“Amazon’s Liquavista Technology Set to Transform the eBook Reader Market: Is 2018 the Launch Year?”
Update: There are increasing signs that Amazon is positioning the Liquavista technology for the next generation of Kindle or Fire devices. In this article, we’ve compiled the latest information on this. In the original report below, the functionality of Liquavista technology is explained, as well as the differences from the currently used E-Ink technology.
Original report: After a lead-up period and recurring rumors, Amazon purchased the Dutch technology company Liquavista in April 2013. Liquavista specializes in electrowetting technology and has brought it to market readiness over the last four years.
It seems the market launch is finally about to happen, as Liquavista has advertised several jobs (Note: The Liquavista website is now offline), which clearly aim towards this. The advertised positions include Process Quality Engineer, Product Test Engineer, Process Development Engineer, and Product Development Manager.
The focus on developing at least one new Kindle device is evident from Lab126’s mention in the job posting for the Product Development Manager. Lab126 is a subsidiary of Amazon and is responsible for Kindle device development.
This naturally raises the question of when a Liquavista Kindle might hit the market. Given its production similarities to LCD technology, it can be assumed that the concept for mass-producing Liquavista technology is already in place. A market launch in 2015 didn’t seem unrealistic and although this ultimately didn’t happen, Amazon apparently positioned the Dutch company for a market start in 2016 (see above).
Liquavista Electrowetting vs. E-Ink Technology
When voltage is applied, the position of the (here blue) oil film changes; Image source: Liquavista
As an outsider, one could assume upon the acquisition of the company that the electrowetting technology holds a lot of potential, since Amazon has always had a knack for choosing the right technology for its devices. A glance at the technical specifications of Liquavista technology confirms this impression.
The new screen technology offers several advantages over traditional electrophoretic E-Ink technology. Like the currently common E-Ink displays, electrowetting screens can be used purely reflectively, meaning no backlight is needed and readability depends on ambient light. The brighter the environment, the better the display can be read. Alternatively, the technology can also be used transflectively or transmissively, which opens up additional application possibilities.
Furthermore, Liquavista technology scores with better contrast and reflectivity values. The maximum contrast ratio can be either 12:1 or up to 18:1, with a reflectivity of 60 percent. In comparison: The already excellently readable E-Ink Carta technology lags significantly behind with a reflectivity of 44 percent and a maximum contrast ratio of 15:1. Paper has a reflectivity between 70 and 80 percent with a typical contrast ratio of up to 15:1. The high reflectivity, combined with excellent contrast values, could elevate eBook readers with Liquavista technology to a whole new level.
For eBook Readers and Tablets
Moreover, Liquavista displays can also operate in color, either with or without a color filter. The technology without a color filter works through a multi-layer display, with each layer able to display a different color. By “mixing” the layers, any desired color can be generated, and although the color palette doesn’t quite match a typical LCD, it is reportedly far better than current color e-paper displays.
Three layers for color display; Image source: Liquavista
Another advantage is the fast image refresh rate, allowing up to 60 frames per second, which makes video playback effortless. This makes the technology interesting for the tablet sector as well.
Uncertainties and Disadvantages
However, there are also some uncertainties and disadvantages compared to the usual E-Ink technology. The maximum possible resolution of an electrowetting display has not yet been mentioned anywhere. Most often, a pixel density of 160 ppi is cited, which would correspond to a resolution of 800×600 pixels with a display diagonal of about 6.2 inches.
The biggest disadvantage – at least in eBook reader operation – concerns power consumption. Unlike E-Ink displays, where the polarity is changed once to rearrange the ink particles, an electrowetting screen requires a continuous voltage to align the oil film. Without voltage, the screen remains black. The battery life of an eBook reader with this display technology will probably be shorter than that of a current E-Ink device. The exact difference remains unknown, as Liquavista has only provided power consumption data for video operation, which is about 70 percent lower than conventional LCD technology. The company also anticipates further reductions.
Another disadvantage – at least in color operation – could be the relatively low stability of viewing angles. Liquavista claims extensive viewing angles, but a slight vertical brightness gradient is visible in the following video. While readability is maintained, the screen takes on a reddish tint at larger horizontal viewing angles (starting at 0:07 in the video). This wouldn’t be an issue for an eBook reader with a black and white display, as the discoloration likely results from the multi-layer construction (see above).
Outlook and Possibilities
Besides the potential launch date of a Liquavista device, the intended application area remains open. Due to the versatility of the technology, both an eBook reader and a tablet could be equipped with it. A hybrid device is equally conceivable and would further blur the lines between the two device classes.
Resolution and power consumption remain unknowns, as not much is known about production costs either. However, in a previous statement, Liquavista mentioned that the screens can be produced without too much effort, given their technical proximity to LCD construction. This should keep costs low.
If Amazon were to give the go-ahead for a Liquavista device this year, it would likely be in late summer/fall. This would follow the usual annual cycle Amazon has maintained with its current Kindle product line.
After Amazon already had a significant advantage over competitors in the 2013 holiday season with the E-Ink-Carta exclusivity, the situation for competitors could become more challenging in 2016 as well – at least if Liquavista technology meets its high expectations and technical specifications in practice.
