News

☀️ Direct Sunlight Performance Questions Emerge

A new thread posted on January 3 titled "XTEX4 direct sunlight issue — recent batch or normal" sparked discussion about the X4's behavior in strong outdoor light.

The user reported that text becomes difficult to read after 5–10 seconds when exposed to intense direct sunlight, even though the screen looks perfectly sharp indoors or in the shade.

This prompted community members to share their own outdoor experiences with the device. The conversation centers on whether this is a specific production batch issue or a general limitation of the e-ink panel technology used in the X4.

For users planning outdoor reading sessions—particularly during summer—this thread is worth following for clarification from Xteink or community testing data.

⭐ The "9/10 Device" Review Resonates

The "quick xteink x4 review" posted on December 25 continued gaining traction throughout this week.

The reviewer calls the X4 their "favorite tech purchase of the last five years" and rates it 9/10, highlighting:

• One-handed form factor and pocketability
• Distraction-free reading experience
• Simple, focused OS design
• Excellent battery life
• Clean industrial aesthetic

The single deduction is the missing frontlight, which remains the universal ask from the community.

This review encapsulates the core sentiment: the hardware concept is exceptional, and most limitations are software-related or aspirational features rather than fundamental design flaws.

🔧 CrossPoint Firmware Hits Critical Momentum

January 4, 2026 saw a major milestone: "CrossPoint - A month's retrospective from the developer", posted by daveallie, reflecting on one month of community-driven firmware development.

CrossPoint started as a side project in mid-December 2025 and has evolved into a fully functional open-source firmware replacement that handles EPUB reading without XTC conversion workflows. The journey:

Version history (Dec 13 – Jan 4):

• v0.10.0 (Dec 29): First stable release with 134 upvotes, described as "the best reading experience I've had on this device"
• v0.11.0: Added four font size options (addressing early feedback)
• v0.12.0 (Jan 3): Latest update with bug fixes

What CrossPoint now offers:

• Native EPUB reading with chapter navigation
• Bold and italic text rendering with anti-aliasing
• Fast file loading (significantly faster than stock firmware)
• Battery percentage display while reading
• Clean boot and sleep screens (with customizable wallpapers)
• Faster input response than official firmware (inputs queue even during screen refresh)

What's still pending:

• Image rendering in EPUBs (major gap)
• Advanced text hyphenation
• Font size granularity (currently four fixed sizes)
• Custom theme support

Real-world adoption data:
Multiple users this week reported switching from stock firmware:

"I came over to the dark side today -Crosspoint" (Jan 3 post, positive reception)

"The wireless transfer is a bit finicky, particularly with my Android phone. It often drops connections, but it's still far better than stock."

"This firmware already surpasses my expectations for what the device can achieve given its hardware limits."

Developer transparency:
daveallie's retrospective emphasized:

• CrossPoint is not affiliated with Xteink — it's an independent community project
• Using it carries risk (like any custom firmware)
• The project welcomes contributors
• Installation uses a browser-based flash utility (via https://xteink.dve.al), making it more accessible than traditional embedded firmware flashing
• Full backups are recommended before flashing

Community engagement shift:
This marks a turning point: the community is no longer just requesting open-source or better software — it's actively building it. The question now is whether Xteink acknowledges this momentum or whether CrossPoint becomes the de facto standard for power users.

The fact that a YouTube guide (pixelleaves, Jan 1) now includes a full tutorial on flashing CrossPoint signals that it's entered mainstream awareness within the Xteink ecosystem.

📅 X3 Remains the Next Big Milestone

While no new X3 announcements arrived this week, existing threads continue to be discovered by new users.

"X3 Is Coming: Smaller, Lighter, and a Lot More Fun" and "Xteink X3 Live Now" posts continue to answer questions about specs and shipping.

