-readers that offer depth and flexibility. The Picco, by contrast, strips back much of that flexibility in favor of size, simplicity, and affordability. If the Picco delivers solid build quality and reading performance, it could appeal to those who want something extremely portable without the bulk or complication of full app support.
