Sol Reader will soon release its E-ink headset which functions as an eReader. The prototype of the E-ink headset was showcased on YouTube by Brad Lynch. The new headset will enter the market in the fall of 2023. It is a lightweight head-mounted display that’s an eBook reader.
Sol began producing prototypes of the
eReader last fall and the official prototype was shown to Lynch. The video
provides more details about the E-ink headset. The display has two front-lit E
ink displays and Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity options. There is also a USB-C
port for charging the device. The E-ink headset has a battery life of 30 hours.
The Sol eReader is designed for reading
eBooks or other compatible documents while lying down. It is useful in any
situation where holding an eReader may be uncomfortable. The headset uses a
wireless controller that features page turn buttons. The gadget is lighter than
most VR headsets but comes with less functionality. Its grayscale displays have
slower refresh rates which could be annoying sometimes. It will be difficult to
use the headset for anything else other than reading.
The eReader has pancake lenses with
interpupillary distance (IPD) sliders. It supports diopter adjustments, so you
can tweak the headset to make text visible. Headsets have continued to evolve
with an array of innovative features. Some headsets deliver immersive virtual
or augmented reality in gaming, design, work, and other applications. The
headset targets customers who are interested in a wearable E-ink display. The
gadget can however pack more functionality and improved display quality.
According to Lynch, the eReader has a
low-resolution display and the retail price is US$ 350. The low-resolution issue
could be addressed by upgrading to higher pixels in subsequent iterations. It
remains to be seen how competitive the US$ 350 price tag is. We expect Sol Reader
to enter the market with limited quantities of the product and gauge its
reception.
