Newspaper's Not Dead, It's Reincarnated
Dave Greenfield | Date: 02-10-10 | Comments: 4
- A new prototype from LG could lead to electronic paper for books, magazines and more.
For those who miss the tactile sensation of reading the
morning newspaper on actual paper, there may be hope. LG’s flexible E-Paper
gives a glimpse into the best of both worlds: the convenience and versatility
of an e-reader and the oversized flexibility of a newspaper. While LG creates
the prototypes, not the finished products, products using its E-Paper
technology could replace traditional newspapers and magazines while eventually adding
audio and video experiences for the reader.
Says LG spokesman Lee Bang Soo, “This will be the start.” What
exactly does the start look like? LG’s display model is only 0.3 millimeters,
almost paper-thin. Rather than relying on a glass substrate, the E-Paper
display uses thin-film transistor on metal foil, which allows the device to
bend like paper. The entire sheet is 9.8 inches by 15.7 inches, and weighs in
at a petite 4.6 ounces. Again, the LG model was a display only, and the weight
and width will increase as manufacturers add touch-screen technology.
While there are no e-readers on the market currently that
are large enough to provide a more newspaperlike experience, the Hearst
publishing company is poised to introduce its 11.5-inch Skiff Reader later in
2010. The Skiff uses LG’s panel technology and will let users download newspapers,
magazines and books via Sprint’s 3G network. The Skiff Reader features 1,200-by-1,600
resolution, 1-pound weight, extensive portability and single charges lasting up
to a week. Like its older brother, the Skiff is in black print only—for now.
Gilbert Fuchsberg, president of Skiff, says, “The Skiff
Reader’s big screen will showcase print media in compelling new ways. This is
consistent with Skiff’s focus on delivering enhanced reading experiences that
engage consumers, publishers and advertisers.” E-readers like this may well provide
relief to the drowning newspaper industry. Look for the Skiff reader in Sprint
retail outlets later this year.
