Microsoft’s new patent seeks to eliminate paper with E Ink tech

Imagine reusing a single sheet of paper over and over again, just feeding it back into the printer whenever you’re done with it. Pretty cool right? Well, this may just be possible in the future from what we see in the recently published patent Microsoft applied for.

The patent seeks to resolve the issue of paper wastage by using E Ink to create a reusable form instead. Currently, E Ink, though relatively lightweight and low-power, is still a rather poor substitute for paper. In terms of cost or flexibility, E Ink offers little in comparison.

Basically, Microsoft plans to take the ‘electronic’ out of electronic ink. The e-paper will divest its electronic elements, leaving only its bi-stable e-Ink display. Instead, a new kind of printer would manipulate electric fields to write on the E Ink display. The e paper then becomes re-usable and also cuts out the need for ink. It’s totally a first world problem but, boy are those ink cartridges expensive!

Since the E Ink display would contain no electronics at all, it would cost significantly less. It becomes a lot more bendable as well. All we need to do is just feed it back into the printer for the next time.

That being said, don’t hold your breath for Microsoft to release such a product anytime soon! Judging from the current E Ink technology, the technological jump needed to fully remove the electronic component of E Ink is a bit of a stretch. Besides, the whole needing a specialised printer thing does put a pretty major damper on our enthusiasm for it.

The Inkcase adds a secondary E Ink screen at the back of your phone.

Reducing paper usage isn’t a new idea; we’ve seen a lot of attempts at a sustainable substitute for paper. Inkcase for example allows users’ mobile phones to double up as an e-reader and planner by adding a secondary E Ink screen at the back of the phone. Yet paper has still reigned supremacy in the office despite all efforts to overthrow it. Microsoft’s patent may be the key if they can figure out a way to ensure both the reusable display and the printer needed come at a competitive price.

(Published on Oaxis, 26 Jan 2017)

Samsung explains battery flaws caused exploding Note 7, promises tighter safety protocols

The wait is over! Finally we can quench our burning desire to get answers for the Note 7 debacle. Samsung has released the official explanation for its faulty Note 7.

Defective batteries from two manufacturers had led to one of the biggest failures in tech history. Samsung withdrew the Note 7, its answer to Apple’s iPhone 7 Plus, less than two months after its launch.

In an almost theatrical twist of events, the batteries had apparently suffered from two completely different defects that led to the same result – combustion of the Note 7. Talk about bizarre! According to Samsung, the original battery had a design flaw whereas the replacement battery had a manufacturing defect. Both then caused a short circuit and ultimately led to the phone combusting.

The original battery was oversized which resulted in short-circuiting.

When the replacement Note 7s were discovered to have the same dangerous problem, many questioned Samsung’s chances of recovering from such a potent double whammy. Samsung, however, has proven its status as a leading brand with a stunningly satisfying response.

The replacement battery had a welding defect which also led to a short circuit.

The transparent explanation, uncharacteristic of a company prone to holding its cards close to the chest, is apparently working wonders for recovering consumer trust. Also Samsung managed to achieve an astounding 96% retrieval rate, indicating their aggressive attitude in rectifying the situation and building up consumer confidence once more.

Samsung made no mention of the two battery suppliers on Sunday, claiming to take full responsible for the incident. However it feels rather redundant since the suppliers have already been named previously. The implicit message Samsung seems determined to convey is that the fault fully lies in the battery. Is it just me or does it seem just a little like Samsung is throwing the battery manufacturers under the bus here

Samsung plans to implement this 8-step battery test for future products. (Image source: Alfred Ng/CNET)

Moving on, Samsung has promised to pay more attention to safety and the entire production process. It’s actually pretty noteworthy how the company has taken ownership of the situation, implementing measures to prevent future recurrences. We can’t say that Samsung has done a perfect job in mitigating the situation. However, we should definitely give them credit for their applaudable efforts. 

Hopefully the upcoming launch of Galaxy S8 will show the results. One thing is for sure – the whole world will be watching to see what steps Samsung will take henceforth to prove themselves capable of rising from the ashes.

(Posted on Oaxis, 25 Jan 2017)

Samsung granted patent for E Ink display phone case

Samsung is definitely keeping busy nowadays especially with the investigation of the Galaxy S7 and the upcoming release of Galaxy S8. Now news of a patent application for an E Ink display case being granted to Samsung has us wondering what new handphone accessories they have up their sleeve.

The flip case described featured an E Ink display and is seemingly the latest in Samsung’s first-party line of smartphone cases. The E Ink screen differentiates the new phone case from its predecessors which feature cutout slots and transparent front panels. Previously users could view the phone screen partially and hence content displayed on the phone screen. The new E Ink case will be the first interactive phone case released by Samsung.

