Amazon maintains a powerful grip on the e-reader market with its Kindle units, however that does not imply different firms aren’t making an attempt to make breakthroughs to problem the e-commerce large’s dominance. Whereas Kobos are a well-liked different to Kindles, one other E Ink gadget firm known as Dasung can also be striving to achieve floor, and it has simply teased some new units that might provide clear benefits over Amazon’s Kindles.
Dasung has introduced two new fashions in its “Not-eReader” lineup (fairly the ironic identify), teasing the Not-eReader 078 Revolutionary Version and the Not-eReader 103 Revolutionary Version. Each units function black-and-white E Ink screens and are reportedly powered by Android, with a 50Hz refresh charge (through Android Authority). The 078 model is claimed to have a 7.8-inch show, whereas the 103 model is claimed to have a ten.3-inch show.
Whereas operating Android is a significant benefit over Amazon’s Kindles, offering customers full management by customization and apps, I consider essentially the most notable function is the 50Hz refresh charge. E Ink units are usually recognized for his or her slower refresh charges and sluggish scrolling and animations, that are inherent to the E Ink expertise used for his or her paper-like shows. A 50Hz refresh charge on these new Dasung E Ink units could be a big leap ahead, making scrolling a lot smoother and hopefully decreasing ghosting as nicely.
Availability would be the huge query
There are nonetheless loads of unknowns about Dasung’s new units
If you have not heard of Dasung earlier than, it is a Chinese language firm recognized for making E Ink displays and tablets. The corporate final up to date its Not-eReader lineup about three years in the past, and its earlier fashions have served as each tablets/e-readers and secondary shows for PCs.
In response to IT Dwelling, along with being powered by Android and having 50Hz shows, the units might include 4GB of RAM, 64GB of storage, and a 5,600mAh battery. Reportedly, not like previous fashions within the Not-eReader lineup, these new units might not help monitor performance, which means they are going to be extra targeted on being a pill and e-reader.
Dasung hasn’t formally confirmed many different particulars about its new Not-eReader 078 and 103 Revolutionary Editions but, and it is at present unclear what the pricing and availability of those units will likely be. It is doable these units may solely be launched in China and won’t get a wider worldwide launch, however we merely do not know that but.
…I am cautiously optimistic about these new units from Dasung. The 50Hz refresh charge sounds spectacular and will considerably improve the E Ink expertise, however I fear about potential tradeoffs…
Moreover, though the Not-eReader 078 and 103 Revolutionary Editions are mentioned to run Android, it additionally stays unclear which model they’re utilizing. For comparability, different Android-based E Ink units, such because the Boox Palma 2 Professional, run Android 15. So it is doable they may run a extra up-to-date model, which might be higher for app compatibility.
General, I am cautiously optimistic about these new units from Dasung. The 50Hz refresh charge sounds spectacular and will considerably improve the E Ink expertise, however I fear about potential tradeoffs like decreased distinction and its influence on battery life. My favourite function of my Kindle is its lengthy battery life and never having to fret about charging often, so I hope Dasung has managed to stop the battery from draining too rapidly due to this. Many particulars about these units nonetheless have to be confirmed, so it is onerous to make any definitive judgments, however pricing will likely be a key think about figuring out if these units will really be aggressive with Amazon’s Kindle lineup.
