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I love e-readers like a Kindle or Kobo because within minutes of turning them on, you can be reading. But I also appreciate the versatility of Boox e-readers, which run on Android and offer readers so much flexibility. With a Boox e-reader, you’re no longer trapped in one e-reader’s system.
Unlike Kobo and Kindle, Boox e-readers are a little less straightforward. Technically, they’re E Ink tablets running Android and capable of so much more, but that also means there are more settings and features to dig through.
There’s a little bit of a learning curve on the Boox, which is initially off-putting. But now that I’m well acquainted with all the settings on a Boox, I really love using this e-reader.
So if you just got a Boox tablet or are looking forward to grabbing the new Palma 3, here are my favorite settings to change on the device.
Turn off gestures and add the bar at the bottom
You can control your Boox through gestures or a navigation bar, and I much prefer the latter.
Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable
Potentially the best tip I took from the internet is adding the navigation bar to my Boox e-reader. When you set up a Boox, the system prompts you to pick between gesture navigation and a navigation bar. While the gesture system works similarly to what you use on a smartphone or tablet, the navigation bar is far more convenient.
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It puts common menus like a home button or an option to see all your open apps within reach. You can even customize the navigation bar in system settings.
Turn off NaviBall
Not using the NaviBall feature on your Boox? Turn it off in settings.
Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable
Boox automatically turns on the NaviBall feature on its e-readers, a small button that stays on your screen and performs whatever action you assign it. I’ve seen plenty of people online using and loving the NaviBall, but it wasn’t for me. I found that the NaviBall got in the way and was obtrusive on the already small screen. Turning it off was easy to do in settings, and the navigation bar provided plenty of guidance.
Volume buttons for page turning
Any Boox can have page turning buttons when you let the volume controls turn the page.
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Not enough e-readers come with page-turning buttons. Boox’s Go 7 e-reader does, but if you’re opting for the Palma, you can use the device’s existing volume buttons. This feature is available in the Boox’s native library or the Kindle app. In the Kindle app, open the book you’re reading. Under the Aa setting, navigate to the More tab until you see “Turn pages with volume controls” and turn it on.
This is the best feature to turn on if you want the Boox Tappy remote too, as you can set the buttons to adjust the volume and, in turn, turn the pages in your book.
In your reading apps, adjust the EinkWise setting
If the colors on your Boox aren’t looking right, adjust them in the EinkWise settings.
Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable
When I first started reading on the Boox, I thought the screen felt a little faint — more gray than black. Turns out you can adjust the color grade of each app on a Boox individually. When the app is open, pull down the control center from the top-right corner and navigate to the EinkWise display. Then adjust your color mode from there.
Boox offers preset standard and deep settings, but you can also create your own custom settings. I prefer different settings for different apps. With the Kindle App, I use the deep setting, but in the Libby app, I use the standard setting.
Change the wallpaper and screensaver
Upload your own design to the Boox Cloud and add it as your own screensaver on a Boox e-reader.
Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable
Last but not least, you can adjust the screensaver (and wallpaper on certain models) on your Boox. There are some cute preloaded options, but you can also upload your own designs to the Boox cloud for a truly custom look. Plus, you can add a clock and date to your homepage, too.