Onyx Boox AfterGlow 2 Released with Android 4.2 and HD E Ink Screen

[zufre]

Umm the Spanish voice is so so...

[zufre]

And it is not in Google Play... I guess I will give it a miss...

[havi]

I just ordered my Onyx Boox Afterglow 2 this morning in Arta online shop. I hope I can have it soon at home and share my impressions in this forum.
By the way, I'm most interested too in having Spanish language as an option in Ivona TTS... and Arabic too, please Artatech play your cards with Onyx

[Pierre89]

Ok, a few impressions from playing with it.
Software is buggy or wrongly installed. I tried to install fbreader to find it already installed on the boox and in need of an upgraded. The upgrade is not working because the software installed has a wrong signature.
The screen shows a dark grey band (3mm wide)at the bottom of the screen.
So i am not impressed by it now.

[ArtaTechPoland]

Originally Posted by Pierre89

Ok, a few impressions from playing with it.
Software is buggy or wrongly installed. I tried to install fbreader to find it already installed on the boox and in need of an upgraded. The upgrade is not working because the software installed has a wrong signature.
The screen shows a dark grey band (3mm wide)at the bottom of the screen.
So i am not impressed by it now.

This is special version of FBReader. The one on Google Play is for tablets and smartphones with colorful displays only. So this is not a bug.

[downeaster59]

I see that Banggood.com is offering the Onyx Boox C67 for $128 (US). It looks very much like the AfterGlow 2. Don't know how the firmwares compare, though.

[ArtaTechPoland]

Originally Posted by downeaster59

I see that Banggood.com is offering the Onyx Boox C67 for $128 (US). It looks very much like the AfterGlow 2. Don't know how the firmwares compare, though.

Regular Chinese version without Google Play Store access and no IVONA TTS.

[zufre]

Originally Posted by ArtaTechPoland

Regular Chinese version without Google Play Store access and no IVONA TTS.

Well, Spanish or French speakers got no Ivona with the Afterglow 2 either.
Regards.

[downeaster59]

Originally Posted by ArtaTechPoland

Regular Chinese version without Google Play Store access and no IVONA TTS.

Which means that anyone who bought the Banggood version would have to root it and install Google Apps manually if they want Play Store, etc. Most users will appreciate having Play Store already installed, so they'll find the AfterGlow version well worth it. But - those who love to tinker with their devices (probably most people who'd be on a forum like this!) might find the Banggood version tempting. However, I don't know what Banggood customer service is like if there should be a problem. My experience with Arta Tech has been positive all along. All I needed was a little patience!

[elchamaco]

Originally Posted by downeaster59

However, I don't know what Banggood customer service is like if there should be a problem.

I know, don't have a problem with them. If you recive the unit and it's ok then superb. If the unit never reachs you, or you have a problem you're going to suffer.
And althought they have paypal, paypal doesn't guarantee the payment. And you don't see it till you are going to do the claim. When you pay, paypal don't give any advert.

[downeaster59]

I wonder if Arta Tech has any plans to offer the Boox D67 (which has Carta E-Ink display), or if there are plans to upgrade the T68 to Carta.

[pxpxpx]

^ good quesiton.

@Pierre89 Could you share your impression about built-in light? Is it ok and equal on the whole surface? What about listening to audiobook in mp3 format? Can I plug headphones and the sound is good?

[panoramix]

I've had my Afterglow2 for a couple of days now (Well done on quick delivery btw) and I'm mostly very happy with it. I use Scribd a lot and their reader works reasonably well (hardware buttons do not work uinfortunately) I am also able to use local library lending apps and norwegian e-book store ebok.no works very well using the built-in reader.

I've not yet tried the audio capabilities but I'll get around to it soon.

The backlight isn't too bad, although its slightly stronger along the edges but not distractingly so.

Now, for the really bad. Battery life with wireless on is HORRIBLY bad. I don't have numbers yet but I wouldn't trust it for anything more than an afternoon at the moment. Turning wireless off and using just the reader seems fine.

[ArtaTechPoland]

Originally Posted by panoramix

I've had my Afterglow2 for a couple of days now (Well done on quick delivery btw) and I'm mostly very happy with it. I use Scribd a lot and their reader works reasonably well (hardware buttons do not work uinfortunately) I am also able to use local library lending apps and norwegian e-book store ebok.no works very well using the built-in reader.

I've not yet tried the audio capabilities but I'll get around to it soon.

The backlight isn't too bad, although its slightly stronger along the edges but not distractingly so.

Now, for the really bad. Battery life with wireless on is HORRIBLY bad. I don't have numbers yet but I wouldn't trust it for anything more than an afternoon at the moment. Turning wireless off and using just the reader seems fine.

AfterGlow 2 provides up to 10,000 page turns. Actual battery life may vary and depends on usage and other factors.
It is possible to discharge a device after heavy usage in one day (wi-fi, apps, etc.).

[panoramix]

Originally Posted by ArtaTechPoland

AfterGlow 2 provides up to 10,000 page turns. Actual battery life may vary and depends on usage and other factors.
It is possible to discharge a device after heavy usage in one day (wi-fi, apps, etc.).

My experience is with just keeping wifi on while reading plus a couple of app installations. It might be for instance that the Scribd reading app syncs a lot if wifi is available. I'll test more later.

ETA: Thanks for replying.