Friday, December 23, 2005

Since seeing the movie "Minority Report," my enthusiasm about the virtues of electronic paper has ebbed a bit. (Remember the people on the subway whose newspaper stories were continually updated?) But at the same time, who really could be against up-to-date news? And we have been hearing about electronic paper for so long! I'd want one, I'd want a whole stack of electronic papers if I could get them.

And well, it seems the time is near. iRex Technologies, a Philips subsidiary, has just announced "the first complete solution for portable electronic reading and writing." Of course, the press release mentions the quality of the screen: "The 8.1" display with 16 grey levels, ensures excellent legibility both indoors and outdoors while still offering a thin, lightweight device for easy portability." But more importantly, "The benefits are not just in user satisfaction. The always up-to-date information and low cost structure should make it easier to reach and even define new markets." The thingie is of course wirelessly connected to the Internet.

As it happens, the press release has a picture (shown below) of someone traveling in a train, checking an updated technology and science page. So when can we expect this "Minority Report" gadget? It arrives for distribution to business partners by April 2006.

And not too long after that, if it all works out as Philips is hoping, you may have to re-format your news publication again, for distribution in 16 grey levels and in a vertical page format. (Like in print!)
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