Xteink blocks installation of custom firmware on some eReaders, launches a new Android-powered model
Xteink blocks installation of custom firmware on some eReaders, launches a new Android-powered model
Publish Date: 2026-05-02 16:12:00
Source Domain: liliputing.com
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The Xteink X3 and Xteink X4 are cheap tiny eBook readers small enough to fit in your pocket or even affix to the back of your phone, allowing you to take a 3.7 or 4.3 inch E Ink screen everywhere you go and catch up on your reading at any time.
But what’s really made these little devices from Xteink go viral in recent months is the fact that while the default software that runs on them is… not good, there’s an excellent open source firmware replacement called CrossPoint Reader that makes Xteink’s tiny eReaders truly useful. Unfortunately it looks like Xteink is now blocking some users from install CrossPoint Reader or other custom firmware… but there are a few rays of hope.
Xteink X4 with CrossPoint Reader (via CrossPoint Reader GitHub)
A few days ago folks started posting in reddit that Xteink was blocking installation of third-party firmware on Xteink X3 and X4 units that were bought from Chinese retailers like Taobao.
According to a message sent to customers, Xteink was doing this because “some users who tried using third-party firmware encountered problems such as poor optimization, frequent crashes, and even screen damage” and the company decided that rather than telling customers that it wouldn’t offer official repair services to devices that had CrossPoint Reader or other unofficial firmware installed, it would be easier to just block users from installing it in the first place.
But… Xteink also appears to be well aware that part of the reason its devices have become so popular is that they can run unofficial firmware. So while the company says it is planning to improve the software that ships on its devices, Xteink…
