It's interesting that a study published in a peer-reviewed journal is dismissed as "bogus", while some extreme claims aren't being accompanied by sources.
'The phrase "harmony with its environment" is a loaded and emotional phrase, not science.'
It's a descriptive phrase for a physical reality. A reflective screen uses ambient light so its brightness is naturally proportional to its environment, like paper. An emissive screen generates its own light that must be adjusted to compete with ambient light. This is a functional difference, not emotional.
'Only true if ambient light is good enough to read with the front light off.'
A front light diffuses light over a reflective surface, which is fundamentally different from a backlight that projects light directly into your eyes. The study cited made its comparison using front-lit e-paper, and it still found that retinal cells accumulated stress two to three times more slowly compared to backlit LCDs. The benefit isn't nullified the moment a front light is switched on.
'There is no eye strain at all on any decent resolution and contrast screen that has true matte surface. It happens that most eink have a matt surface and most everything else has a very shiny surface. Matt screens have been available for nearly 50 years, but cost more, because the headache inducing nature of the unconscious re-focusing on the reflection (typically x5 distance) causes eyestrain / headaches. This is known science. Not bogus woo-woo.'
This assumes there is only one cause for a complex problem.
While it is true that reflections on glossy screens can contribute to eye strain, this is not the only factor (or even the primary factor for many people). Attributing all screen-related eye strain to this single issue is an oversimplification.
A matte finish on a backlit LCD screen scatters surface reflections. It does nothing to change the fundamental nature of the light source. The screen is still an emissive panel, actively projecting light directly into the eyes. This is different from an e-ink screen, which is a reflective surface that you view using ambient light (like paper).
Some "known science" about reflections does not invalidate the findings regarding biological stress caused by emissive light. The two issues are not mutually exclusive. Many factors contribute to digital eye strain, including PWM/FRC flicker. Or the simple, physical difference between looking at a light source versus looking at an illuminated object. A matte screen does not solve the whole problem.
The 'Ultra' model is more than "simply a larger version" of the previous Nxtpaper phones. The change in spec difference is between a budget, entry-level device and a proper mid-range one.
The new 8" Nxtpaper tablet:
https://www.theverge.com/news/786479...roid-15-tablet