LG Unveils Two Distinct Prototypes for Colored Electronic Paper
LG Showcases Color E-Ink Prototypes at FPD International
LG has made a significant stride in the e-reader market by unveiling two prototypes of color e-Ink displays at FPD International in Japan. The first prototype boasts a 9.7-inch screen with a resolution of 800x600, displaying around 4,096 different colors. The second prototype, also 9.7 inches, features a non-color e-Ink resolution of 1200x1200, with a small strip of color on the bottom, approximately 200x600.
While LG has yet to disclose when these prototypes might go on sale or which companies might utilize this technology in future devices, the move indicates a potential shift in the e-reader landscape.
Color E-Ink E-Readers Already in the Market
Currently, the market for color e-Ink e-readers is not exclusive to LG. Amazon and Kobo have already launched their color e-Ink models, with Amazon releasing the Kindle Colorsoft series starting in 2024 and revising it in 2025. The 2025 models feature a 7-inch E Ink Kaleido 3 color display, now available in multiple countries including the U.S., U.K., Canada, Australia, Europe, and Japan.
Kobo also offers color e-readers such as the Kobo Clara Colour and Kobo Libra Colour, both featuring 6-7 inch E Ink Kaleido 3 color displays. The Kobo Libra Colour supports stylus input for highlighting and note-taking, making it a competitive option.
The Future of Color E-Ink E-Readers
The new Hanvon e-Reader is set to be one of the first pure color e-ink e-readers to be released, adding to the growing list of color e-Ink e-readers. With these advancements, the "E-Reader" Wars might heat up next year, as more color e-Ink models debut.
It's worth noting that color e-Ink tends to look a bit dull and have low contrast in comparison to LCD colors. However, unlike LCD screens, e-Ink displays do not have a light source and rely on ambient light, making them easier on the eyes, especially in bright environments.
Michael Kozlowski, a veteran writer on audiobooks, e-books, and e-readers, resides in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. His expertise sheds light on the evolving e-reader market, with color e-Ink technology becoming increasingly prevalent.
[1] https://www.amazon.com/kindle-colorsoft [2] https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebooks/ebooks-colour [3] https://www.theverge.com/2024/10/27/21527348/amazon-kindle-color-e-ink-display-e-reader [4] https://www.theverge.com/2025/3/15/21600370/kobo-clara-colour-libra-colour-e-ink-color-e-reader-announced [5] https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/apr/01/kobo-clara-colour-libra-colour-e-ink-colour-e-readers-announced
Gadgets like smartphones and touchscreen devices may soon be rivaled by the advancing technology of color e-Ink e-readers, as LG unveiled color e-Ink prototypes, marking a potential shift in the e-reader landscape. Notably, Amazon and Kobo have already launched color e-Ink models, with the Kindle Colorsoft series available in numerous countries. Furthermore, the upcoming Hanvon e-Reader is poised to join the growing list of color e-Ink e-readers, indicating a competitive future in the e-reader market.
