Introducing the Tolino Shine 3 with Smartlight: A New Era in eReader Technology
The Frankfurt Book Fair has been a platform for the Tolino Alliance in recent years to unveil new eReader models. This year, they are once again taking the opportunity to introduce a new reading device: the Tolino Shine 3.
The latest addition follows the Tolino Shine 2 HD in the mid-range segment and brings some innovations with it. The first noticeable change is in the naming.
The Tolino Shine 3 drops the HD suffix. But don’t worry, the eBook reader still offers an E-Ink Carta “Retina” display with a pixel density of 300 ppi (1448×1072 pixels). The screen size remains unchanged at 6 inches, and the touchscreen now uses capacitive technology.
New Design Without the Tolino Button
By dropping the HD designation, Tolino breaks with the nomenclature introduced with the Vision 3 HD in the 6-inch segment for successors. Another departure comes in terms of aesthetics: for the first time, the Tolino Shine 3 comes without the classic start button, which all previous Tolino eReaders have had in one form or another.
This change is quite surprising, as the button had created a distinctive design. The Tolino Shine 3 now visually aligns more with competitors (see below). To ensure smooth operation without the button, the software now relies on gesture control. To reach the start screen, you simply swipe up from the bottom on the touchscreen.
The new Shine clearly focuses on the same slimming trend recently adopted by PocketBook in the 6-inch segment. The Shine 3 is even smaller (156.4 x 110.2 x 8.35 mm) than the already compact Tolino Shine 2 HD (164.2 x 113.5 x 9.3 mm).
The weight is also significantly reduced, now at 166 grams, making it lighter than any previous Tolino 6-inch model.
Smartlight for Better Sleep
However, the most interesting innovation doesn’t relate to the name or the missing home button, but to the now integrated Smartlight. Like the Vision 4 HD and Epos, the Tolino Shine 3 features the well-known night light to reduce blue light exposure.
Adjusting the color temperature towards the orange spectrum is intended to improve sleep quality. A detailed description on the topic of blue light can be found here. The screen is illuminated by 7 cool-white and 6 warm-yellow LEDs.
The internal storage has doubled to 8 GB compared to its predecessor—though there is still no option for expandable storage. However, most readers likely won’t miss this, as the internal space should accommodate up to 6,000 eBooks. Wi-Fi is still included, and the battery capacity remains the same at 1,500 mAh.
Firmware 12.1.0 Brings More Customization
Not only is the previously mentioned gesture control new, but several other innovations come with the Tolino Shine 3 with the software update 12.1.0. The new firmware will be made available to all previous Tolino models (except the Shine 1).
This update brings a few small but very welcome changes. There’s finally a left-handed mode, allowing users to invert the touch zones. This means you can, if desired, turn pages forward using the left side of the display.
Also new, and not just interesting for left-handed users, is the possibility of setting up personalized sleep images. You can still use the familiar Tolino face, display the cover of the last read book, or choose your own image from a folder.
Following in the Footsteps of the Kobo Clara HD
If the new design of the Tolino Shine 3 looks familiar, it’s likely because it resembles the Kobo Clara HD. The eReader from the Canadian-Japanese manufacturer looks almost identical to the new Tolino model. This starts with the placement of the brand logo under the display, extends to the textured back, and ends with the identical power button at the base of the device.
The reason for these similarities is simple: Kobo is the technology partner of the Tolino Alliance. It’s thus not surprising that they split development costs to increase competitiveness (particularly against Amazon).
However, this isn’t the first time Kobo and Tolino have used the same base. The Tolino Shine 2 HD and Kobo Glo HD were built on the same design. Both devices were manufactured (and likely developed) by Netronix.
For German users, this is largely irrelevant, as Kobo is no longer available through regular distribution channels in Germany. After taking over the Tolino technology partnership, Kobo withdrew from the German market.
Reshuffling the Mid-Range Deck
With the Tolino Shine 3, the mid-range deck is being reshuffled: it is the only mainstream eReader with a built-in night light. Previously, the Tolino Shine 2 HD was already a technically equivalent, ad-free, and very attractive alternative to the Kindle Paperwhite. Now, the new Shine offers more in almost every way.
If the Tolino partners manage to market this class’s unique selling point appropriately, then Paperwhite might not continue to grow steadily as it has so far.
The introduction of the Shine 3 is likely a heavy blow for the PocketBook Touch Lux 4. This very new eReader already lagged in technical comparisons due to its lower resolution display (212 ppi). Without a night light, it may now become even harder to convince interested buyers of its otherwise good overall package.
Those who want to check out the Tolino Shine 3 right away can do so at the Frankfurt Book Fair in Hall 3.0 H2 at the Tolino stand. The eReader is already available for 119 euros from all Tolino partners. A review of the Tolino Shine 3 will be available shortly.
