Electronic paper technology has found its main application in the development of e-book readers, a market that has bloomed in recent years with successful devices such as the Amazon Kindle and the Barns & Noble Nook, with a total value of $1.03 billion in 2012, as estimated by IDTechEx.

 

What the future holds for e-readers remains to be seen. New technologies and devices are being developed/ launched and there is stiff competition from similar devices such as tablet computers that can offer consumers alternatives with added functionality. This highlights the need for new markets to be identified, in order for electronic paper devices to continue enjoying the growth witnessed in the years since their initial launch.

 

The commercial success of the Amazon Kindle e-reader and the lesser yet still quite substantial uptake of e-book readers have sparked up a large interest in e-paper display technologies.

 

E-paper displays mimic the appearance of ordinary ink on paper. Unlike conventional flat panel displays, it doesn't require a backlight to illuminate its pixels as it reflects light like paper does and can hold text and images indefinitely without drawing power. Usually, most versions can also be flexible, thinner and more robust than other display technologies.

This report provides forecasts for e-paper displays for the following applications:

Out of the technologies that could be suitable for e-paper display applications, electrophoretic displays have seen the strongest growth, particularly in e-readers. Other technologies are also being trialled however such as the FUJITSU color reader that utilizes cholesteric LCD technology.

 

 

 

 

Thermochromic, Electrochromic and electrowetting displays are already being used in a diverse range of applications from the world's first disposable display on a gift card and battery tester to indicators on batteryless, wireless switches. There is a place for all these technologies, indeed, many new ones frequently enter the scene. This report addresses appraisal of the options, company progress and commercial adoption.

How big will the e-reader market become? When will e-paper displays be available in full colour and when will the flexible versions reach the market? Which technologies will gain the biggest market share and which products will become popular with consumers in the next few years? Find out all about the projected market growth and overall penetration of e-paper display technologies in this new report from IDTechEx.

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