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Next Kindle Expected To Have a Front-Lit Display
An anonymous reader writes "Amazon doesn't show off prototypes unless it is pretty confident about the tech, so you may be surprised to find the next Kindle is probably going to have a front-lit display. The lighting tech comes from a company they purchased back in 2010 called Oy Modilis. It specialized in such lighting and has patents related to whatever Amazon decided to use. The display is meant to be lit in a blue-white glow, and if it's anything like Flex lighting probably won't impact battery life too much. The question is, does anyone really want or need a light for their Kindle?"
It's likely that the Nook will be using Flex Lighting in its next version, due out very soon. There is even a video of it in action on a reference device. I use a clip-on light, which has the issue of glare off of the screen, so I actually think this is a viable step up, especially since it will not always be used, is always available, and will have a minimal effect on battery life. I'm actually really jealous (since I don't have the cash to play the upgrade game with my Nook Simple Touch).
"The more pity, that fools may not speak wisely what wise men do foolishly" - Touchstone,Shakespeare's "As You Like It"
I wouldn't have a Kindle if you paid me, but occasionally i wouldn't mind if my Kobo touch had a built in light. However, given that recent research has shown that blue light at night is bad for you in various ways, it would be much better if the built in light was towards the red end of the spectrum.
Because reading LCD screens, particularly in darkened rooms, is hard on the eyes compared to E-Ink devices (even with their lower contrast).
I don't understand the resistance to something like this. What if you're on an overnight flight and don't want to use the overhead light because everyone else is asleep. What if your subway lights go out (as they sometimes do in NYC).
What will eInk people complain about next, electric light bulbs? Kerosene lamps were fine, and your horse drawn carriage got 12 paces to a fart and no one complained?