E-ink smartphone and ereader in one device, with one display only

[xtech]

Hi!

The idea is not to make a perfect all-in-one device, but to combine a few functions in a better way, than earlier.

The ereader can obtain a few smartphone functions, in such a way that the ereading experience will not suffer, and the smartphone experience will not suffer too much, and will provide sufficient use for those people, who do not use smartphone camera, video and sophisticated games, and thus will provide mostly the 3G/4G support, some internet navigation, skype, email check up, simple games, wi-fi, bluetooth, etc..

So, what I suggest is the E-READER WITH THE SMARTPHONE FUNCTIONS (not the e-ink phone with the ereader functions):

1. 6 inch display, sufficient for occasional reading of a book. Smaller display will not be good for comfortable reading.
Resolution: 1024 x 768 (minimum)
Grayscale 16 Levels.
DPI 213
Contrast: 10:1

Capacitive touchscreen for finger touch and electromagnetic touchscreen for stylus.

2. Two sim support (two sims are good for many countries, with competing cell companies).
3. 3G/4G. Both sims support at least 3G.
4. Flexible emobius screen (not carta, because emobius is flexible). (Earlier there was no mobius, and so in the onyx e-ink phone the e-ink was covered with glass, which made it difficult to read under sunlight, and so it was not good for outdoor reading).
5. Stylus, for annotations and alternative navigation.
6. 3GB-6GB operative memory.
7. 16-32GB minimum of inbuilt memory.
8. External memory card support (additional slot, not sharing the one of the second sim card).
9. Wi-fi (optional)
10. Browser.
11. Android (4.4 version or later).
12. Battery: 6000 mah. Preferrably: 10000mah.
13. Frontlight.
14. Bluetooth 4.0.
15. Support for reading texts: pdf, epub, doc, modi, djvu, txt, chm, rtf, fb2, other formats. Support for image formats: jpg, png, others.
16. MicroUsb.
17. Goople play (optional)
18. Built in Speaker and Microphone.
19. Audio support: mp3, wav, others.
20. Audio out, 3.5 mm.
21. Aluminium/plastic case.
22. Cover.
23. Optional version 1: with small solar panel inbuilt,
optional version2: with solarenergy cover
(makes it more expensive)
24. Weight (without cover): 220-350g.
26. Camera (optional). If proved useful for taking photos of the text. No video. No gps.
25. Price: $150-300.
26. Can be developed optionally in two versions:

1. Good processor, not lower than MTK6735P. 2GB operative memory minimum. Plastic case. No internet security software. Long time of standby. Battery: minimum 6000 mah

2. Better processor, more than 3-6GB operative memory. Aliminium case. USB host (support for wired keyboard or mouse). Battery: better than 6000 mah.

So, if someone needs a regular e-reader, no need for e-ink phone, for phones have some "sar" thing, which is not good for health, even if minimal).

Benefit: no need to carry two devices, when there is a need to read occasionally.

There is no need for many to have a more expensive fancy smartphone with two displays. A lot of people use smartphones basically for calling, sms, sometimes skype, internet, they do not use it for games, video, etc).

Brand name: Readerphone

Should there be some considerable interest, I will think of gathering a few reliable people with good repution to come up with some indiegogo or kickstarter funding campaign.

[Dusky Rose]

Originally Posted by xtech

A lot of people use smartphones basically for calling, sms, sometimes skype, internet, they do not use it for games, video, etc).

Actually, a lot of people do use their smartphones for games, videos, as a camera and reading web sites. I think they do those things more than reading on their phones.

I think some people might like an eink phone, but I'm not sure if there's enough interest to sell them.

Since it's a phone, first, my first question would be "How good a phone is it?"

[xtech]

Originally Posted by Dusky Rose

Actually, a lot of people do use their smartphones for games, videos, as a camera and reading web sites. I think they do those things more than reading on their phones.

I think some people might like an eink phone, but I'm not sure if there's enough interest to sell them.

