Those of you that read the article in July last year about the incredible new paper-like display technology may be interested in this update.
Sony have released the first product based on the technology. The Sony LIBRIé is the fist commercial product to be based on the technology and the specs are impressive.As the display does not require refreshing, the device can switch off between page turns thus drastically reducing power requirements over other similar sized display technologies.
This first product can store around 500 eBooks and the batteries will last for 10,000 page refreshes: probably enough to read about 20 of those books!
The Phillips manufactured display used in the LIBREé runs at around 175 pixels per inch. Any of you familiar with the technology should immediately realise that even as a first generation implementation, this is comparable with newsprint.
The ebook is a very high contrast medium and can be read in bright sunlight and low light conditions.
Here’s the press release.
TurboTas 2004
Philips Electronics (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHI), Sony Corporation(NYSE: SNE) and E Ink Corporation announced today the world’s first consumer application of an electronic paper display module in Sony’s new e-Book reader, LIBRIé, scheduled to go on sale in Japan in late April. This “first ever” Philips’ display utilizes E Ink’s revolutionary electronic ink technology which offers a truly paper-like reading experience with contrast that is the same as newsprint.
The Electronic Paper Display is reflective and can be easily read in bright sunlight or dimly lit environments while being able to be seen at virtually any angle – just like paper. Its black and white ink-on-paper look, combined with a resolution in excess of most portable devices at approximately 170 pixels per inch (PPI), gives an appearance similar to that of the most widely read material on the planet – newspaper. Because the display uses power only when an image is changed, a user can read more than 10,000 pages before the four AAA Alkaline batteries need to be replaced. The unique technology also results in a compact and lightweight form factor allowing it to be ideal for highly portable applications.
Sony’s e-Book reader LIBRIé, the first device to utilize Philips’ display solution for enhanced reading, is similar in size and design to a paperback book. LIBRIé allows users to download published content, such as books or comic strips from the Internet, and enjoy it anywhere at any time. LIBRIé can store up to 500 downloaded books.