News Excerpt:

E Ink still hasn’t conquered all our screens despite its advantages and e-readers are a pleasure to read on them with their crisp, paper-like screens. 

What are E Ink displays and how do they work?

• The technology was originally developed in the 1990s at MIT and is now owned by E Ink Corporation.
• The screens work using tiny microcapsules filled with positively charged white particles and negatively charged black ones suspended in fluid inside the display. 
• By applying positive or negative electrical charges to different areas of the screen, the white or black particles can be made to rise to the surface, creating the text and images on the display.

• E Ink displays reflect light just like paper, this makes them easier on the eyes for long reading sessions. 
• They also require very little power since they don’t need a backlight and only use energy when the image changes. 
• The lack of backlighting also means that they are easier to read under brighter lighting conditions. But legibility actually takes a hit on E Ink displays under bright sunlight.

Advantages of E Ink displays?

• They consume very little power compared to LCD and OLED displays. 
• An E Ink display only draws power when the image is changed, meaning it can display a static image for weeks or months without needing a charge. 
• This makes it ideal for e-readers and other devices meant for long battery life.
• E Ink displays cause less eye strain for the user. 
• The lack of a backlight and the paper-like visual experience mean users can read on an E Ink device for hours without fatigue. 
• The matte surface and high contrast also make them easily readable outdoors and under bright light.

Uses of E Ink displays:

• E Ink displays were very popular among all e-readers in the 2000s.
• Kindle and Kobo e-readers still use E Ink displays.
• E Ink is being used at bus stop displays, walking direction signs, and some restaurants menu boards. 
• Such displays feature a matte surface that’s more natural-looking and readable at angles and under different lighting.

Conclusion:

E Ink has carved a niche in applications like e-readers, bus stop displays, walking direction signs, and restaurant menu boards. While not ubiquitous across all screens, E Ink continues to thrive in specific devices, embodying a balance between cutting-edge technology and timeless reading comfort.