The e-Sheet, a virtually indestructible e-device, will be as thin and as rollable as a rubber mat.
* full-color, high-speed, low-power e-readers;
* iPads that can be viewed in bright sunlight, or
* e-readers and iPads so flexible that they can be rolled up and put in a pocket.
Coming later this year:
* Color e-readers will be out in the consumer market by mid year in 2011. However, cautions Heikenfeld, the color will be muted as compared to what consumers are accustomed to, say, on an iPad. Researchers will continue to work toward next-generation (brighter) color in e-Readers as well as high-speed functionality that will eventually allow for point-and-click web browsing and video on devices like the Kindle.
Already in use but expansive adoption and breakthoughs imminent
* Electronic shelf labels in grocery store
Such electronic shelf labels are already in use in Europe and the West Coast and in limited, experimental use in other locales. The breakthrough for use of such electronic labels came when they could be implemented as low-power devices. Will there be enough gains in flexible and responsive pricing to justify the cost difference over cheaper labels ?
* The new “no knobs” etch-a-sketch
children to draw with electronic ink and erase the whole screen with the push of a button
* Technology in hot-selling Glow Boards will soon come to signage
indoor and outdoor sign displays that when turned off, seem to be clear windows.
Coming within two years
An e-device that will consume little power while also providing high function and color (video playing and web browsing) while also featuring good visibility in sunlight
Coming within three to five years
Color adaptable e-device casings – color and pattern changing covers for cellphones and appliances
* Bright-color but low-power digital billboards visible both night and day.
Instead of LED digital billboards, ones that work on reflected ambient light
* Foldable or roll-it-up e-devices.
Expect that the first-generation foldable e-devices will be monochrome. Color will come later. The first foldable e-devices will come from Polymer Vision in the Netherlands. Color is expected later, using licensed UC-developed technology.
Within ten to 20 years:
* e-Devices with magazine-quality color, viewable in bright sunlight but requiring low power. “Think of this as the green iPad or e-Reader, combining high function and high color with low power requirements.” said Heikenfeld.
In ten to 20 years, consumers will see e-devices with magazine-quality color, viewable in bright sunlight but requiring low power.
* The e-Sheet, a virtually indestructible e-device that will be as thin and as rollable as a rubber place mat
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Brian Wang is a Futurist Thought Leader and a popular Science blogger with 1 million readers per month. His blog Nextbigfuture.com is ranked #1 Science News Blog. It covers many disruptive technology and trends including Space, Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, Medicine, Anti-aging Biotechnology, and Nanotechnology.
Known for identifying cutting edge technologies, he is currently a Co-Founder of a startup and fundraiser for high potential early-stage companies. He is the Head of Research for Allocations for deep technology investments and an Angel Investor at Space Angels.
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