Since it's a phone, first, my first question would be "How good a phone is it?"

Well, yes, a lot of people use their phones as mini tablets. But we do know that some people do not use their phones as tablets, but mostly for calling and occasional internet browsing, to check news, and for Skype calling, and they watch video on TV or on big monitors, and plays game at home, if at all, and use better cameras. But they also carry their e-reader to read books, occasionally, at work, outdoors, on the road. Well, this is the category that such a phonereader will suit. There is a model with camera and without. So, it is essentially an ereader, with good phone smartphone features.

Some people do not even use smartphones, but only phones, simply for calling.

[shalym]

Originally Posted by Dusky Rose

Actually, a lot of people do use their smartphones for games, videos, as a camera and reading web sites. I think they do those things more than reading on their phones.

I think some people might like an eink phone, but I'm not sure if there's enough interest to sell them.

Since it's a phone, first, my first question would be "How good a phone is it?"

Yes. I use my phone as a phone, and to check email while on the road. If I am trapped somewhere with no e-reader, I will use it to read, but that happens very rarely. The most important thing for me is how good it connects to the network--If I need to make a call or check my email, I NEED to do it. If I can't connect, the phone is a useless piece of garbage that is adding weight to my purse.

Shari

[xtech]

Originally Posted by shalym

Yes. I use my phone as a phone, and to check email while on the road. If I am trapped somewhere with no e-reader, I will use it to read, but that happens very rarely. The most important thing for me is how good it connects to the network--If I need to make a call or check my email, I NEED to do it. If I can't connect, the phone is a useless piece of garbage that is adding weight to my purse.
Shari

Well, it can connect in the same way, as any other phone can connect. For you put a good processor, android, software. But again, if you need essentially the internet oriented stuff and excellent visual rendering, you carry two pieces, phone and ereader. But if you do not need an ereader with you, this phone may be is not for you. For you can read at work or home at the ereaders, waiting for you there. But if you are not so much into browsing and emails together with the excellent smooth rendering of the pages, and also carry your 6 inch ereader with you, this model is for you.

The problems with e-ink displays is that they do not render the pages as smoothly as ips screens, otherwise, it all depends on the processor and operative memory, as I understand.

[beachwanderer]

Originally Posted by xtech

... I wonder how many people would find such a device useful. ...

Well, you mention the Onyx Phone, so you are aware of it's fate.
I own one, like it and mostly use it as a mini-eReader (also in the sunlight, that's o.k. for me and it is comfortable reading if you are speaking of epub and novels) but because I also need a responsive smartphone and, like so many others, like to have a look at some video-content and have to have some sort of basic camera for quick reference-shots, eInk or something similar is simply not enough.
So I would rather have an extra screen for a phone.

If you find a resonable number of people who rather carry an ereader than a phone-type gadget, ok. But I suspect with most people the preference is the other way round.

[xtech]

Originally Posted by beachwanderer

If you find a resonable number of people who rather carry an ereader than a phone-type gadget, ok. But I suspect with most people the preference is the other way round.

For example, I rarely use it as a camera and to make a video. If I need it, I take my Samung NX camera.
For many people there were the following problems. Reading in the sunlight was a problem, because of the glass, with which the onyx phone was covered, and slow work, since there was no 3G, only EDGE for internet, weak processor, not sufficient battery for multiple functions work, not sufficient memory for the applications.
So, I suggested two versions.

Again, the concept is not to be built all-in-one device, but to gather a few functions.
It is the same as with the tablet and ereader in one device, it just does not work. They can intercross in certain areas, though.