Key reference points for anyone considering pre-orders:

• Screen: 3.7 inches, 250+ PPI (sharper than X4's 220 PPI)
• Weight: 55g (vs X4's 65g)
• Charging: Magnetic pogo pins instead of USB-C
• Unique feature: Built-in gyroscope for page-turn by tilting
• Pricing: Starting at $72.99
• Shipping date: February 5, 2026

Comments still include questions about international shipping costs and the timeline for the overseas app. Community members remind newcomers that the official app (currently China-only) is being localized, with a timeline still to be announced.

🔗 External Reviews Keep Driving Discovery

During this quieter week, users continuously point newcomers to earlier media coverage rather than new articles appearing.

The SquaredTech review from December 7 remains the go-to detailed source for comparisons with Kindle and Kobo models. It breaks down screen resolution, performance trade-offs, and ideal use cases.

Comparison tools like "Xteink X3 vs X4" continue to clarify spec differences for undecided buyers, showing that Xteink's December media footprint is still actively funneling new readers into the ecosystem.

📦 Shipping Context and Policy Backdrop

While no major shipping complaint threads emerged this specific week, discussions remain anchored to the official Xteink X4 product page and shipping policy.

The shipping policy emphasizes that estimated timelines are subject to:

• Holiday delays (especially Lunar New Year in late January–early February)
• Customs processing variations by country
• Stock availability fluctuations

This context manages expectations as the community looks ahead to the X3 launch on February 5 and continues to await stock updates and restock confirmations for the X4.

💭 Overarching Community Themes (Shifted)

The past week has revealed a major shift in community energy:

• Hardware design is solved – the X4 form factor, MagSafe, weight, and materials are consistently praised
• Software gap is narrowing – not through Xteink, but through CrossPoint. EPUB handling and text rendering issues now have a working alternative
• Next-gen features are clear – frontlight/backlight tops the wishlist, followed by improved app ecosystem and open-source accessibility
• X3 excitement is building – February 5 shipping date is circled on many calendars
• Community projects are now mainstream – CrossPoint's presence in YouTube tutorials and daily Reddit discussions means it's no longer a niche experiment

The big open question: Will Xteink respond to CrossPoint's success, or will the community's de facto standard firmware eventually diverge from the official path?

🔮 What to Watch Next Week

• X3 shipping begins – February 5 is just one month away; expect preparation and logistics discussions
• CrossPoint v1.0.0 release – daveallie mentioned rapid progress; a stable release could accelerate adoption
• Xteink official response – no statement on CrossPoint yet; any acknowledgment would be significant
• More real-world reviews – as new devices arrive post-holiday, expect detailed user comparisons (stock vs CrossPoint)

🛠️ ReadMe.club Continues as Central Hub

ReadMe.club remains the unofficial command center for:

• Setup guides and optimization tips
• EPUB conversion workflows and tools
• Wallpaper galleries and customization
• Firmware utilities and language packs
• Community resources and discussion aggregation
• Soon including: CrossPoint flashing guides and comparisons with stock firmware

New users discovering Xteink through reviews or podcasts typically land here to find practical guides—and now, firmware alternatives—before their first device arrives.

Compiled from verified r/xteinkereader activity, user reviews, external coverage, and community firmware development – January 4, 2026.

🎄 Quick Xteink X4 Review (December 25)

A new user review titled “quick xteink x4 review” was posted on Christmas Day.

Highlights:

• Battery still full after days of use.
• Screen praised for sharpness and paper‑like feel.
• Extremely pocketable, ideal for quick sessions.

Criticism:

• No frontlight, still the biggest missing feature.
• Some quirks remain in the stock software.

Eighteen upvotes on a quiet day show that the X4 continues to generate positive attention even during the holidays.

🛫 Shipping Delays and Order Status

Several threads this week reported AliExpress or Cat3c store orders stuck on “Confirmed.”
Users who ordered in early December say their tracking has yet to update.

Community members recommend:

• Emailing support@xteink.com directly instead of using store chat.
• Expecting slower responses during the Christmas and Lunar New Year period.

Discussion also resurfaced around X3 pre‑order emails and the confusion between “founding member” discount codes and public pre‑order pages.

