We’ve all seen our fair share of eReaders, eNotes, ePaper monitors, and electronic shelf labels. These devices have become quite common in our daily lives, and it's easy to recognize their distinctive E Ink displays. However, the versatility of ePaper technology extends far beyond these familiar applications. Let’s dive into some unexpected ePaper applications!
Credit: Xiaomi
The first novel product we will explore is the CyberDog 2, which was released by Xiaomi in 2023. This second-generation automated animal takes after a Doberman. What really sets the CyberDog 2 apart is its tricks. This digital dog can do pushups and back flips, and, the coolest part, it can change color. Its “skin” is made from E Ink Prism film, so it can dynamically change color or pattern based on what it’s doing. Imagine your dog turning blue when it sits, or red when it rolls over!
Credit: eReader Pro
Moving onto Cream Guitars, which are already known for their unique and artistic finishes, but they’ve taken it a step farther this time. Unveiled previously was a guitar featuring an E Ink display on the front of it. This display allows you to customize the color of your guitar without being tied down to just one option. Imagine the possibilities: you can change the body of your guitar during performances to perfectly match the stage lighting, coordinate with your outfit, or even have it switch colors in sync with the beat of the music. How cool is that?
Credit: Kohler
Our last novel product is perhaps the most surprising one yet, and it's probably the last place you'd expect to find an E Ink display: a toilet. Unveiled at Kitchen and Bath Shanghai 2023 was arguably the fanciest toilet you’ve ever seen. The Kohler NUMI 2.0 is not just any toilet; it is wrapped in E Ink film, which allows for dynamic changes in shapes and patterns across its exterior. This really brings bathroom interior design to the next level, and of course, it can connect to whatever home automation system you use.
We’ve had some pretty crazy ePaper applications so far, what do you think will be next?