The act of reading on an e-reader should feel seamless, but reaching for a touchscreen an arm’s length away can break the flow. That’s where page-turning remotes come in, and Boox’s latest entry, the Tappy, brings a refreshingly unconventional design to the category.
A fusion of form and function
Unlike traditional remotes shaped like streaming dongles, the Tappy resembles a miniature keyboard stripped down to its core. Its two circular buttons, inspired by retro typewriters, offer a satisfying tactile experience with about a quarter-inch of travel. While the Kobo Remote prioritizes ergonomics, the Tappy embraces a more whimsical aesthetic—complete with glossy olive green or citrus orange finishes and four rubber feet to prevent slipping on desks.
Initially, the buttons arrive adorned with pixelated icons of a heart and coffee cup, which feel out of place for a reading accessory. Fortunately, Boox includes alternative labels featuring X and O icons, though users may prefer more customizable options like forward/back arrows or plus/minus symbols.
Simple pairing, but room for improvement
Setting up the Tappy is straightforward, though the fold-out quick start guide is easy to misplace. After activating the device with a sliding metal switch, pairing involves holding both buttons for two seconds until a blue LED flashes. Once connected via Bluetooth to a Boox device, the remote automatically reconnects on future uses.
The Tappy operates in three modes: Reading (for page-turning and volume control), Multimedia (for skipping tracks in music and video apps), and Browsing (for scrolling through long webpages or social feeds). Switching modes requires holding both buttons for five seconds, with a brief green LED flash and a pop-up notification on the Boox device confirming the change. However, the notification isn’t persistent, and the single LED lacks mode-specific color cues, making it harder to track the current setting—especially when used with non-Boox devices.
Beyond Boox: A versatile but limited tool
The Tappy performs best with Boox e-readers and tablets running firmware V4.2 or later, including models like the Boox Palma 2 Pro. It also supports Android devices and certain iPhones and iPads, though functionality varies. For example, it works with the Kobo and Kindle Android apps but not their iOS counterparts. On non-Boox hardware, users miss out on mode-change notifications, relying solely on trial and error to determine the active mode.
Support for other e-readers like Pocketbook or Bigme exists, according to third-party testing, but the Tappy failed to connect with my Kobo device in testing. Despite this limitation, its versatility shines when paired with an iPhone or OnePlus phone for tasks like web scrolling, music playback, and volume adjustment.
A playful pick at an accessible price
Priced at $29.99—the same as the Kobo Remote—the Tappy offers a more engaging user experience. Its buttons are noticeably more satisfying to press, and its compact size makes it easy to carry in a pocket or purse. Though it occasionally registers accidental presses when jostled, its charm and functionality outweigh these minor quirks.
For readers seeking a page-turning remote that doubles as a fidget toy, the Boox Tappy delivers. Its retro-inspired design and tactile feedback make it a standout accessory, even if its compatibility isn’t universal. As e-readers evolve, tools like the Tappy prove that even the smallest details can enhance the reading experience.
AI summary
Boox’un Tappy isimli kablosuz sayfa geçiş uzaktan kumandası, e-okuyucular için tasarlanmış alışılmadık bir çözüm. Küçük boyutu, retro tarzı ve çok yönlü modlarıyla nasıl bir fark yaratıyor? Detaylar için tıklayın.
