eink

The YotaPhone seems to have struck a chord among some smartphone users. The ability to have some information, or picture, always on display even when the phone's screen itself is off definitely useful. And having a handy ebook reader with you all the time is something bookworms would love. But the problem with the YotaPhone is not only was it limited to Android, it also meant having to buy a new phone, even if you were already an Android user. iPhone users, on the other hand, were out of luck. Now, however, they have fighting chance with the InkCase i7 finally launching on Kickstarter.

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One of the biggest complains about smartwatches is how quick they are to die during the course of the day. What if you had a watch that could at least last for days while still have some of the fashionable options of smartwatches? That's what Sony subsidiary Fashion Entertainments sought out to do with its e-paper wearables. Now in its second run, the new Sony FES Watch U is now available for purchase, in Japan at least, offering a smartwatch that is really more a fashion accessory than a geek toy.

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Ebook readers use e-paper displays for two reasons. First is the innate nature of such screens, which are easy on the eyes and batteries. Second is the cheaper costs of such components, which translate to a more affordable retail price. If you thought the latter would be true of the Gvido music sheet "tablet" and its two 13-inch e-ink screens, you'd be shocked to find out the truth. Because when the Gvido launches later this year, it will cost just as much as two 12.9-inch iPad Pros.

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This week the folks at Sony have announced a joint venture with the brand E-Ink, resulting in a team-up the likes of which could be huge. This is not a rumor, it's a real-deal announcement from both Sony and E-Ink, and it's part of a timeline that's unfolding in Sony's device collection as we speak. This is not the first time Sony has dabbled in E-Ink devices - not by a long shot - but it could be a sign of odd and awesome gadgets to come.

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Like it or not, it seems that companies are beginning to rethink the venerable keyboard, especially when it comes to mobile devices, both laptops and tablets alike. Microsoft started it with the Surface covers and then Apple jumped on board with the cloth-like Smart Keyboard. Things came to a head with the Lenovo Yoga Book's "Halo Keyboard". Now it seems that Microsoft might be on the verge of yet another invention, one that combines a few of those ideas together into one e-ink keyboard cover.

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A new e-ink product has surfaced called Gvido, but it's not for novels. When closed, the device looks like a large, thin book. When opened, it reveals two cream-colored displays, both of which show sheet music for musicians. Much like the older Kindle devices, the musician merely pushed the right edge of the device to trigger a page refresh, replacing the two sheets of music with another two.

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E Ink has announced its new Advanced Color Paper, the first electrophoretic (“electronic paper”) display able to produce full color sans the aid of a color filter array. Most people are familiar with monochromatic e-ink displays, the kind you find in ereaders like the Kindle. This newly developed display is similar in many ways, but provides a full color gamut (which includes the eight primary colors).

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This week the folks at Amazon appear to have experienced a bit of a leak - on their newest e-reader, the Kindle Oasis. At least, that's what the leak suggests it'll be called. This leak comes from China, and includes details on what the device will look like and act like. There seems to be a case/cover that this tablet-like device will have available with its own power source, and it'll be ambidextrous - with a very unique sort of tablet design.

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Withings is known for its wide range of health and fitness devices, which include analog watch fitnesss trackers, digital scales, and, just this week, a thermometer. With the new Withings Go, the company is back to its tracker roots but with a twist. Just like any tracker, this handy gadget does keep an eye on your steps, activities, and even your sleep. But unlike most trackers that either use LCD screens or none at all, the Go uses a battery friendly e ink display to show you your stats, all that time and even in bright ambient light.

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Ever saw a stylish shoe that you wished came in your size? Or ever wanted to design your own shoes yourself? If you answered yes to either or both of these questions, then this hot new Indiegogo campaign might sing to your heart. The name "ShiftWear" is a tad deceptive, not standing up to the magic it can do. Unlike personalized sneakers, you don't have to settle for a single design and live with it once and for all. You can change it on a whim using only your smartphone, thanks to the magic of e-paper.

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In 2011, we came across a unique device that combined all the benefits of an e-ink reader like a Kindle or Nook with the power of expression that comes with a stylus. Back then, NoteSlate's first device was priced at $99 and was noted to be coming soon. "Soon" here apparently meant "4 years" since that is how long it took the company to put the SHiRO up for pre-order. Thankfully, it has also updated the hardware to more modern specs but has also sadly doubled the price.

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Kobo isn't exactly swimming in cash when it comes to its hardware. In fact, it has decided to scrap its Android-based tablets, the Kobo Arc line, in favor of an Android app instead. That leaves it with time and resources to focus on the hardware that probably matters most to its customers: e-ink readers. Following the Glo HD that it unveiled last April, Kobo has mysteriously put out a version 2.0 of its baseline Kobo Touch reader but with seemingly little to differentiate it from its predecessor.

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