Bluetooth Page Turner "Tappy" Redefines How We Use E Ink Devices

For e-reader enthusiasts, it’s rare to come across an accessory that fundamentally changes the way these devices are used. While stylus and keyboard compatibility is considered a luxury, options beyond that have been quite limited for a long time. However, the Bluetooth-enabled wireless page-turner “Tappy” is shaking things up.

What is Tappy?

Tappy is a compact wireless remote control designed specifically for E Ink devices. Its appearance is extremely simple, featuring a small device with just two buttons. The primary purpose of Tappy is to remotely turn pages by connecting to an E Ink device via Bluetooth. It is compatible with e-readers from Boox and is priced at approximately $26 (around 4,000 yen), making it an affordable gadget to try out. Additionally, its battery life is said to last for several weeks, reducing the need for frequent recharging—a feature that shouldn’t be overlooked.

More Than a Simple Page Turner The two

buttons on Tappy are not limited to basic page-turning functions. By switching modes, users can change the functionality of the buttons. Depending on the type of content or the status of audio playback, users can assign different operations to the buttons. Tom Bedford, a journalist at Android Police who has been covering e-readers for years, points out that he has encountered numerous examples of users utilizing their devices for purposes beyond just reading books. Tappy, he argues, is an accessory with the potential to further expand such creative uses.

Potential Use Cases Tappy’s true value

becomes evident in scenarios where both hands are occupied. Examples include checking recipes while cooking in the kitchen or flipping through pages during a workout at the gym. By securing your e-reader on a stand and operating it with Tappy in one hand, you eliminate the need to physically touch the device. Furthermore, for users who utilize their e-reader as an audiobook playback device, Tappy could prove to be a highly useful tool. It allows actions such as play, pause, and skip to be performed without having to tap the screen.

Why Is It Being Overlooked?

Bedford feels that many E Ink device users have yet to recognize Tappy’s potential. In his article, he states that “people are sleeping on Tappy’s potential,” emphasizing that its uses extend far beyond simple page-turning. This is likely tied to the perception of e-readers as tools exclusively for reading books. Unlike smartphones and tablets, which are used for various purposes, E Ink devices are still largely seen as dedicated reading devices. However, accessories like Tappy may quietly broaden their range of applications.

The Current State of the E Ink Device

Accessory Market The accessory market for e-readers is significantly smaller and more limited in options compared to those for smartphones and tablets. Most manufacturers only offer basic protective covers as official accessories, and third-party peripherals are also far from abundant. In this environment, Tappy stands out as one of the few accessories capable of enhancing the E Ink device experience. Particularly, since Boox devices use an Android-based operating system, they are considered more customizable and potentially more compatible with peripherals like Tappy than other E Ink devices.

Conclusion Tappy may not be a revolutionary

product that completely transforms the way we use e-readers. However, its simple convenience of freeing up your hands carries the potential to quietly but significantly expand the use cases for E Ink devices. The fact that it is available at an affordable price of $26 makes it an attractive option for e-reader enthusiasts. For users looking to utilize their E Ink devices in scenarios beyond just reading books, Tappy is certainly an accessory worth considering.