Philips Readius...now with...cellphone? - Page 2

m-reader · 01-23-2008, 05:22 AM

This is a device designed for me! Unless they manage to screw up the software side of things (DRM, etc), I'll be so buying one.
Any info on pricing?

chef · 01-23-2008, 09:31 AM

You'll have to ask Telecom Italia. Right now, they are the sole sellers of this E Ink device.

radleyp · 01-23-2008, 10:52 AM

This is a phone, right, and it has e-ink. How can you have a phone without a backlit or sidelit screen?

Penforhire · 01-23-2008, 11:47 AM

Probably uses two displays. An awful lot of current phones already have two displays (outer & inner).

radleyp · 01-23-2008, 11:53 AM

Are we not talking about two different screens, not just two displays? What sense would it make to light an e-ink display? Can this in fact be done?

Gogolo · 01-23-2008, 12:03 PM

Quote:

What sense would it make to light an e-ink display? Can this in fact be done?

It can be done: Motofone F3 - although its not perfect

Gogolo

scythe000 · 01-24-2008, 12:15 AM

It's all speculation for now. The images we see are of a separate prototype, as was mentioned somewhere in TFA, or maybe on BoingBoing Gadgets.

chef · 01-24-2008, 01:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by radleyp

This is a phone, right, and it has e-ink. How can you have a phone without a backlit or sidelit screen?

As Gogolo said, Motorola put E Ink screens in the Motofone F3. It wasn't backlit since that is impossible to do with E Ink displays, but it had very minor sidelights. Continuation of the lights that backlit the keypad. It works wonderfully as a phone. Awkward to text on. But it was designed specifically for the people who never had phone service before in 3rd world and developing countries. People who need LONG battery life since electricity is not guaranteed at home, or anywhere else in the country for that matter. Basically designed for the complete opposite end of the spectrum of Japanese (and American) cell phone users.

Thomas · 01-25-2008, 03:55 AM

Hi there,
This is Thomas from Polymer Vision, the makers of the Readius. Allow me to step in and clarify a couple of points raised in the thread.

HSDPA:
- HSDPA is the latest and fastest addition to the GSM family AND backward compatible with GSM/EDGE/GPRS/UMTS.
- GSM is globally the most widely spread cellular technology and also well available in the USA.
- HSDPA is ideal for fast data downloads, where EDGE/GPRS/UMTS can be used as a backup, while GSM can be used for voice.
Polymer Vision's rollable display is build up of multiple layers (including the complete TFT active matrix). One of the layers hat Polymer Vision integrates is the e-ink front plane.
There is one display in the Readius which is the 5" rollable display. The key function of the display is e-reading which is normally done with sufficient ambient light. Since the display is so large short messages (eg. a telephone number) can be read with limited ambient light as well.
Readius' OS is Windows CE which makes it an open product without DRM allowing users to store text and audio files on the product. Some content providers with whom we are in discussion may demand their specific content to be protected by DRM. That can be supported without affecting the open platform of the Readius.
The concept of the Readius is that users configure the Readius to their needs and wishes while connected to a PC. Content can be chosen from the Readius portal (but also from other sources on the web) including RSS feeds, newspapers, e-books etc. For time critical information like newsfeeds, newspapers, podcasts, the user can also indicate how often the content should be refreshed on the Readius. This way the user is sure that all the information needed will be on the Readius in his/her pocket (since it will be downloaded via the cellular network while on the move). In that way internet browsing is not required.
- Obviously sideloading of files from the PC (ebooks, music etc) is also possible.

Cheers!

astra · 01-25-2008, 04:25 AM

Thomas

This bit

Quote:

2. Polymer Vision's rollable display is build up of multiple layers (including the complete TFT active matrix). One of the layers hat Polymer Vision integrates is the e-ink front plane.

left me totaly confused

yvanleterrible · 01-25-2008, 08:10 AM

Thank you Thomas for taking time here.

I'm still puzzled by the multiple layer concept as many of us are. It is a first and quite an original idea, I didn't know it could be possible. If I understand correctly the top layer is eink; then how is it possible to see other layers through it ? Isn't eink opaque? Then, if there are other layers, is it possible to switch between them, like for example, choosing a TFT when ambient lighting gets dimmer ?

