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Community firmware for the Xteink X4 e-paper reader

152 points by dmos62

by cyxxon

3 subcomments

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!

by aidenn0

4 subcomments

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-...

by tolerance

1 subcomments

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.

by gangstead

1 subcomments

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?

by philips

0 subcomment

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.

by ktallett

1 subcomments

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.

by awongh

6 subcomments

I wish there was a framework style open e-ink device.

by Thom2503

0 subcomment

There is also https://github.com/franssjz/cpr-vcodex which I use, which is one of the many forks of this project.

by antonyt

0 subcomment

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.

by randusername

1 subcomments

Crosspoint and KOReader are fascinating to me.
The lack of consensus on what features are essential in an e-reader must be hard to manage. Surprisingly exotic features sometimes.
- No deal, this e-reader doesn't let me play chess.
- No deal, this e-reader doesn't support bluetooth page-turning.
- No deal, I don't actually look at the screen I use text-to-speech.

by wolvoleo

2 subcomments

Really nice device, I'm just waiting for a version with front light.

by lovelyviking

0 subcomment

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.

by zabi_rauf

1 subcomments

I love this device and the firmware. It has increased the amount I read now, just because it's convenient to have all the time and use it instead of doom scrolling.
P.S: Shameless plug, I also built an OSS iOS/Android app to help syncing files and clipping web articles/blog and sending to X4 on the go https://crosspointsync.com/

by wewewedxfgdf

0 subcomment

I'd like to use this as a multiplayer chess game on the fridge with my dad who lives 100KM away.
Anyone know if there is remote chess for this?

by arjie

0 subcomment

Oh this is very cool. I've bought one and plan to use it to show some kind of status around the house.

by oybng

0 subcomment

This device would be an instant buy if it were backlit, replacing my kobo mini

by dtm987654123

1 subcomments

I wonder if there's a way to get offline Wikipedia on this