The image released illustrates a standard cutout for a Flip Cover with a larger window housing the E Ink screen. No additional information is available regarding the content of said screen. The new phone case would most likely operate in a similar manner as the Oaxis Inkcase. Users will probably be able to view static content such as push notifications and images on a low-power monochrome screen.

Oaxis Inkcase allows users to display static images with minimal power consumption.

While a secondary E Ink screen may not exactly be a new idea, this may indicate more progress in integrating E Ink into the smartphone itself as the market has seen in recent years. The Yotaphone, for instance, already feature a second E Ink screen, allowing users to view widgets and notifications as well. Moreover, this is certainly positive news for advancements in E Ink technology and its potential.

Currently there has been no official release date. However, Samsung traditionally has released handphone accessories along with their new flagship phones. So keep your fingers crossed; perhaps we’ll see the E Ink Flip cover debut together with the Galaxy S8!

(Posted on Oaxis, 21 Jan 2017)

Personalised E Ink packaging for cosmetics coming soon!

E Ink and TEXEN has just announced their collaboration to bring a whole new level of personal to the world of cosmetics through personalised packaging.

“With the rise of beauty on a micro scale, our partnership with E Ink looks to enable our cosmetic customers to be the first to offer customisable digital packaging,” said Stéphane LESPRIT, TexenLab Innovation Manager at TEXEN. “With E Ink’s battery-free, thin, lightweight and durable technology, brands could enhance their packaging without having to alter the shape and design of their packaging, truly making this solution a first for the industry.”

Utilising the low power consumption and high contrast display of E Ink, TEXEN seeks to personalise packaging for makeup products. Through Near Field Communications (NFC), E Ink displays can be updated easily by a smartphone. The smartphone will also provide the power needed to change the display. The E Ink display requires no further power input after the display changes, negating the need for any power source.

With its high degree of visibility and flexibility, E Ink displays may be the revolutionary crux to revitalising the stagnant packaging market. Personalised messaging can be easily integrated into packaging with the customisable E Ink displays. Consumers can add their own personal touch by adding their names or writing messages to gift recipients.

The integration of E Ink displays and cosmetic packaging will also facilitate targeted advertising and social media campaigns. Consumers purchasing a specific makeup product can find out about other complementary products through the customised packaging. This will not only improve consumer experience but also add another dimension to advertising as well.

Consumers can also use sensor or diagnostic components in the E Ink display modules to create their own beauty formulation. Beauty treatments can be enabled accordingly based on skin conditions as affected by factors such as weather and air humidity.

“As products and packaging design continue to go digital, ePaper is increasingly emerging as the technology of choice,” said Hui Lee, senior director for business development at E Ink. “Our technology has brought innovation to industries once reluctant to change, such as the pharmaceutical market. We are looking forward to working with TEXEN to expand the realm of possibilities for the beauty packaging industry.”

E Ink has demonstrated its versatility with the growing range of products inspired by E Ink. The Inkcase for example makes use of the high contrast display and low power consumption of E Ink to allow users to convert their phones to e-readers by simply flipping the phone.

Inkcase also allows you to display your to-do list at the back of your phone.

The solution is currently available and E Ink and TEXEN are taking customer orders. For more information please visit E Ink.

(Posted on Oaxis, 19 Jan 2017)

E Ink showcases world’s largest ePaper display

At CES 2017, QuirkLogic has partnered with E Ink to launch Quilla, the world’s largest connected eWriter. The 42” ePaper device seeks to remove the hassle of taking photos of whiteboards at the end of each meeting in the office.

The 42″ collaborative ePaper whiteboard is best suited for corporate use.

By leveraging attributes of epaper such as its durability and light weight, Quilla offers an energy-saving alternative to giant touchscreen displays. It is able to run on battery only for 16 hours. Users don’t have to fear losing their work should Quilla run out of juice. A mobile device-based central library accessible via personal login automatically stores content.

Weighing approximately 22 pounds (10kg), Quilla sports a resolution of 2880 x 2160 and facilitates the free flow of ideas as users can simply start writing down ideas and also resume where they left off previously without setting up any equipment at all. Users are no longer limited to the conference room thanks to the easy on/off mounts and battery operation. Rather, Quilla allows them to go wireless and make full use of the eWriter wherever they may prefer. Remote participants can also contribute through the centralised library and smart ‘inking’ ecosystem Quilla utilises.

