Paris - French bistable LCD manufacturer Nemoptic SA announced it has received 2 million Euro ($2.9 million) from the French Government for its SYLEN multiformat mobile e-reader project. This proves France's intention to foster the country's competitiveness in the bistable e-paper display market.
Nemoptic (Magny les Hameaux, France) explained that the SYLEN project aims to develop a more user-friendly multiformat e-paper reading device for mobile applications such as e-newspapers and electronic textbooks. The ultimate goal is to build a new French industry for digital publishing and content distribution on mobile e-reader devices.
Launched in September 2007 and scheduled to run for two years, the SYLEN project consists of two phases. The first phase involves several milestones that will result in mock-ups that explore various technical options to satisfy the user-friendly low-cost market criteria. Nemoptic said it intends to provide tailor-made displays that fit into new e-paper reading systems adapted to market needs.
The second phase concerns field testing a digital multimedia content supply and distribution channel to help French newspaper and magazine industries switch from an industrial business model to one of value-added services, and adjust its production to satisfy client expectations, in an increasingly "non-material" environment, the project partners explained.
It is estimated that 40 percent of the 5.4 million Euro project budget will be funded by the French Ministry of Industry, along with Paris regional councils.
"We and our partners are excited about the French government recognizing the innovativeness and potential of our mobile e-reader project," said Jacques Angelé, vice-president of Technology & Programs and co-founder of Nemoptic. "The SYLEN project will bring practical e-paper solutions to the digital media and electronic textbook markets that are emerging, which should stimulate the creation of thousands of new jobs over the next five years."
source:
Anne-Francoise Pele
EE Times Europe