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Color e-paper displays are really starting to grow, and E Ink, a key company in this area, is in a good place to benefit from the change. More makers are joining the color e-reader trend, and the progress is clear. If things continue like this, 2025 might be an even better year for E Ink, possibly doing better than a strong 2024.
There are over 200 million e-readers out there, and more people are starting to prefer color screens. That’s where Kaleido 3 comes in. It’s the go-to choice for many manufacturers—not perfect, but the most stable color e-paper option right now. Sure, it has some drawbacks, like lower color resolution (150 PPI compared to 300 PPI for black-and-white screens) and a slightly grayish background, but it’s still the best option available. If you’re interested in the latest e-paper advancements, check out e-paper technology.
Then there’s Gallery 3, which has better color quality but suffers from slow refresh rates—a dealbreaker for many. reMarkable has taken a chance on it, but big names like Amazon have stuck with Kaleido 3 for their e-readers. Speaking of Amazon, they’ve been rolling out updates, as seen in the latest Kindle firmware update.
Beyond e-readers, Electronic Shelf Labels (ESL) are changing the game for e-paper. These digital price tags are growing popular, especially with stores wanting to make things easier. Instead of changing paper labels by hand, shops can update prices quickly from one central system. This saves time and cuts labor costs. If immigration rules affect the workforce in places like the U.S., businesses may depend on ESLs even more.
From a business view, E Ink’s numbers tell a strong story. In the third quarter of 2024, they reported a 35% rise in revenue and a 24% increase in operating profit. Demand for e-paper is rising quickly, and E Ink is in a good spot to take advantage of it.
Looking ahead, Black Friday could be the perfect time to grab a color e-reader. The latest 2024 Kindle models featuring advanced e-paper technology are expected to go on sale, making it a great time to upgrade. That said, if you’re considering one, be aware of potential issues—some users have reported problems with the Kindle Colorsoft yellow band.
As color e-paper technology continues to evolve, E Ink is leading the way, pushing toward a future of richer, more interactive reading experiences. If the current trends are anything to go by, this is just the beginning.