Other than for brainstorming sessions and meetings, other uses of Quilla include personalising common areas and space for impromptu scribbles. Surface space can be expanded instantly by connecting multiple eWriters. It comes with an intuitive design with discoverable contextual menus, making it very user-friendly.

The display can operate in portrait or landscape mode and offers wide viewing angles. The ePaper display is also extremely power efficient because it does not use battery-draining backlit technology. While perhaps not as snazzy-looking as its high-def counterparts, Quilla’s high contrast panel is easy to read and an excellent choice for use under florescent lights with its significant lack of screen glare.

Other expected uses of Quilla include e paper signage as well. Quilla helps to better meet the needs of the digital signage market. This thereby furthers the progress of E Ink in replacing static displays fully. E Ink is perhaps best known for its usage in e-readers and products such as InkCase which allow users to read for prolonged periods on mobile devices with minimal eyestrain and low power consumption.

InkCase allows you to read with ease even at the beach, thanks to the high contrast E Ink display.

Quilla will go into production within the first half of 2017. QuirkLogic is currently accepting applications for its early adopter program. However there is no official pricing set yet.

(Posted on Oaxis, 17 Jan 2017)

LCD screens: Shedding light on the damage done

47% of U.S. consumers admitted to being unable to last a day without their mobile devices in a 2014 study done by the Bank of America, demonstrating the increasing prevalence of mobile devices. Mobile devices use LCD screens which emit blue light and thus negatively affects not only vision but also overall health. Continual extended screen time mainly can impact your eyes in two major ways.

Digital Eye StrainWhen we look at a screen, our blink rate drops significantly, thus causing digital eye strain. Signs of digital eye strain include slightly blurry vision after using LCD screens for prolonged periods, headaches, dry or tired eyes.

Prolonged usage of LCD screens may be the cause of your migraines.

Though digital eye strain is temporary, if left unaddressed, it can turn into a chronic problem.The easiest way to address digital eye strain is to blink more as blinking helps to keep eyes lubricated. Alternatively, try using the “20-20-20 Rule”. Every 20 minutes, stare at something at least 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This exercise engages your distance vision and allows the eyes to rest.

Blue Light ExposureBlue light is the highest energy wavelength of visible light. This energy is able to penetrate all the way to the back of the eye, through the eyes’ natural filters. The rapidly increasing amount of blue light exposure that we get each day through digital device use is causing permanent damage to our eyes. The effects of blue light are cumulative and can lead to eye diseases like macular degeneration.

Smartphones emit the highest amount of blue light. (Image source: J!ns Screens)

Children are especially at risk due to their developing eyes. Protective pigments which help filter out some of this harmful blue light are not yet present. The risk is worsened further due to their increased exposure to LCD screens.

Studies have also shown that exposure to blue light before bedtime actually suppresses melatonin secretion and delays deep REM sleep significantly. Your health is thus adversely affected. This may lead to reduced cognitive abilities and the development of chronic illnesses in the long run.

Try minimising usage of LCD screens by reading print media or using E Ink displays instead. The InkCase, for example, allows users to read for prolonged periods with minimal power consumption by adding a secondary E Ink screen on the back of your phone.

The InkCase adds a secondary E Ink display with no additional bulk and weight.

 (Posted on Oaxis, 14 Jan 2017)

Sony’s new E Ink Watch U better and thinner than ever

One of the most stylish wearables at CES 2017 is undeniably the sleek new generation of Sony’s E Ink FES Watch. Demonstrating yet another creative use of e-paper, the watch features an E Ink watch face and strap originally only capable of monochrome designs. The new FES Watch U, however, is impressively paper-thin and waterproof.

It is also able to display a variety of colour as well, immediately distinguishing it from the wide range of E Ink products on the market now. At a touch of a button, the user is able to change the design of the watch to showcase their individuality.

Source: Fashion Entertainments

With the capacity of storing up to 24 designs, the watch is definitely more than versatile in terms of style. By connecting it to your iPhone, more specialised patterns are available. However, syncing the watch with your smartphone is not necessary for it to function. The Watch U is relatively simplistic as compared to the other smartwatches on the market now. Keep in mind that the watch is not marketed as a smartwatch per se but a fashion piece instead though.

Furthermore, Sony has maximised one of the greatest strengths of E Ink – its low power consumption. The Watch U is able to run for 3 weeks before requiring a recharge. The lasting battery charge makes the product much more viable as a functional fashion accessory than your average smart-watch.

At the moment, however, Sony has no plans to release the Watch U outside of Japan. There is no guarantee of Android compatibility as though it is currently under consideration. Crowdfunding ended in October 2016. The Watch U is expected to be released in April this year.

(Posted on Oaxis, 12 Jan 2017)