Boox has announced the Palma 2, the next version of its popular smartphone-sized e-reader. The Palma 2 addresses some of the original's shortcomings by using a faster processor to address the original's laggy interface and running a newer version of Android.
But it was the Palma's compact size and access to thousands of apps that made it a popular Kindle and Kobo alternative, and Boox doesn't go with that formula on the Palma 2 like the original (a generation behind that of the latest Kindle Paperwhite) and again has 6 GB of RAM and 128 GB of storage.
While Boox hasn't revealed any specific details, it does say that the new Palma 2 now runs on a “faster octa-core CPU,” which will hopefully help speed up the new e-reader's interface. It also runs Android 13 instead of Android 11. That's still a few generations behind the latest Android version, but that means the Palma 2 will get newer features like improved copy and paste. Additionally, the e-reader should have a few more years than the original before apps no longer support its version of the operating system.
The other notable upgrade for the Palma 2 is the addition of a fingerprint sensor built into the power button. This makes the device easier to secure and still allows you to quickly unlock it with just one hand.
Although leaked images from earlier this week suggested that Boox might be eliminating cameras from its smartphone-sized e-readers, that was only the case with a China-limited version of the Palma. The Palma 2 features the same 16-megapixel rear camera with flash as the original, which the company says is useful for digitizing documents.
In addition to the Palma 2, Boox also announced two new e-paper note taking devices. The 10.3-inch Note Air4 C features the latest generation Kaleido 3-color E Ink display with improved refresh rates and an octa-core processor that Boox says makes the tablet 50 percent faster than the previous model. The $499.99 Note Air4 C also runs Android 13 and features a new “tablet-like interface” that the company says makes it easier to customize the homescreen and organize apps.
The new Boox Note Max is a black and white pen-enabled tablet with a larger 13.3-inch E Ink Carta 1300 display and a 2.8GHz octa-core CPU. At just 4.6 millimeters thick, the Note Max is almost half as thick as the Boox Palma 2. But unlike the other two Boox devices introduced today, it will only be available for pre-order in the company's online shop in a few weeks.