Liquavista/Philips Research Labs announced a new color eReader was announced at the January CES show, with a conservative "2010/2011" launch estimate--we'd guess it will be later in 2011. Specs aren't on offer yet, and they only had a demo of the screen and artist impressions of the final eReader, so we can only speculate in this preview about the final device.
The Pebble will reportedly use their LiquavistaColor technology in addition to "electrowetting" display--using a voltage to vary the surface tension on a liquid to modify a picture. We've seen the test video of the screen unveiled at CES, and it is certainly impressive (see below) , with the ability to scroll down the page just like on an iphone or PC screen, and apparently also full motion video (though that wasn't shown in the demo--perhaps not perfected yet). In addition to the Pebble, Liquavista also announced a partnership with Texas Instruments to integrate electrowetting displays across a wide spectrum of mobile devices. However, we understand it does have a higher reflecticity display than e-ink used in most eReaders, so we'll reserve judgement.
Nigel Litchfield, Chairman of Liquavista, claimed “Users will now get to see the true power of magazine quality performance in fully interactive mobile devices." The company claims this new technology is the perfect solution for a "full range of low-cost sunlight readable handheld devices." Devices using the LiquavistaBright display can "combine the durable eBook experience, which can be found in the current eReaders, with a new multimedia experience," which will include smooth web browsing and making video calls with an onboard camera.
The design is small and lightweight (see artist impression to the right), with a back casing with a "pebble-like" shape (hence the name) married with a concave front surface in a soft touch finish. Navigation buttons will be integrated in the frame (and we can see both forward and back buttons on both sides so lefties are well taken care of). You will also be able to use a touchscreen display which can use either stylus or fingers.
Liquavista was founded in 2006 as a spinoff from the famed Philips Research Labs in Eindhoven. The company has strong financial backing and is headquartered in Eindhoven, The Netherlands.
Connecting: The Liquavista's method of connection is unknown, but if we had to guess, it would be the standard USB, plus WiFi and perhaps an optional 3G broadband internet connection--we'll need to wait and see for the actual specs.
Accessories: We're unaware of the Liquavista's potential future accessories.
Price: Pricing on the Liquavista has not been announced, but if the first color eReader, the Fujitsu FLEPia was anything to go by (around one thousand dollars), then this will probably not be cheap either, at least initially.
One of the first mass market color eReaders on the drawing board, but we don't expect it until sometime in late 2010 or more likely early 2011.
eBook Reader Basics