Yesterday we were thrilled to learn about E-ink's new ACEP technology, which brings color to the type of panels we're used to for reading our favorite books. That excitement wasn't entirely justified, however, because it didn't seem to be the right fit for eReaders.
But this is not the case, and we will possibly see the first eReaders with ACEP screens by 2018, as confirmed by several sources who have mentioned that we will not see mass production of these panels for any company that wants to use them for its digital readers and smartphones until that year.
The first products to take advantage of this new technology, called Advanced Color E-paper, will be those aimed at digital signage . The company initially intends to launch 20-inch screens capable of displaying 32.000 colors.
The great advantage of this new e-paper color display is that it's available on a single glass panel . E-Ink Regal directly controls the position of the multiple color pigments. Once a touchscreen is added, only two layers are needed. This is significant because Triton 1 and Triton 2 had three layers and were more expensive to manufacture, and the colors appeared dull.
Many are truly excited about the possibilities offered by this new color e-ink technology. Manufacturers like Yota could integrate a color back panel, while others, such as Inkcase and Popslate, could jump on the bandwagon to create truly remarkable products. And surely some of the major players are already exploring ACEP's potential for their devices.
Also, regarding monitors, the integration of a panel with these characteristics would be very interesting for certain professionals who spend hours and hours in front of a screen during the day.