BookCon 2026: All of the bookish tech and equipment we noticed on the ground and in attendees’ fingers.

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BookCon 2026 returned for the primary time in six years, and followers returned in droves, promoting out the occasion quick. We have been on the bottom on the occasion, overlaying panels and chatting with authors and BookTok creators. But similar to the attendees, we additionally hit the exhibition flooring to discover all of the devices on show. With the recognition of e-readers, we anticipated to see a ton of units on the ground, however there was a stunning lack thereof, and the passion targeted on bodily books.

But we checked out what BookCon attendees had available, too, together with the tech they used to seize the occasion and the necessities for navigating the chaos of BookCon. Here are all of the bookish tech and merchandise we noticed at BookCon 2026.

Rakuten Kobo

Rakuten’s Kobo e-readers have been the one e-readers on show at BookCon 2026.
Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

On the present flooring, whereas Kindle circumstances have been a well-liked merchandise to attain, Kindle units have been noticeably absent. Instead, Rakuten Kobo was the one e-reader making an look. We’ve examined each manufacturers at Mashable and love Kobo’s shade e-readers, together with the Kobo Clara and Kobo Libra, each of which have been on show at BookCon. Plus, the Kobo Remote was on show at Rakuten’s sales space, because the model is the primary to launch its personal e-reader distant.

Author Clock

Tell time via literary quotes with the Author Clock.
Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

Also on the ground at BookCon was the Author Clock, a digital system that reveals you the time with a literary twist. For each single minute, the clock shows a literary quote that options the time. It’s excellent for literary lovers — whether or not that be you or a good friend. The model lately launched a brand new system for climate forecasts, too. The Author Forecast connects to WiFi to detect your native climate after which mirror it with a literary passage on the system.

DJI Osmo Pocket 3 and Mic Mini

While they weren’t on show, DJI merchandise have been within the fingers of attendees on the present flooring. We noticed the DJI Osmo digital camera in every single place, just like what we skilled at VidCon. Fans have been utilizing it to seize the occasion, so we’re anticipating to see numerous BookCon vlogs on BookTok quickly. Plus, we additionally noticed attendees utilizing the DJI Mic Mini, which may simply be clipped on to put on across the occasion.

Handheld followers

At this level, private followers are a staple at conventions. At 9 a.m. on Saturday, when simply VIP and the press have been admitted to the exhibition flooring, issues have been already steamy, and other people had damaged out their handheld followers. While we did not spot Shark’s new ChillPill or Dyson’s new HushJet at BookCon, a budget handheld followers you possibly can rating on Amazon are nonetheless the most well-liked selection.

It was evident that BookCon followers come ready. I noticed dozens of attendees with colourful disks strapped crossbody all through the occasion, and after I requested one individual what it was, my jaw dropped as they revealed a collapsible stool — a genius solution to have a seat with you whereas ready in lengthy strains.

Macopro folding utility cart

The identify of the sport at BookCon was free books. Publishers and authors have been doling out free superior copies of books. Attendees got here ready to take dwelling all of the free issues with folding utility carts. By far, the MacoPro folding utility cart was the most well-liked choice. Plus, with its flat prime, it is principally a transportable chair, too.