In an upcoming issue of Journal of the Society for Information Display, researchers from the University of Cincinnati are boldly predicting the future of e-displays. Some of the predictions could hardly constitute as a guess (color e-readers) while on others are huge leaps in technology (indestructible e-sheets).
Whether it's a tablet, e-reader or any other kind of display-focused e-device, here are the 10 predictions from the University of Cincinnati researchers. Jason Heikenfeld, associate professor at University of Cincinnati and lead author on the study, which was named A Critical Review of the Present and Future Prospects for Electronic Paper, worked on it with several colleagues. This included Paul Drzaic of Drzaic Consulting Services; research scientist Jong-Souk (John) Yeo of Hewlett-Packard's Imaging and Printing Group; and research scientist Tim Koch, who currently manages Hewlett-Packard's effort to develop flexible electronics.
This one isn't really even much of a prediction since book retailer Barnes & Noble has already released a color version of its Nook e-reader. Expect Amazon to do the same with its Kindle later in the year. The researchers predict the colors will get brighter while the e-readers will add high-speed functionality that will eventually allow for point-and-click web browsing.REUTERSThe researchers acknowledge this technology is already in use, but say a breakthrough is coming that would allow grocers to update the labels on shelves in a matter of mere seconds. Heikenfeld says the power usage would be minimal and only active when the labels are being changed. The current e-shelf labels are monochrome, which aren't too bright. Researchers will look to create high-color labels with low-power needs.ReutersThe researchers predict the classic toy will be available with electronic ink and give kids the option erase the whole screen with the push of a button. The researchers say this technology has been developed locally. “Ohio institutions, namely the University of Cincinnati and Kent State, are international leaders in display and liquid optics technology," Heikenfeld said.ReutersIt almost seems laughable that the technology in a kid's toy, in this case Crayola's Glow Board, will be important to the future of e-devices. However, the researchers say the technology used in the Glow Board has a lot of applications. This includes indoor and outdoor sign displays that when turned off, seem to be clear windows. This is in contrast to LCD, which are used in a lot of e-devices, that use a lot of power and when turned off creates a non-transparent black background.CrayolaIn two years, researchers think an e-device with little power power consumption, high functionality and color (video playing and web browsing) and featuring good visibility in sunlight will hit the market. They call this the "Holy Grail" of e-devices. AmazonThere are rumors that Apple will be charging a premium for the new device because of upgrades like improved camera and the new A5 chip.
So, it is not just the color. AppleToday's digital billboards use a lot of power and are not easily seen in daylight. New technologies will fix this in the next three to five years. “We have the technology that would allow these digital billboards to operate by simply reflecting ambient light, just like conventional printed billboards do. That means low power usage and good visibility for the displays even in bright sunlight. However, the color doesn’t really sizzle yet, and many advertisers using billboards will not tolerate a washed-out color," Heikenfeld said. DaktronicsE-readers have been able to flex before; but the researchers think those capabilities will be stretched even further. They predict the devices will come from Polymer Vision in the Netherlands and will be monochrome at first. Color is expected later. They say the rigid glass screen could be turned into a paper-thin plastic that rolls like a window shade. BridgestoneApple stuck its toe subscription waters with the The Daily. Now it is diving in head first, saying all content creators can offer this type of service in the App Store.News Corp.
