E-Paper

Fujitsu is showing a new color e-paper eReader prototype - with a 4096 colors, 8" display (157 PPI that offers 8:1 contrast ratio. This is a linux-based system with a new fast processor (refresh rate of 0.7 seconds) and ePub and PDF support. It weights only 220 grams.

via E-Ink-Info.com.

Delta Electronics is developing e-paper technologies (based on Bridgestone's color E-Paper technology), and planned to launch a 8.2" and 13.1" color e-readers soon. But now we hear that the company says that e-reader demand is not strong currently (the market was severely impacted by tablets) and the company decided to wait for the right time to enter the market. The company is still optimistic about the future potential of e-paper applications.

Delta invested NT2-3 billion (which is about $70-$105 million) in e-paper production in its plants in Taiwan. Delta currently produces e-paper for labels, magazine and digital signage.

Amazon has produced a nice new advertisement for the Kindle title "The Book Lives On":

Update: We just got word from Bookeen. They say that everything is done on components that are available on the market with Bookeen's software - and they expect such performance to be available on the next-gen e-readers to appear soon. The power consumption, interestingly, is said to be equivalanet to a non-backlit LCD while running videos. The video, by the way, is a standard H.264 with no special treatment needed.

Bookeen's R&D team has achieved smooth video playback on an E Ink Pearl display (the platform is based on a TI OMAP 3621:

We don't know what are Bookeen plans here - whether they'd want to release a video-enabled reader or perhaps license their new technology?

Amazon says that in the last 73 days, they sold millions of the new Kindles (the Kindle 3 and the Kindle Graphite DX). In fact, Amazon says that they sold more Kindles in that period than in all of 2009. The Kindle 3 costs $139 (Wi-Fi only) and $189 (3G/Wi-Fi).

Amazon Kindle 3

Barnes and Noble's, for their part, say that they're now making 18,000 Nook-Colors a day, and are just able to meet demand. The Nook Color costs $249.

Here's my follow-up review - reading a whole book on the Kindle...

Last week I finally got my own Kindle 3 (the 3G/Wi-Fi version which costs $189). I decided to post a quick hands-on review (mostly about the hardware) based on my first few days with it.

There are reports the Delta Electronics is on track to release their e-reader in December (as we reported in June). The Vivitek-branded e-reader will feature a 8.2" color touch-enabled e-paper (based on Bridgestone's e-paper technology), 3G and Wi-Fi. China Mobile will offer a subsidized version for the China market, and Delta hopes to land more partnerships.

Delta magazine 13.1 color e-reader photo

Delta electronics has been showing a 13.1" color display (pictured above) back in June 2010, promising a December launch. It's good to hear they're on track to release it on time, although the display is smaller then we heard before.