So, one way to stop the e-ink vs. LCD war is to put both of them in one device. Apparently, Apple (NASDAQ:APPL) has such a device in the works.
This is one of those things I’m going to have to actually see to grasp exactly how this can be done. Comparing a Kindle e-ink display and an iPhone’s LCD display is like comparing apples to oranges. They are so different. They each have different functions and the Kindle is designed just for reading. Sometimes it is good to escape internet and games, and just read.
From what I understand, the user will be able to switch between the iPhone 4 display and an e-ink display depending on their needs. So, in theory, you could use the Kindle Application on your iPhone, and it would be more Kindle like than than the current version that is on the iPhone. If you can use that application, it would still allow you to download and purchase books from the Kindle Store.
So, could this development kill the Kindle if it went into production? Probably not. Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN) could either make a rival Kindle device, or they can focus on the Kindle software platform and e-book sales. E-book sales are getting better and better all the time. Especially with authors writing books exclusively for the e-book platform. Another key factor is cost. Many people can’t afford an iPad yet. Even an iPhone costs more than the Kindle does.
the pixelQI screen is already pretty good as a hybrid. it’s not quite as good as a e-ink display in either quality or power, but it’s worlds better than a normal backlit LCD
given that e-ink isn’t transparent, and neither are color LCD screens, I don’t see how they can combine them