Ask HN: Why has eInk technology stalled compared to other display tech?
I'm surprised how slow the pace of innovation has been for eInk. Is there something inherent to the technology that makes things like faster refreshed very difficult to realize?
I don't agree with the other comment that implies a lack of demand. Lots of people would be perfectly happy with an e-ink phone or laptop. I use a Boox tablet, and the slow refreshes are a feature, not a bug, as they keep me from wasting time on Youtube or TikTok like I could with my phone or computer.
Unlike LCDs, e-Ink has complicated voltage waveform requirements. The voltage waveforms are what allow partial refreshes and all the other unique benefits of eink - and they are all proprietary.
And there aren’t multiple competing manufacturers, so even though some of the key patents have expired we have not seen a renaissance of display modules.
The situation has actually gotten better - there are a few modules available now for tinkerers from Pimoroni, Waveshare, and AliExpress. But when LCD modules cost 1/10 the price (particularly for larger displays) it becomes hard to justify e-ink.
The largest untapped market for eink is replacing segmented LCD displays for many products. They did not make many inroads because the costs were higher and LCD segmented displays are commodities that even amateurs can order prototypes of for less than $100 with standardized connectors and controllers. E-ink displays were thus only pushed for by aesthetic reasons by product designers.
What do you mean? You don't have access to these links?
https://www.google.com/search?channel=fs&client=ubuntu&q=e-i...
https://www.waveshare.com/w/upload/7/77/1.54inch_e-Paper_Dat...
https://www.good-display.com/companyfile/1/
https://www.ti.com/lit/ds/symlink/tps65186.pdf?ts=1673544971...
What do you like about the Boox the most? Which model do you have?
The stylus is pretty good for note-taking but I don't take notes. It's probably a little pricey for just an e-reader, but I use it a _lot_ so I think it's fine.
Looks like even Amazon lost interest for ereaders R&D. City needs new hero.
Having the audio player is for audiobooks and it makes sense to include those in a book device. It doesn't detract from the rest of the reader. The web browser is mainly there to connect to the books stores so you can buy more books. It's not really intended for general web browsing.
The main thing keeping Amazon and others investing more in e-readers is the limited market. Some of us appreciate a light, low cost, dedicated device that is focused on the reading process, but that is a minority market. Most people just want to use one device for everything and don't care if it is less suited to reading as long as it is fast, colorful and they don't need another device.
That's the neat part about the physical shape of Kindle Oasis, the bezels aren't needed. It is assymetrical and is meant for holding in one hand. One side has a large bezel with buttons and a bump on the back for a good grip, and the opposite side (as well as the top and the bottom) have that aforementioned 2cm bezel.
With that design, you can totally get rid of all those 2cm bezels with zero ergonomics loss.
Except in the bottom border, where it has four buttons.
I rather like the idea of playing music while reading, or an audiobook, or the audiobook version of what I'm reading
https://appleinsider.com/articles/15/12/15/apple-has-taken-o...
TV and then gaming is the big driver. That's why laptops went to 16:9 ratios and what has pushed displays through multiple performance barriers.
Reading is niche, though I expect some improvement now that it's got cheap enough for shelf signage use cases.
it same thing. battery life very good but it so slow. new model has menu screen like android.