Bridgestone News

Bridgestone announced that they are withdrawing from the e-paper business. Bridgestone had developed a color e-paper technology called Aerobee. They developed it in collaboration with Delta Electronics who had plans to start producing e-paper panels and e-readers (but not in the near future). It's not clear what Delta's future plans will be.

This is sad news for the e-paper market, which is facing tough times as e-readers shipments drop (mostly because tablets are proving to be adequate e-readers for many people). I still think that a tablet cannot really compete with an e-reader for reading books, but we'll have to wait and see where the market is going...

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.

Bridgestone is showing two new "tablets" called AeroBee sized 13" (A4) and 21" (A3). They use Bridgestone's own color e-paper panels and are touch enabled. Bridgestone will market those to businesses - to be used as in-store displays or kiosks.

via Engadget

Vivitek is showing two new e-readers (made by Delta Electronics) that sport color e-paper touch displays. The displays are made by Delta using Bridgestone's QR-LPD (Quick Response Liquid Powder Display) technology. One reader has a 8.2" display while the other has a large 13.1" display.

Vivitek plans to soon launch the 8.2" e-reader which offers wireless connectivity (Wi-fi and 3G, according to earlier reports) and  handwriting recognition. It weights only 400grams. We do not have a release date or pricing information yet...

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.

Delta electronics is showing their upcoming color e-reader, and they hope to release it in December 2010. It has a 13.1" color display, based on Bridgestone's e-paper technology. The e-reader supports pen input. Delta claims that the display's refresh rate is faster than in E Ink displays.

Delta magazine 13.1 color e-reader photo

via Slashgear

Taiwan's Delta Electronics plans to start shipping 13.1" color e-readers at the end of 2Q. They will also ship 8.1" monochrome ones. Both are using e-paper technology from Bridgestone, and are touch-enabled. These will be the first products based on Bridestone's technology, which offers color, efficient e-paper with a fast refresh rate.

Bridgestone E-Paper prototype

Delta are still looking for partners who will actually brand and market the e-readers (which can be equipped with Wi-Fi or 3G modules). They will also market on their own, and are looking for content providers in Taiwan.