In actuality there are several forks, and the original Crosspoint Reader really got the ball rolling, but now seems to get stuck in discussions. The forks (especially the one I linked) has progressed much further and has better KOReader sync (as in actually syncs to the correct XPath position instead of some close-enough position), bionic reading, streamlined UI, etc. Give that one a shot!
Be aware that Xteink is locking down devices sold for the Chinese market (which includes those being sold on e.g. Taobao). If you want to run crosspoint, you should probably order your reader direct from Xteink.
50-70 dollars? A Kobo Clara is about 100 and has a bigger screen, an adjustable front light and you can easily load DRM free ebooks via USB mass storage or custom firmware like koreader. If you just want to read books you should probably just get a Kobo.
I ordered the Xteink X4 not knowing about CrossPoint and I was so disappointed with the included firmware:
- Almost no formatting on the ebooks you upload (no bold text, missing glyphs, no images/cover art)
- The book had to be rendered before being uploaded. I suspect they were uploading series of bitmaps.
- This meant if you wanted to change portrait/landscape or change font size/type you had to re-render the book
- Bitmap fonts were very ugly.
Overall it was barely workable. More of a proof of concept. The CrossPoint firmware on the other hand:
- Actually renders books as you would expect, in a pleasing manner, formatting and all
- Much more reader configuration on device: font settings, margin, spacing, alignment, progress display
- Update via USB or OTA
- Multiple ways to get your books: Connect to your Calibre library to push or pull books (thanks for introducing me to Calibre!), USB, Wireless file transfer
- Sync progress via KOReader
It's the best gift the community could give to the manufacturer. With only the default firmware my X4 would have been in the junk drawer within a week, but now I carry it every day, I've shown it to so many people. It's a marvel. With the news about them attempting to lock it down I can't recommend it anymore. Why would they do that?
I’m running Crosspoint on the X3, and am quite pleased with both the software and hardware. It even supports reading progress via Koreader sync, which I use on my main eInk devices.
supernote's tablets are designed to have replaceable motherboards/batteries although it's still to be seen whether they will actually be able to support that long-term.
Front light would make it the perfect device. I use it on the go everywhere now, to limit the distractions inherent with trying to read from my phone. But in bed having to pull out a book light or a headlight is an annoying step that risks disturbing my partner.
I bought the book lights that they sell along with the device and they're perfect for it. They include an adapter so they magnetically attach to the back, or they can clip to the folio.
I'm quite frustrated to hear that Xteink have decided to block firmwware being changed on some devices. I can only imagine the reason would be consumers who look for support after something went wrong but it's frustrating for those of us who just want an open eink device.
I wonder, how difficult would it be to do something similar for "Onyx Boox Tab X C 13.3" ?
Btw, did Onyx publish sources as required by GPLv3 for that device? AFAIK there are no sources in the open (if I am not mistaken ) and I have no idea what can push them toward publishing them.
There is a much more advanced fork of this project: https://github.com/jpirnay/crosspoint-reader
In actuality there are several forks, and the original Crosspoint Reader really got the ball rolling, but now seems to get stuck in discussions. The forks (especially the one I linked) has progressed much further and has better KOReader sync (as in actually syncs to the correct XPath position instead of some close-enough position), bionic reading, streamlined UI, etc. Give that one a shot!
Be aware that Xteink is locking down devices sold for the Chinese market (which includes those being sold on e.g. Taobao). If you want to run crosspoint, you should probably order your reader direct from Xteink.
https://liliputing.com/xteink-blocks-installation-of-custom-...
Interesting - I ordered mine from AliExpress in February and it was really easy to flash. Shane if they start blocking it.
For those unfamiliar with these devices I stumbled upon this cool write-up:
https://aftermath.site/xteink-x4-cheap-hackable-ereader-cros...
These things are teeny-tiny.
50-70 dollars? A Kobo Clara is about 100 and has a bigger screen, an adjustable front light and you can easily load DRM free ebooks via USB mass storage or custom firmware like koreader. If you just want to read books you should probably just get a Kobo.
Yeah, but can you affix a Kobo device to the back of your phone as a signal of your superior taste in how you consume your digital literature?
I ordered the Xteink X4 not knowing about CrossPoint and I was so disappointed with the included firmware:
- Almost no formatting on the ebooks you upload (no bold text, missing glyphs, no images/cover art) - The book had to be rendered before being uploaded. I suspect they were uploading series of bitmaps. - This meant if you wanted to change portrait/landscape or change font size/type you had to re-render the book - Bitmap fonts were very ugly.
Overall it was barely workable. More of a proof of concept. The CrossPoint firmware on the other hand:
- Actually renders books as you would expect, in a pleasing manner, formatting and all - Much more reader configuration on device: font settings, margin, spacing, alignment, progress display - Update via USB or OTA - Multiple ways to get your books: Connect to your Calibre library to push or pull books (thanks for introducing me to Calibre!), USB, Wireless file transfer - Sync progress via KOReader
It's the best gift the community could give to the manufacturer. With only the default firmware my X4 would have been in the junk drawer within a week, but now I carry it every day, I've shown it to so many people. It's a marvel. With the news about them attempting to lock it down I can't recommend it anymore. Why would they do that?
I contributed to this a little bit! The copyparty fileserver with opds enabled is a great companion to easily move books to the device.
In the next release I will fix a bug to enable file search for the copyparty opds as well.
I’m running Crosspoint on the X3, and am quite pleased with both the software and hardware. It even supports reading progress via Koreader sync, which I use on my main eInk devices.
I wish there was a framework style open e-ink device.
TRMNL are kinda.
https://trmnl.com/
https://github.com/iandchasse/de-link
Someone is working on a more DIY device that can run this firmware.
What would that look like? A first thought would be a controller with storage that would 'dock' into various screen sizes and case molds?
What I mean is like the framework laptop - an open device that you can modify and buy parts for, but is actually well built.
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I'd buy that in a second.
supernote's tablets are designed to have replaceable motherboards/batteries although it's still to be seen whether they will actually be able to support that long-term.
Really nice device, I'm just waiting for a version with front light.
Front light would make it the perfect device. I use it on the go everywhere now, to limit the distractions inherent with trying to read from my phone. But in bed having to pull out a book light or a headlight is an annoying step that risks disturbing my partner.
I bought the book lights that they sell along with the device and they're perfect for it. They include an adapter so they magnetically attach to the back, or they can clip to the folio.
The S4 is the new version coming soon with a front light.
I'm quite frustrated to hear that Xteink have decided to block firmwware being changed on some devices. I can only imagine the reason would be consumers who look for support after something went wrong but it's frustrating for those of us who just want an open eink device.
Supposedly already bypassed. But yes, moving entirely out of step with what seems to be making these devices popular! https://www.reddit.com/r/xteinkereader/comments/1t1wtya/dont...
Oh this is very cool. I've bought one and plan to use it to show some kind of status around the house.
I wonder, how difficult would it be to do something similar for "Onyx Boox Tab X C 13.3" ?
Btw, did Onyx publish sources as required by GPLv3 for that device? AFAIK there are no sources in the open (if I am not mistaken ) and I have no idea what can push them toward publishing them.