Science Fiction
Dictionary
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
 |
Sony LIBRIe E-Ink Electronic Book Update
Update: 04/23/2004 - The new Sony LIBRIe uses E-Ink technology to solve an essential problem. Previous electronic books have all had the same problem; they make use of LCD displays that typically offer far lower resolution and lower contrast than ink on paper. This leads to fatigue in reading; independent studies indicate that people will read from one-quarter to one-third less in electronic media than they will on paper.
The E-Ink Electronic Paper Display is reflective; the manufacturer claims that it can be easily read in both bright sunlight and inside. The resolution provided is 170 pixels per inch (compare to about 60 pixels per inch for standard LCD displays). The device is similar in size to a paperback book, and uses 4 AA batteries. The display requires so little energy in a static state (looking at one page), the batteries should last through a reading of 40 books.
Reviewers who have seen it claim that "the quality of the display will come as quite a shock to any seasoned user of mobile devices; it looks more like paper than the computer screen it is."
In an interview in The Guardian (Library Without Books), Sony's Yoshitaka Ukita mentioned that "flexible electronic paper which can handle Harry Potter-esque moving images and colour is in the research and development labs." Although it may be a few years before The Daily Prophet, the wizarding newspaper, can be successfully reproduced for us muggles, the R&D is proceeding.
Science fiction fans may recall smart paper from Neal Stephenson's 1995 book The Diamond Age.
Read more in the Sony Electronic Book press release. Find out more about E Ink at Electronic Ink Technology Overview.Thanks also to engadget for The LIBRIe: Sony's Electronic Ink E-Book Reader.
(Thanks to Kaj for finding this one. Original story submitted Mar-26-2004)
Scroll down for more stories in the same category. (Story submitted 4/23/2004)
Follow this kind of news @Technovelgy.| Email | RSS | Blog It | Stumble | del.icio.us | Digg | Reddit |
Would
you like to contribute a story tip?
It's easy:
Get the URL of the story, and the related sf author, and add
it here.
Comment/Join discussion ( 6 )
Related News Stories - (" Display ")
Transparent 4K OLED Wireless TV From LG
You will note that HG Wells also figured out the aspect ratio of the future!
DOTPad Braille Device Offers Live Access
Amazing tactile display.
Transparent MicroLED Screen From Samsung
Has Samsung nailed the Look of Things To Come?
Augmented Reality Book Covers Reveal The Inner Book
'The E-paper holograms leaped from lurid covers...' - Greg Bear, 2003.
Technovelgy (that's tech-novel-gee!) is devoted to the creative science inventions and ideas of sf authors. Look for the Invention Category that interests you, the Glossary, the Invention Timeline, or see what's New.
Science Fiction
Timeline
1600-1899
1900-1939
1940's 1950's
1960's 1970's
1980's 1990's
2000's 2010's
Current News
Heart Patches Grown In The Lab Repair Hearts
I'm hoping that this procedure becomes a normal part of medical practice!
Humanoid Robots Spotted In Homes Performing Household Chores
'... nothing was perfected until M. Pantalon announced the completion of his automatic valet.'
Musk Proposes Sites For Martian Cities
'...its streets were of remarkable width, with few or no buildings so high as mosques, churches, State-offices, or palaces in Tellurian cities.'
Bambot Open Source Cheap Delivery Robot
'Not since the time he rewired the delivery robot...'
Robot Collective Acts Like A Smart Material
'...it was all composed of tiny, identical cubes, carefully laid to form a tilelike surface.'
Vipera Electric Skis From Frigid Dynamics
'JOAN strapped on her power-skis...'
Pixel Watch 'Loss of Pulse Detection' And Philip K. Dick
'He carried on his person a triggering mechanism sensitive to his heartbeat.'
Nuclear Plant Restarted To Power AI To Feed Us Dreams
'...Anything was possible in my imaginary environment.'
SpaceX's Starman Tesla Roadster In Space
'Somewhere in space, a chrome and blue automobile raced the green light of Earth.'
Pivotal Blackfly Electric Aircraft Lifts And Hovers
'That explains how it was so easy for me to remain motionless in midair...'
CORLEO Robotic Horse Concept Looks Ready To Ride
Imagine digging your heels in to a steam horse!
Who First Thought Of A Tin Foil Hat?
'We had discovered that metal was relatively impervious to the telepathic effect.'
Warp Drive Tech Back On The Menu
'Detailed plans for the construction of the Gundstetter-Halone warp drive were flowing.'
Huawei Pura X Folding Phattie Phone
Why can't we get more innovative phone configurations?
Sleep Pods At Daxing International Airport
'Do not waste your priceless company on the unappreciative folds of a sleep pod...'
Robot Baristas Learn Their Trade Without Paying Royalties
'...so we've promised him a generous pension from the royalties.'
