ReflectiveLcd
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Pixel Qi takes aim at Android tablets with higher-res 10-inch and 7-inch reflective LCDs (hands-on)
We've been holding out hope for Pixel Qi devices for years, ever since we first heard that the OLPC spin-off would begin manufacturing its displays for use by any OEM looking for a battery-sipping LCD. Unfortunately, Mary Lou's LCDs, capable of switching between a sunlight-readable reflective mode and full-color transmissive state, have had limited uptake by some less than desirable partners. Still, the team has returned to Computex with the 7-inch (1024 x 600) panel that was teased in December last year and a new higher resolution 10-inch (1280 x 800) panels offering an 80 percent power savings over conventional LCDs, according to Pixel Qi. In fact, the 10-inch panel consumes just 2.7W in color mode or 0.4W in reflective "eReader" mode. We had the chance to see the new displays up close here at Computex and were immediately struck by the improvement in pixel density on the 10-inch panel. Making the leap to WVGA has been a major boon, as identical images looked sharper and better-defined than on the 1024 x 600 current-gen Pixel Qi display. The brightness on the new screen is lower than on its predecessor, but that's because the company still hasn't finalized things -- we're promised significantly better readability with the backlight off in the final product and brighter pictures when it's on. The 7-incher, originally intended for mass production in the second quarter will now sample in Q3, to be followed by the more pixel-dense 10-inch model, which will hit production in Q4. Scope out the newness in the gallery below or jump past the break for video. %Gallery-124861%
Pixel Qi announces development of 7-inch screen, provides status update
We just got a status update from one of Pixel Qi's earliest customers, Notion Ink, last week, and we've now finally gotten a pretty significant update on the state of things from the company itself. In addition to announcing that it's completed the first tranche of its Series B funding, Pixel Qi has also revealed for the first time that it currently has a 7-inch screen for tablets and e-reader in development, and that it's set to go into mass production in the first half of next year -- it notes that samples could be available by the end of the year, though. Pixel Qi's Mary Lou Jespen also explained that tight supply and maxed out factory usage combined with the "disruptive" iPad accounted for a number of tablet delays over the spring and summer, but she says that manufacturers have used the downtime to refine their designs into products that are "highly differentiated from the iPad," and adds that Pixel Qi will be announcing additional products using its displays sometime in the future.
Pixel Qi dual-mode displays sell out, in a good way
Unless you're in the music biz, selling out is generally considered a good thing just as long as you can restock, pronto like, to meet consumer demand. So we're sure Mary Lou Jepsen is roiling in her jollies knowing that the first batch of $275 dual-mode Pixel Qi displays have sold out after less than 24 hours of retail availability. You can pre-order now for a second shipment of the 10.1-inch reflective LCDs expected to arrive on MakerShed by the middle of next week. Until then, we patiently wait for the first-hand DIY experiences to begin trickling in.
Improv Electronics Boogie Board brings the chalkboard into the 21st century
When we hear "paperless LCD writing tablet" our mind starts racing, but unfortunately the new "Boogie Board" tablet from Improv Electronics is more of an update of the chalkboard than anything. The unit is based on a power-free reflective LCD technology (similar to the technology in Fujitsu's Flepia readers), with 50,000 erase cycles, and you can draw on it with anything that can apply pressure (stylus, finger nail, blunt trauma). Unfortunately, it ends there. There's no connection back to a computer. Sure, not bad for $30, and for people who draw often and are tired of their dry erase board or burning through reams of paper it makes sense, but for anyone who draws something they'd like to keep they're likely going to have to look elsewhere.
Aluratek Libre eBook Reader PRO sports monochrome reflective LCD, $179 pricetag
The stranglehold E-Ink has had on the e-book market is slipping. We've seen the tantalizing promises of Pixel Qi, mixing a color LCD with a low-power reflective display, but in the here and now we've got a new LCD-based e-reader from Aluratek. Extensively dubbed the "Libre eBook Reader PRO," the unit uses an unnamed 5-inch monochrome reflective LCD panel, with 24 hours of continuous use off a battery charge. Not as great as E-Ink, but it should be plenty for most people, and the resultant $179 price is hard to knock. The Libre is ePUB and PDF compatible, and comes with a 2GB SD card -- just the right sort of barebones-yet-functional we appreciate. We'll have to see how well that LCD performs in person before we pull the trigger, but for people looking for an alternative to the premium devices out there (or something with a faster page refresh rate), it might just fit the bill.
LG's sunlight illuminated LCDs work both indoors and out
We know what you're trying to do, LG. You want to see us venture outside more, and watch our pale skin burn in the ominous glare of that Big Bright Thing in the Sky. The company is bringing to CES the sunlight illuminated TFT-LCD, a 14.1-inch laptop display with the aptly-titled "Backlight Data Signal Switching Technology" that lets you switch from reflective mode for high-luminance (read: sunny) situations to transmissive mode for low-light and indoor settings. When in reflective mode, the display boasts a 75 percent reduction in power consumption and a 9:1 contrast ratio -- that's still really low, even if it is an improvement over other reflective screens. It sounds like a big version Epson's 3.5-inch a-TFT, both of which have the advantage of a backlight over Funai's recently-announced Dynamic ECDs, meaning it should be a perfect solution for those looking to liveblog their dog's shenanigans both at the park and at home. [Via Engadget Spanish]
Epson Imaging Devices introduce a-TFT displays that play well in sunlight or darkness
Epson's developed two transflective amorphous silicon TFT (a-TFT) LCDs for high visibility in a variety of situations on mobile devices. The screens seem to have been developed mostly for gadgets which are used outdoors and in direct sunlight. These new LCDs employ a more traditional, transmissive mode, using backlighting in darker or indoor settings, but are also capable of utilizing a reflective mode, which can harness bright sources such as sunlight to increase clarity. The reflective mode not only increases visibility on the screen, but also reduces the need for backlighting, thus conserving power. The displays will be available in 3 and 3.5-inch sizes, and samples of the screens are said to be shipping before the end of the month.
LG demos 15-inch double-sided LCD
While most manufacturers seem to be working on privacy tech to make LCDs harder to view by anyone not sitting right in front of them, LG is bucking the trend, demoing a prototype that can be read even by those sitting clear over on the back side. Unlike Samsung's tiny double-sided prototype from early last year, LG's shows the same image on both sides, but the 15-inch reflective display's 512 x 384 resolution and 14:1 contrast ratio also reflect just how early this tech is.[Via Hallu Tech]
Canon develops pair of LCoS reflective LCD panels
Though Canon has been focusing on SED and locking down LCD partnerships throughout the earlier part of the year, the firm will be showcasing its very own LCoS reflective LCD panels at InfoComm next month. The first panel is a 0.71-inch WUXGA (1,920 x 1,200) model, which is said to be the "world's first LCoS panel of its size to achieve such a level of resolution." The second is a 0.55-inch SXGA (1,400 x 1,050) version, which can also be used in conjunction with other Canon technologies to bring new projectors to market. Beyond that, it seems we'll have to wait until June before finding out more, but you can certainly peek the read link and attempt to read between the lines.
