In this tutorial I show you how to sync your reading stats between your XTEINK micro e-Readers, running the latest version of CrossInk.
The Enthusiast’s Guide: Bridging the Gap Between Your XTEINK Micro E-Readers
The broader consumer electronics market often overlooks the appeal of single-purpose devices, but a dedicated community of digital readers knows better. For those who live at the intersection of digital minimalism and open-source tinkering, the micro e-reader has become an indispensable everyday carry. Pocketable e-ink devices like the XTEINK X3 and its successor, the XTEINK X4, offer the perfect balance of a compact form factor and a focused, glare-free reading experience that modern smartphones simply cannot replicate. However, there has always been a subtle friction point for power users who juggle multiple devices: keeping reading progress and lifetime statistics perfectly synchronized without relying on clunky third-party cloud workarounds.
Fortunately, the independent developer community never rests. For users who take the time to flash custom operating systems, the CrossInk firmware has consistently delivered advanced features tailored specifically for these compact screens. With its latest update, CrossInk has finally introduced a native solution to the multi-device dilemma, letting you harmonize your data with just a few taps. Here is a technical deep dive into how to leverage this new capability.
The Magic of "Nearby Stats Sync"
If you are running the newest iteration of CrossInk—especially utilizing its highly efficient Minimal UI—you now have access to a peer-to-peer data transfer protocol dubbed "Nearby Stats Sync." This feature is designed to effortlessly push your reading metrics from your most frequently used device (for example, the X4 you carry on your daily commute) to your secondary device (like the X3 you leave on your nightstand).
Before attempting a synchronization, verify that your mobile ecosystem meets the necessary baseline requirements:
Executing the Synchronization
The localized transfer process is refreshingly straightforward, bypassing the need for external web accounts or complex wireless network configurations. To initiate the sync, follow these precise steps on both of your e-readers:
Ensure that both devices are awake and have the same digital book files loaded locally within their storage.
Navigate to your primary settings layout (usually located at the bottom menu if you are using the Minimal UI layout).
Scroll to find the file management options and select the new synchronization feature to prime the connection.
For quick reference, the exact navigation path within the CrossInk system structure is as follows:
Menu Options -> File Transfer -> Nearby Stats Sync
Once you select this menu item on both the X3 and X4, the UI will display a "ready to sync" prompt. The most crucial step here is to only press sync on the source device. For instance, if you have been doing the majority of your recent reading on the X4, you will initiate the data push from that specific screen. The operating systems will bridge the connection, and within seconds, both screens will confirm the successful transfer of your reading metrics.
Consolidating Your Reading Life
The immediate payoff of this localized sync is found in the core "Reading Stats" dashboard. Frequent firmware flashers know the pain of wiping devices, reinstalling custom operating systems, and subsequently losing historical reading metrics. It is an occupational hazard of testing out new builds. However, with Nearby Stats Sync, that anxiety is virtually eliminated. Your data seamlessly populates into a unified "all books, all devices" view.
This means every page turned and every minute logged on your X4 on the train is accurately added to the progress you make on your X3 at home. It is a small, deeply technical refinement, but for the dedicated e-ink enthusiast, it is exactly the kind of polished functionality that makes navigating the world of custom firmware entirely worth the effort.
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