Other questions come to me:
Is it possible to use the phone when the display screen is closed ?
Where in the world will this be sold ?
Has a price been set ?

grimo1re · 01-25-2008, 12:26 PM

Hi Thomas. Thanks for clarifying that...but as you can see we're clamoring for more details. I'm seriously enamored with the Readius so please tell us more!

wallcraft · 01-25-2008, 02:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thomas

4. Readius' OS is Windows CE which makes it an open product without DRM allowing users to store text and audio files on the product. Some content providers with whom we are in discussion may demand their specific content to be protected by DRM. That can be supported without affecting the open platform of the Readius.

Windows CE isn't a consumer level product, and so there are relatively few applications targeting it explicitly. Will this device be able to read e-books that are protected by DRM? If so, which kinds of DRM-ed e-books?

Nate the great · 01-25-2008, 03:10 PM

He is probably referring to Windows Mobile 5.0 or 6.0, which is the same software as WinCE, only a couple generations later.

Thomas · 01-27-2008, 05:05 PM

Further answers to your questions:
1. Let me try to be more clear about Polymer Vision's rollable display:
(from Polymer Vision website where you can also find an explanatory image under Technology) A rollable display can be split up in 3 key elements:
the front plane: showing the image to the user;
the back plane: the electronics managing the image on the front plane;
the outer substrates: used to support and protect the front and back planes.

Polymer Vision uses e-ink as the front plane which in itself is a passive component that cannot display any images. Only the combination with electronics behind it creates a display.
2. Phone functionality can be used with the display closed. Via the control box on the headset incoming calls can be accepted. To make a call the Readius needs to be opened to chose a number from the contact list (similar to what is normally done with other phones), subsequently the Readius can be closed again.
3. We are using Windows CE since it gives much more flexibility for UI design as compared to Windows Mobile. Polymer Vision has designed the UI specifically for the characteristics of the display.
4. Markets in which the Readius will become available as well as timing and pricing will depend on the Mobile Network Operators that Polymer Vision is talking to. At this stage we cannot disclose further customer information apart from the already announced launch in Italy by Telecom Italia Mobile.

01-25-2008, 03:55 AM	#24
Thomas Member Posts: 11 Karma: 212 Join Date: Dec 2007 Device: Readius	Hi there, This is Thomas from Polymer Vision, the makers of the Readius. Allow me to step in and clarify a couple of points raised in the thread. HSDPA: - HSDPA is the latest and fastest addition to the GSM family AND backward compatible with GSM/EDGE/GPRS/UMTS. - GSM is globally the most widely spread cellular technology and also well available in the USA. - HSDPA is ideal for fast data downloads, where EDGE/GPRS/UMTS can be used as a backup, while GSM can be used for voice. Polymer Vision's rollable display is build up of multiple layers (including the complete TFT active matrix). One of the layers hat Polymer Vision integrates is the e-ink front plane. There is one display in the Readius which is the 5" rollable display. The key function of the display is e-reading which is normally done with sufficient ambient light. Since the display is so large short messages (eg. a telephone number) can be read with limited ambient light as well. Readius' OS is Windows CE which makes it an open product without DRM allowing users to store text and audio files on the product. Some content providers with whom we are in discussion may demand their specific content to be protected by DRM. That can be supported without affecting the open platform of the Readius. The concept of the Readius is that users configure the Readius to their needs and wishes while connected to a PC. Content can be chosen from the Readius portal (but also from other sources on the web) including RSS feeds, newspapers, e-books etc. For time critical information like newsfeeds, newspapers, podcasts, the user can also indicate how often the content should be refreshed on the Readius. This way the user is sure that all the information needed will be on the Readius in his/her pocket (since it will be downloaded via the cellular network while on the move). In that way internet browsing is not required. - Obviously sideloading of files from the PC (ebooks, music etc) is also possible. Cheers!

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Which new cellphone should I buy?	JJanssen	Which one should I buy?	8	06-09-2009 11:15 PM
SF novel created on a cellphone	mogui	News	1	07-27-2007 11:43 AM
Philips READIUS: e-ink with rolled up display	El Chupacabra	News	3	08-31-2006 01:38 AM

01-23-2008, 05:22 AM	#16
m-reader Guru Posts: 785 Karma: 100000 Join Date: Dec 2007 Device: Sony PRS-300. PRS-650, PRS-900, iPad2, Iconia A500, Irex Iliad (sold)	This is a device designed for me! Unless they manage to screw up the software side of things (DRM, etc), I'll be so buying one. Any info on pricing?

