14 DAY TRIAL // Amazon only just released the third iteration of its Kindle e-book reading device and, of course, the media immediately started speculating about the company's future plans. Some other press entities, however, decided to actually have some talks with company officials, and found out a pair of very interesting facts. For one, Kindle e-book sales will supposedly surpass paperback versions within 9 to 12 months. The other interesting hint is that Amazon is actually experimenting with possible color screens for future versions.
Amazon's senior vice president, Worldwide Digital Media, Steve Kessel talked to Pocket-lint and clearly stated that the company would not add color if it compromised the reading experience. Most color displays have the disadvantage of not being sunlight readable, not to mention a much higher power consumption compared to E-Ink. Nevertheless, consumer desire for color is strong, which is why the company is searching for viable means of implementing such functionality.
One of the most promising solutions is known as Mirasol and was officially introduced some time ago, in April to be exact. Its most striking feature is the fact that it simulates butterfly iridescence through a reflective MEMS-based technology. The main features are its incredibly low power draw and ability to be read even under direct sunlight. When asked if Amazon was considering it, the answer given was that the technology is “in the lab.” What remains to be seen is whether a Color Kindle comes out in time for Christmas or not.
"Yeah that's in the lab. And so we continue to look at a tonne of stuff in the labs. We look at a variety of things", stated Kessel. "Any colour technology that exists we take a look at. And we are there at shows, exhibits, and people coming through our offices that are showing us lots of different things. I won't comment on any specifically, but none of them are ready to come to market in a way that's a great reading experience".