Amazon must be anxious about this new Kindle rival

Amazon maintains a powerful grip on the e-reader market with its Kindle devices, however that does not imply different corporations aren’t making an attempt to make breakthroughs to problem the e-commerce large’s dominance. Whereas Kobos are a preferred different to Kindles, one other E Ink gadget firm known as Dasung can also be striving to achieve floor, and it has simply teased some new units that might provide clear benefits over Amazon’s Kindles.

Dasung has introduced two new fashions in its “Not-eReader” lineup (fairly the ironic identify), teasing the Not-eReader 078 Revolutionary Version and the Not-eReader 103 Revolutionary Version. Each units characteristic black-and-white E Ink screens and are reportedly powered by Android, with a 50Hz refresh charge (by way of Android Authority). The 078 model is alleged to have a 7.8-inch show, whereas the 103 model is alleged to have a ten.3-inch show.

Whereas operating Android is a significant benefit over Amazon’s Kindles, offering customers full management by customization and apps, I imagine probably the most notable characteristic is the 50Hz refresh charge. E Ink units are sometimes recognized for his or her slower refresh charges and sluggish scrolling and animations, that are inherent to the E Ink expertise used for his or her paper-like shows. A 50Hz refresh charge on these new Dasung E Ink units could be a major leap ahead, making scrolling a lot smoother and hopefully lowering ghosting as properly.

Availability would be the huge query

There are nonetheless a whole lot of unknowns about Dasung’s new units

If you have not heard of Dasung earlier than, it is a Chinese language firm recognized for making E Ink displays and tablets. The corporate final up to date its Not-eReader lineup about three years in the past, and its earlier fashions have served as each tablets/e-readers and secondary shows for PCs.

In line with IT Home, along with being powered by Android and having 50Hz shows, the units could include 4GB of RAM, 64GB of storage, and a 5,600mAh battery. Reportedly, in contrast to previous fashions within the Not-eReader lineup, these new units could not help monitor performance, which means they are going to be extra centered on being a pill and e-reader.

Dasung hasn’t formally confirmed many different particulars about its new Not-eReader 078 and 103 Revolutionary Editions but, and it is at the moment unclear what the pricing and availability of those units will probably be. It is potential these units may solely be launched in China and won’t get a wider worldwide launch, however we merely do not know that but.

Credit score: IT Dwelling / Dasung

Moreover, though the Not-eReader 078 and 103 Revolutionary Editions are stated to run Android, it additionally stays unclear which model they’re utilizing. For comparability, different Android-based E Ink units, such because the Boox Palma 2 Pro, run Android 15. So it is potential they may run a extra up-to-date model, which might be higher for app compatibility.

Total, I am cautiously optimistic about these new units from Dasung. The 50Hz refresh charge sounds spectacular and will considerably improve the E Ink expertise, however I fear about potential tradeoffs like decreased distinction and its impression on battery life. My favourite characteristic of my Kindle is its lengthy battery life and never having to fret about charging continuously, so I hope Dasung has managed to stop the battery from draining too rapidly due to this. Many particulars about these units nonetheless must be confirmed, so it is laborious to make any definitive judgments, however pricing will probably be a key consider figuring out if these units will really be aggressive with Amazon’s Kindle lineup.