Diptyx E-Reader is a new and innovative approach to e-reading and is currently undergoing open-source development in Crowd Supply as a dual-screen e-reader that is easy to hold in your hands and feels more like a book than a tablet. The Diptyx differs as compared to most of the common e-readers because of its two-screen appearance (top, bottom) that looks and acts like a real book, which opens on a central plane with two screens measuring 5.83 inches each with black ink and white backgrounds. This design will allow the user to see two pages simultaneously, creating a better reading space and a more natural and book-like experience.
Fundamentally, Diptyx uses an ESP32-S3, which operates on an entirely bespoke, open-source operating system tailored to the specific purpose of ebook reading. The software will just boot directly into your collection of EPUB files, and you have no account, no subscriptions and no DRM; you actually own your own books and your own device. You only need to drag your EPUBs through the USB-C, and the device acknowledges them. In standby mode, clever power management and the e-ink displays mean the Diptyx can last weeks on a single charge with a 3000 mAh battery, while deep sleep can stretch that even further.
One notable design choice is that the electronics and internal structure are visible beneath decorative Art Nouveau illustrations rather than hidden behind panels. This not only gives Diptyx a unique aesthetic but also makes the device easier to repair and customise compared to sealed, glue-assembled mainstream readers. A user-replaceable 2 GB SD card is included for book storage, and all firmware and hardware designs will be released under an MIT open-source license for hobbyists and developers to modify or extend.
Navigation relies on physical buttons instead of touch, and the firmware offers settings for font choices, line spacing, dark mode, and more. Since the project is open-source, any feature such as Wi-Fi, support of RSS feeds, or keyboard input can be added to the project in its subsequent versions.
The Diptyx dual-screen E-Reader is currently undergoing crowdfunding and fully funded and is set to ship to the backers by May 2026 and the pledge price will be approximately $230, which makes the Diptyx E-Reader an attractive investment in the books of a reader, allowing them the freedom to read everywhere, the ability to repair whenever necessary and a form factor that might give a nod to the traditional books.
Niladri Chowdhury 
Sayantan Nandy