Amazon must be nervous 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 attempting to make breakthroughs to problem the e-commerce big’s dominance. Whereas Kobos are a well-liked different to Kindles, one other E Ink machine firm referred to as Dasung can be striving to achieve floor, and it has simply teased some new units that might supply clear benefits over Amazon’s Kindles.

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

Whereas operating Android is a significant benefit over Amazon’s Kindles, offering customers full management via customization and apps, I consider probably the most notable function 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 decreasing ghosting as properly.

Availability would be the huge query

There are nonetheless plenty 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 screens 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 keeping with IT Home, along with being powered by Android and having 50Hz shows, the units might 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 might not assist monitor performance, which means they are going to be extra targeted 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 likely be. It is doable these units might solely be launched in China and may not get a wider worldwide launch, however we merely do not know that but.

Credit score: IT House / Dasung

Moreover, though the Not-eReader 078 and 103 Revolutionary Editions are mentioned 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 doable they might run a extra up-to-date model, which might be higher for app compatibility.

General, 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 influence on battery life. My favourite function of my Kindle is its lengthy battery life and never having to fret about charging regularly, so I hope Dasung has managed to stop the battery from draining too shortly due to this. Many particulars about these units nonetheless should be confirmed, so it is laborious to make any definitive judgments, however pricing will likely be a key think about figuring out if these units will really be aggressive with Amazon’s Kindle lineup.