Onyx Boox is developing a Palma smartphone model

The Onyx Boox Palma, a successful e-reader that resembles a smartphone, is making waves in the market. Manufactured by Onyx, the device stands out with its E Ink screen and the Google Android operating system.

The Palma, which functions as a smartphone with a SIM card, is one of Onyx's most affordable devices. It's currently available, with the retail price hovering around $300. Onyx, unlike other manufacturers, only makes money from hardware sales and does not monetize the software experience.

The current generation Palma offers wireless internet access, requiring constant connectivity for most functions. However, it's rumoured that the new version of the Palma will feature a color E Ink screen and a 4G+ LTE cellular connection, potentially offering offline capabilities.

The design of the Palma has been copied by other companies, such as Bigme Hibreak and iReader Tango, but the Palma still holds its own with its full access to the Play Store. The Neoreader book app, interestingly, is the only app that works on the Palma without internet connectivity.

Rumours also suggest that the new Palma will be capable of making phone calls with a SIM Card, making it a versatile device for those seeking a smartphone alternative. It's unclear at this point if the color version of the BOOX Palma 2, should it exist, will cost more.

There are only a few E INK phones currently on the market, with the Mudita Kompact, Bigme Hibreak, and Hibreak Color being notable examples. The Palma, with its upcoming enhancements, may very well carve out a unique niche in this small but growing market.