01-23-2008, 09:31 AM	#17
chef Enthusiast Posts: 46 Karma: 58 Join Date: Apr 2007	You'll have to ask Telecom Italia. Right now, they are the sole sellers of this E Ink device.

01-23-2008, 10:52 AM	#18
radleyp Evangelist Posts: 499 Karma: 20623 Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: North Salem & NYC, NY Device: Kindle Global, iphone4, ipad	This is a phone, right, and it has e-ink. How can you have a phone without a backlit or sidelit screen?

01-23-2008, 11:47 AM	#19
Penforhire Wizard Posts: 2,230 Karma: 7145404 Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Southern California Device: Kindle Voyage & iPhone 7+	Probably uses two displays. An awful lot of current phones already have two displays (outer & inner).

01-23-2008, 11:53 AM	#20
radleyp Evangelist Posts: 499 Karma: 20623 Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: North Salem & NYC, NY Device: Kindle Global, iphone4, ipad	Are we not talking about two different screens, not just two displays? What sense would it make to light an e-ink display? Can this in fact be done?

01-24-2008, 12:15 AM	#22
scythe000 Junior Member Posts: 4 Karma: 10 Join Date: Dec 2007 Device: Palm Treo 680	It's all speculation for now. The images we see are of a separate prototype, as was mentioned somewhere in TFA, or maybe on BoingBoing Gadgets.

01-25-2008, 08:10 AM	#26
yvanleterrible Reborn Paper User Posts: 8,616 Karma: 15446734 Join Date: May 2006 Location: Que Nada Device: iPhone8, iPad Air	Thank you Thomas for taking time here. I'm still puzzled by the multiple layer concept as many of us are. It is a first and quite an original idea, I didn't know it could be possible. If I understand correctly the top layer is eink; then how is it possible to see other layers through it ? Isn't eink opaque? Then, if there are other layers, is it possible to switch between them, like for example, choosing a TFT when ambient lighting gets dimmer ? Other questions come to me: Is it possible to use the phone when the display screen is closed ? Where in the world will this be sold ? Has a price been set ?

01-25-2008, 12:26 PM	#27
grimo1re Geekette Posts: 435 Karma: 3335 Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: NSW, Australia Device: Sony Reader PRS500, PocketBook 360	Hi Thomas. Thanks for clarifying that...but as you can see we're clamoring for more details. I'm seriously enamored with the Readius so please tell us more!

01-25-2008, 03:10 PM	#29
Nate the great Sir Penguin of Edinburgh Posts: 12,375 Karma: 23555235 Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: DC Metro area Device: Shake a stick plus 1	He is probably referring to Windows Mobile 5.0 or 6.0, which is the same software as WinCE, only a couple generations later.

01-27-2008, 05:05 PM	#30
Thomas Member Posts: 11 Karma: 212 Join Date: Dec 2007 Device: Readius	Further answers to your questions: 1. Let me try to be more clear about Polymer Vision's rollable display: (from Polymer Vision website where you can also find an explanatory image under Technology) A rollable display can be split up in 3 key elements: the front plane: showing the image to the user; the back plane: the electronics managing the image on the front plane; the outer substrates: used to support and protect the front and back planes. Polymer Vision uses e-ink as the front plane which in itself is a passive component that cannot display any images. Only the combination with electronics behind it creates a display. 2. Phone functionality can be used with the display closed. Via the control box on the headset incoming calls can be accepted. To make a call the Readius needs to be opened to chose a number from the contact list (similar to what is normally done with other phones), subsequently the Readius can be closed again. 3. We are using Windows CE since it gives much more flexibility for UI design as compared to Windows Mobile. Polymer Vision has designed the UI specifically for the characteristics of the display. 4. Markets in which the Readius will become available as well as timing and pricing will depend on the Mobile Network Operators that Polymer Vision is talking to. At this stage we cannot disclose further customer information apart from the already announced launch in Italy by Telecom Italia Mobile.