Sony just released an electronic book product. The interesting part is their display technology, from a company called E-ink.
From Sony’s press release:
Part of the magic behind the Reader’s viewing experience is the high-resolution electronic paper display technology, which delivers a realistic print look that rivals traditional paper. The result is readable text and graphics from a variety of viewing angles, even outdoors in bright sunlight. Since there is no backlight, readers will not experience the fatigue associated with long term reading on an LCD. And, as the technology renders each page as a static image, there is no flicker or constant screen refresh to add to eyestrain.
Sounds great. E-ink’s description of the display technology is fascinating. They claim it will have lots of different applications beyond ebooks.
Unfortunately this particular ebook reader is closed (as per Sony’s default strategy): it only renders PDF docs and Sony’s proprietary BBeB format, and Sony is launching some sort of iTunes-like service for serving up books for purchase.
As soon as someone figures out how to build a cheap, lightweight and open reader, sign me up.
