Color E-Paper Debuts

A waterproof MP3 player built for bright beach days is the first device with a color “e-paper” display, meaning it has no backlighting and thus can be read in direct sunlight. The display, from Qualcomm, consists of two layers of a reflective material. Some wavelengths of light bounce off the first layer; some pass through and bounce off the second. Interference between the two beams creates the color, and electrostatic forces control the distance between the layers.

Product: Freestyle Audio player
Cost: Around that of Freestyle's previous players, which range from $80 to $100
Source: freestyleaudio.com
Companies: Freestyle Audio and Qualcomm