Mirasol E-Reader Prototype Lets You Read in the Dark
Posted in: e reader, e-readers, prototype, qualcomm, R&D and Inventions, Today's Chili
In a dim environment, the mirasol frontlit prototype (left) outshines a traditional mirasol e-paper display. Photo: Nate Hoffelder
If you want to catch up on the day’s reading before bed, in your darkened room, you’re a bit SOL with a traditional e-paper e-reader.
Sure you could use a tablet to read on instead, but that backlighting is harsh. You just need to see the words onscreen — you don’t need them burned into your retinas.
Qualcomm has come up with an innovative solution that’s currently in prototype form: an e-paper display with integrated LED front lighting. Unlike clip-on lighting options, the display is evenly lit. And unlike tablets, the illumination can be completely turned off in order to preserve power.
A model with an ambient light sensor, which would automatically shut off the LEDs in bright situations and switch them on in the dark, is in the works, and Qualcomm expects the first products to utilize this front lighting technology to be released in the fall.
But is there still a market for e-readers? Barnes and Noble is transforming its Nook e-reader into a full-on Android tablet, and the tablet arena has been absolutely booming with new products (2011 has been the year of the tablet after all). Many e-reader makers have been having difficulties, filing for bankruptcy or canceling plans, in the wake of the tablet revolution.
Would you be more likely to purchase an e-reader if you could use it in the dark, or would you rather stick with a multi-functional portable like a tablet? Sound off in the comments.
There’s good news and bad news about Mirasol [The Digital Reader via Slashgear]
