Onyx Boox is working on a Palma Smartphone
4 days ago
- #Onyx Boox
- #e-readers
- #E INK technology
- The Onyx Boox Palma is a highly successful, portable e-reader resembling a smartphone with an E INK screen.
- It runs a recent version of Google Android, provides full Play Store access, and is one of Onyx Boox's most affordable devices.
- Onyx Boox is preparing a new Palma model with phone call capabilities via SIM card, featuring a color E Ink screen and 4G+ LTE connectivity.
- The current Palma model requires constant wireless internet for app functionality, except for the Neoreader book app which supports various e-book formats via USB-C sideloading.
- Few E INK phones exist, including the Mudita Kompact (minimal functionality), Bigme Hibreak (SIM card, Android, Google Play), and discontinued models like the Light Phone and Hisense devices.
- The BOOX Palma 2 costs around $300; the new color version with 4G/LTE may increase the price.
- BOOX profits solely from hardware sales, not software monetization.
- Michael Kozlowski, a long-time writer on audiobooks and e-readers, is based in Vancouver, Canada.