[drjd]

Originally Posted by xtech

Hi!
The idea is not to make a perfect all-in-one device, but to combine a few functions in a better way, than earlier, and the earlier attempt with e-ink phine was frustrating. The major function will belong to eareader, and the secondary to smartphone.
We cannot currently combine the tablet and earder into one perfect device, and but a few functions can be shared, such as wi-fi, 3G (for internet), browsing (to some degree), and that's what we can get on an ereader.
So, likewise, the ereader can at this time can obtain but a few smartphone functions, in such a way that the ereading experience does not suffer (as was the case with the e-ink onyx phone), and the smartphone experience does not suffer too much, providing the better use of 3G/4G support, providing good experience with the speed, thus faster experience with page rendering, onenote/evernote work/ and occasional internet news browsing, skype, email checkup.
So, what I suggest:
1. 6 inch display, sufficient for occasional reading of a book. Smaller display will not be good for comfortable reading.
Resolution: 1024 x 768 (minimum)
Grayscale 16 Levels.
DPI 213
Contrast: 10:1
Capacitive touchscreen for finger touch and electromagnetic touchscreen for stylus.
2. Two sim support (two sims are good for many countries, with competing cell companies).
3. 3G/4G. Both sims support at least 3G.
4. Flexible emobius screen (not carta, because emobius is flexible). (Earlier there was no mobius, and so in the onyx e-ink phone the e-ink was covered with glass, which made it difficult to read under sunlight, and so it was not good for outdoor reading).
5. Stylus, for annotations and alternative navigation.
6. 3GB-6GB operative memory.
7. 16-32GB minimum of inbuilt memory.
8. External memory card support (additional slot, not sharing the one of the second sim card).
9. Wi-fi (optional)
10. Browser.
11. Android (minimum 4.4 version).
12. Battery: 6000 mah. Preferrably: 10000mah.
13. Frontlight.
14. Bluetooth 4.0.
15. Support for reading texts: pdf, epub, doc, modi, djvu, txt, chm, rtf, fb2, other formats. Support for image formats: jpg, png, others.
16. MicroUsb.
17. Goople play (optional)
18. Built in Speaker and Microphone.
19. Audio support: mp3, wav, others.
20. Audio out, 3.5 mm.
21. Aluminium/plastic case.
22. Cover.
23. Optional version 1: with small solar panel inbuilt,
optional version2: with solarenergy cover
(makes it more expensive)
24. Weight (without cover): 220-350g.
26. Camera (optional). If proved useful for taking photos of the text. No video. No gps.
25. Price: $150-300.
26. Can be developed optionally in two versions:
1. Good processor, not lower than MTK6735P. 2GB operative memory minimum. No GPS. Plastic case. No internet security software. No preset software requests for update, minimum software work, long time of standby. Battery: minimum 6000 mah
2. Better processor, more than 3-6GB operative memory. Aliminium case. USB host (support for wired keyboard or mouse). Battery: better than 6000 mah.
So, if someone needs a regular e-reader, no need for e-ink phone, for phones have some "sar" thing, which is not good for health, even if minimal).
Benefit: no need to carry two devices, when there is a need to read occasionally.
There is no need for many to have a more expensive fancy smartphone with two displays. A lot of people use smartphones basically for calling, sms, sometimes skype, internet, they do not use it for games, video, etc).
Brand name: Readerphone
Should there be some considerable interest, I will think of gathering a few reliable people with good repution to come up with some indiegogo or kickstarter funding campaign.

^ That will be an ideal gadget for me! With a specific view to the fact :

The major function will belong to ereader, and the secondary to smartphone.

[HarryT]

Not interested, because:

1. I want to carry my phone in my pocket. This would be too big.
2. Unlike my reader, my phone is a multi-function device, and I want to be able to use it to watch video, take pictures, run multimedia apps, etc. I want an eInk reader, but not an eInk phone.

[xtech]

Originally Posted by HarryT

Not interested, because:

1. I want to carry my phone in my pocket. This would be too big.
2. Unlike my reader, my phone is a multi-function device, and I want to be able to use it to watch video, take pictures, run multimedia apps, etc. I want an eInk reader, but not an eInk phone.

