crosspoint-reader/crosspoint-reader

Free

Firmware for the Xteink X3 and X4 e-paper display readers

FreeFree tier

Type

Open Source

Visit Website GitHub (38 stars)

About crosspoint-reader/crosspoint-reader

CrossPoint is open-source e-reader firmware designed for the Xteink X3 and X4 e-paper display readers. It is community-built, fully hackable, and free forever. The firmware provides a comprehensive reading experience with a powerful reader engine that supports EPUB 2/3 rendering with embedded-style options, image handling, hyphenation, kerning, chapter navigation, footnotes, bookmarks, dictionary lookups via StarDict, go-to-percent, auto page turn, orientation control, focus reading, and KOReader progress sync. It natively handles .epub, .xtc/.xtch, .txt, and .bmp formats, and allows custom fonts installed on the SD card. Additional features include tilt page turn (X3 only), a library workflow with folder browser, hidden-file toggle, long-press delete, recent books, and SD-cache management. Wireless workflows are extensive: a file transfer web UI, EPUB Optimizer, Web settings UI/API, WebSocket fast uploads, WebDAV handler, AP and STA Wi-Fi modes with QR helpers, Calibre wireless connect flow, OPDS browser with saved servers, search, pagination, and direct download, plus OTA update checks and installs from GitHub releases. CrossPoint offers multiple themes (Classic, Lyra, Lyra Extended, RoundedRaff), sleep screen modes, front/side button remapping, status bar controls, power-button behavior, refresh cadence, and localization in 24 UI languages with RTL support. A tool is available for unlocking USB-locked devices purchased from third-party stores.

Key Features

EPUB 2/3 rendering with embedded-style option, hyphenation, kerning, chapter navigation, footnotes, bookmarks

Dictionary lookups using StarDict

Native support for .epub, .xtc/.xtch, .txt, and .bmp formats

Custom font installation via SD card

Tilt page turn (X3 only)

Library workflow with folder browser, hidden-file toggle, long-press delete, recent books, SD-cache management

File transfer web UI, EPUB Optimizer, Web settings UI/API

WebSocket fast uploads and WebDAV handler

AP mode (hotspot) and STA mode with QR helpers

Calibre wireless connect flow and OPDS browser with saved servers

Pros & Cons

Pros

Open-source and free forever
Community-built and actively maintained
Fully hackable – users can modify firmware to suit their needs
Extensive wireless workflows (Web UI, WebDAV, OPDS, OTA updates)
Supports multiple e-book formats and custom fonts
Rich reader engine with dictionary, bookmarks, and chapter navigation
Highly customizable with themes, button remapping, and localization
Includes an unlock tool for USB-locked devices

Cons

Limited to Xteink X3 and X4 e-paper devices
Installation requires technical steps (flashing firmware) and may be challenging for non-technical users
Some third-party devices may have USB flashing locked, requiring an additional unlock tool
Tilt page turn feature only available on X3 model

Best For

Replacing proprietary firmware on Xteink X3 or X4 e-readers with an open-source alternativeCustomizing e-reader behavior, themes, and button mappingsWirelessly transferring and managing e-book libraries from a browser or CalibreReading EPUB and TXT files with advanced navigation and dictionary supportDeveloping or contributing to e-reader firmware

FAQ

What devices does CrossPoint support?

CrossPoint runs on ESP32C3-based Xteink X4 and X3 e-paper display readers.

Is CrossPoint free?

Yes, CrossPoint is open-source firmware and free forever.

How do I install CrossPoint?

Installation can be done via a web flasher. If your device is USB-locked (e.g., purchased from third-party stores), you must first use the Xteink Unlocker tool available at crosspointreader.com.

Why is my device not showing up in the browser's serial device picker?

Try a different USB port or browser before assuming the device is locked. Only use the unlocker if the device still does not appear.

What file formats are supported?

CrossPoint natively handles .epub, .xtc/.xtch, .txt, and .bmp files.