📻 Xteink X4 Mentioned on Games at Work Podcast

The X4 unexpectedly appeared on the Games at Work dot Biz episode from December 21.

The hosts compared the device to retro gaming consoles and classic minimalist hardware like the ZX Spectrum and Virtual Boy, describing it as a “pure single‑purpose tool done right.”
This marks one of the first times the X4 crosses over from e‑reader discussion into broader tech and gaming circles.

💬 Discussion Highlights from the December 18 Digest

The community digest post on December 18 gathered over forty upvotes and several community follow‑ups.

• A wallpaper pagination bug on ReadMe.club was spotted and fixed the same day.
• Users requested an email newsletter version of the digest.
• More direct Reddit link references were added for future editions.
• Several readers shared their X3 pre‑order issues, helping each other while waiting for official replies.

One comment summed it up well:

It would be nice to subscribe to this as an email newsletter!

💬 Other Active Threads This Week

The following threads remain active, even with the slower pace of the holidays:

• A guide to the EPUB to XTC converter – users refining batch settings and image optimization.
• Has someone received the X3 email? – still active pre‑order questions.
• Buy or wait? – X4 vs X3 early‑bird decisions.

🎁 Gift Week Experiences

Multiple users shared receiving an X4 as a holiday gift.

A post from December 22 titled “I did a lot of reading on this forum and some preparation before purchasing” described an AliExpress order placed for $45 on December 1, received by December 11, and immediately ready for use.

I love this device! When the x4 arrived… I switched to English and have successfully read at least two epubs so far.

The sentiment across several similar threads is consistent: delivery can take a few weeks, but satisfaction on arrival remains high.

🛠️ ReadMe.club Updates

• Pagination issue for wallpapers was resolved.
• Community requested a newsletter format for digests.
• More direct Reddit references were added to the hub.

ReadMe.club remains the core resource center for guides, EPUB tools, firmware utilities, and translations.

📅 What’s Next

• December 27 – official restock of the black X4 model.
• CrossPoint firmware continuing development in the community.
• S4 Android model: still in progress, no release date yet.
• X3 shipping scheduled for February 5, 2026.

Expect the next digest to focus on restock impressions, shipping confirmations, and first reviews of newly arrived units.

Compiled from verified activity on r/xteinkereader, user reviews, and ReadMe.club updates — December 26, 2025.

Covering the period since December 11 - Latest activity from Reddit & the Web

---

🚀 X3 Pre-Orders Now Live - Launch Imminent

The Xteink X3 opened for pre-order on December 11, 2025 at 7:00 AM EST with a limited 24-hour Super Early Bird offer for founding members. All pre-orders are scheduled to ship on February 5, 2026. The X3 brings significant upgrades:

• Compact design: Just 55g with a 3.7-inch display (vs X4's 4.3-inch)
• Higher pixel density: Over 250 PPI for sharper text
• Built-in gyroscope for motion-based page turning
• NFC support for advanced features
• Magnetic Pogo Pin charging (replacing USB-C)
• Smart features: Clock display, battery %, cloud push, weather, calendar, and subscriptions
• Pricing: Starting at $72.99 (compared to X4's $69)

Community discussion reveals excitement about the X3 as a "companion device" alongside the X4, though some users note the overseas app remains in development.

📰 Media Coverage Surge

The Xteink X4 received significant tech media attention during this period:

• Indian Express (December 6): "Meet Xteink X4, a tiny e-reader that magnetically sticks to your iPhone" - detailed specs and MagSafe functionality coverage
• SquaredTech (December 7): In-depth review analyzing portability, screen quality trade-offs, and target audience
• Infinity Box on YouTube (December 4): Unboxing & review video highlighting compact design and 220ppi limitations
• Instagram Official (December 7): Marketing post reaching followers with feature highlights

French-language tech media also continued coverage, with NotebookCheck and IDBoox publishing articles about the X4's innovative design.