Here is a guy sharing his experience of using 6 inch phone: http://www.androidcentral.com/large-...t-small-tablet

What I suggest should rather be called the eardear with some phone functions. So, it is not video-game-phone with the ereader function.

[HarryT]

Originally Posted by xtech

Here is a guy sharing his experience of using 6 inch phone: http://www.androidcentral.com/large-...t-small-tablet

What I suggest should rather be called the eardear with some phone functions. So, it is not video-game-phone with the ereader function.

I'm not saying that it's of no interest to anybody, just that it's not for me, because I do use my phone for the multimedia content (photos, video, sound, etc) that my eInk reader is not well suited for.

[John F]

I like having a small smartphone. My primary use for it is (in order of priority)

1) phone
2) music
3) quick internet use
4) apps

And the phone use being the #1 priority is recent, as I recently canceled my land line service.

I like having a dedicated eink reading device, probably 6 or 7 inches.

I don't want both in one device.

I can also understand that other people want different things.

[xtech]

Originally Posted by John F

I can also understand that other people want different things.

Yes. But I rarely take pictures with my phone, do not need that, rarely make video, do not play big games on it, and though it is quite big, it is not sufficient to read anything there, and also i carry ereader with me, and so if I get the ereader, that can also make phone calls , is not TOO big, and allow make notes with stylus, does good email checkup, news reading, skype work, well, for many people, nothing more is to be desired, really.

And also, imagine, it allows for just totally excellent time of work and stand by. Better than regular smartphones offer. I estimate it to be at around at least 7 days week of work, with moderate use of internet and calls, ereeader, and around 12 days of work with low use of internet, provided the battery is no less than 6000 mah plus. And weeks of earding experience with rare calls and brief occasional email and news checkup.

[fjtorres]

Originally Posted by shalym

Yes. I use my phone as a phone, and to check email while on the road. If I am trapped somewhere with no e-reader, I will use it to read, but that happens very rarely. The most important thing for me is how good it connects to the network--If I need to make a call or check my email, I NEED to do it. If I can't connect, the phone is a useless piece of garbage that is adding weight to my purse.

Shari

99% of the time my phone is just dead weight in my pocket.
Of the 1% of the time I do use it, two thirds of the time it's as a phone. Checking Email and Mobileread is the rest.

The reason we don't see a mass market eink-only phone (it *has* been tried) is that eink's calling cards (very low power and outdoor readability) are offset by their higher price compared to LCD, limited availability, and distinct hardware needs. On cellphones the biggest draw on the battery is the radio not the screen so switching to eink buys (relatively) little added battery life.

There *should* be a niche for an eink phone but it may not be profitable enough to last.

http://www.laptopmag.com/articles/ei...ext-to-nothing
http://www.yankodesign.com/2014/10/2...nk-cell-phone/

More recent:

http://onyx.en.alibaba.com/product/7...ellphone.html#!

[xtech]

Originally Posted by fjtorres

There *should* be a niche for an eink phone but it may not be profitable enough to last.

Thanks for the links and info. However, consider the following, a lot of people use smartphones, while outside of home, desktop computers for, let's, generally 15-30 minutes of talk per day, email-check up, and some news browsing.
Altogether it may make around 1 hour of use per day. Other time, let's say, one-two hours they can spend for reading.

Battery of 6000 mah can give our weeks and weeks of such a use.

Again, the goal is not to cover everything and to suit all needs.

My needs for such a device:

1. Calls for around 30 minutes daily.
2. Occasional skype talk.
3. Some news/forums and email checkup.
4. Some reading, for an hour. And occasionally, since I have other bigger reader.

So, it suits my purposes perfectly. Lasts longer than any smartphone. More comfortable eyes experience. Not a great number of distructions. I do not have to carry additional phone. When I am in the mood shoot, I take the good camera. When I in the tablet navigativing mood and also plan to read, I take my dual screen t-ereader. However, the latter is the different subject )))

I mean, it's a bounty