Introducing the ImCoSys Android eReaders: V6Lpro, G6Lpro, and G8Lpro – Advanced Features and Uncertain Launch
In October 2013, the Swiss company ImCoSys introduced the Android eBook Reader ImcoV6L, a device that, in addition to the specifications then already common, like the illuminated EInk Pearl Display, also had an open operating system. It was one of the first eReaders in Germany that allowed the free installation of Android apps.
Judging by the response on the forum and various social media channels, the demand for such a device was very high. However, at launch, the V6L struggled with software issues, which manifested as instability on one hand, and incompatibilities with many newer applications on the other, because the eBook Reader used the then already outdated Android version 2.3.1.
Although the situation seemed to relax and ImCoSys got the software problems under control after our test, the train had somewhat already left the station for the ImcoV6L, because Onyx also positioned itself in Germany with new Android eReaders (including direct access to the Google Play Store) in the same niche.
No Successor in Sight
The successor to the ImcoV6L was actually supposed to appear in the fall of 2014, which was to be given the name addition “Pro.” The new model was supposed to be a new edition with a modern Android version (4.4) to eliminate the problems of the old model. However, the eBook Reader did not appear on the end customer market.
Instead, the ImcoV6Lpro can only be found on the newly designed company website for business-to-business (B2B) sales, without further information on retail partners.
Although the Pro variant did not appear, ImCoSys has added two more models to its portfolio in recent months: the imcoG6Lpro and the imcoG8Lpro.
The specifications of the two previously unknown devices read very similarly to the predecessor, with the most important changes concerning the displays. The G6Lpro features a 6.8-inch screen diagonal and a resolution of 1440×1080 pixels, whereas the G8Lpro offers an 8-inch display with a resolution of 1600×1200 pixels.
The screen specifications are reminiscent of the Onyx Boox T68 and the PocketBook InkPad.
Both Imco models offer built-in lighting, a touchscreen, as well as wireless connectivity via WLAN and Bluetooth. The RAM is a generous 1 GB, although there is no mention of the CPU used. Just a reminder: the V6L has a Rockchip processor clocked at 1 GHz.
The 8 GB of internal memory can be expanded via MicroSD card in both cases, and audio support is also available again.
Many Unknowns and Uncertain Market Launch
There are no live images of the two eBook Readers; only the product photos on the homepage give a (so to speak) small glimpse into the appearance of the devices. However, it remains open whether the images provide an accurate depiction because at least the product photo of the G8Lpro appears to be just an enlarged version of the G6Lpro.
Due to the low resolution of the images, it also remains open whether the two devices have buttons like the V6L.
Finally, the question naturally arises as to whether the three Pro versions will ever make it to the market. If the missed launch of the ImcoV6Lpro is taken as an indicator, then the chances for a market debut of the ImcoG6Lpro and ImcoG8Lpro are not too good either.
Aside from that, the market situation has changed significantly since the first ImCoSys Android model appeared. Not only does Onyx offer a range of eBook readers with Android operating systems, but Boyue is also active in this country as an OEM provider via Icarus, Energy System, and Artatech. In particular, the Boyue T61 (Icarus Illumina) performed well in our test, thanks to its reasonably adapted user interface and the new E-Ink Carta screen, as well as the refresh button to reload content on the E-Ink display.