💬 Reddit Community Explosion

Positive Momentum

• 2,000 new users joined r/xteinkereader in one week (up 100 from previous week)
• 1,443 total posts (up 244 week-over-week)
• 4,475 comments (up 689 week-over-week)
• 1.2 million views (200k increase)

Featured User Reviews

A standout post by /u/No_Instruction8735 (December 14) titled "I didn't expect to like the Xteink X4 this much (honest review)" resonated with 38 upvotes, detailing real-world impressions of the X4 replacing larger e-readers for on-the-go reading. The post highlighted the device's gradual appeal and praised its minimalist design.

Users also reported expanding storage to 512GB via microSD cards and successful workflows converting from other devices like the Boox Palma using XTC format converters.

X3 Pre-Order Questions

A new discussion thread emerged asking whether "Founding Members" received exclusive pre-order discount emails, indicating strong demand and anticipation within the community.

🛠️ Hardware & Production Updates

Xteink announced production refinements:

• Button material shift: New X4 production batches switching to ABS engineering plastic buttons (matching mid-frame color) with slight price reduction
• Quality assurance: Production moved to China's largest 3C display factory with stricter incoming/outgoing QA checks
• Clear case relaunched: Updated mold now ready for new production runs
• Memory adjustment: 32GB microSD cards replaced with 16GB (cost-adjusted pricing) due to market conditions

🎯 Common Community Discussions

• Font optimization: Continued improvements in typography rendering (versions 2.1.8+) addressing earlier justification issues
• Setup configurations: Users sharing Bluetooth pairing tips, custom wallpaper conversions (PNG→BMP), and pegboard mounting solutions
• Storage strategies: Organizing microSD folders for performance, deleting unnecessary EPUB images to speed rendering
• App ecosystem: Anticipation for the official overseas app (still in beta testing)

🌍 Global Reach & Next Steps

The community now spans international pre-orders for the X3 with shipping to most countries. The ecosystem continues expanding:

• ReadMe.club serving as the central resource hub with daily digests
• Community voting active on feature requests
• Multi-language support (EN, FR, ES, RU, ZH) expanding
• Future products: S4 (Android-based model) remains in development

---

Next milestone: X3 shipping begins February 5, 2026. The community recommends joining r/xteinkereader for the latest updates and preparing pre-order emails now.

Digest compiled from r/xteinkereader threads, media coverage, and official Xteink announcements - December 18, 2025

The Reddit Xteink community is buzzing with excitement around the new X3 announcement and user experiences with the X4. Here's the latest roundup of top posts, tips, and discussions.

🚀 X3 Launch: Smaller, Smarter Pocket Reader

The official Xteink team revealed the X3, weighing just 55g with a 3.7-inch 250+ PPI display. Key upgrades include:

• Built-in gyroscope for motion page turning
• NFC support
• Magnetic Pogo Pin charging
• Time display, battery %, cloud push, weather, calendar

Global pre-order opens December 11, 2025 at 7:00 AM EST (24h limited), shipping February 5, 2026.

📱 User Tips & Hacks

• iPhone MagSafe setup by /u/yousuree: Use sticky rings to fix magnet alignment on iPhone 14 Plus.
• Lunch break stand by /u/ebodes: Case doubles as hands-free reader stand.
• Disco Elysium wallpaper by /u/thermosflascher: Convert PNG to BMP for custom backgrounds.
• Desk pegboard mount by /u/VictorTanDesign.

🎉 First Impressions & Unboxings

New users love the X4 screen quality and portability:

• /u/IdeaWide3272: "Really impressed with this little fella!" post
• /u/MoreReading4600: X4 replaced Boox Palma using XTC format.
• Multiple "just got mine" posts highlight easy setup but note screen protector pitfalls.

❓ Common Questions

• Book sorting/search by /u/Left-Peak-7920
• Screen protector legibility by /u/sulatnigabo
• X4 vs wait for X3/S4 by /u/angrycommie
• HTML tags in EPUBs by /u/weededfawn

Next Steps

Join the conversation on r/xteinkereader, prepare for X3 pre-order, and share your setups!

Digest generated from r/xteinkereader top posts - December 9, 2025