TCL is betting on "NXTPAPER" screen technology, which aims to mimic the look and feel of paper for a more comfortable reading experience. This technology utilizes multiple layers of reflective material to enhance contrast and reduce blue light, creating a display that appears brighter in sunlight than typical LCDs while maintaining low power consumption. While not e-ink, NXTPAPER 2.0 boasts improved color gamut and refresh rates, making it suitable for not just e-readers, but also tablets and potentially laptops. TCL aims to expand this technology across its product lines, offering a paper-like alternative to traditional screens.
This blog post by Gergely Orosz delves into TCL's strategic investment in "NXTPAPER," a display technology designed to mimic the appearance and feel of paper. The author meticulously examines TCL's rationale for pursuing this technology, analyzing it within the broader context of the display market and the company's product portfolio. Orosz begins by highlighting the growing demand for e-ink displays, particularly in e-readers, and the limitations of this technology, such as low refresh rates and limited color reproduction. This sets the stage for introducing TCL's NXTPAPER, which aims to bridge the gap between the comfortable readability of e-ink and the vibrancy and responsiveness of traditional LCD or OLED screens.
The core of the post focuses on the technical underpinnings of NXTPAPER. Orosz explains that it's not an entirely new display technology but rather a combination of existing LCD technology and a highly reflective layered display stack. He details how this layered structure, which includes a dedicated reflective layer and multiple optical films, minimizes backlight reliance, thereby reducing power consumption and achieving a paper-like effect. The author emphasizes the importance of ambient light in NXTPAPER's functionality, contrasting it with emissive displays that generate their own light. He further elaborates on the technology's advantages, including reduced blue light emission, a claimed 65% reduction compared to typical LCDs, which contributes to improved eye comfort. The post also discusses color reproduction capabilities of NXTPAPER, noting that while it doesn't achieve the wide color gamuts of high-end displays, it offers acceptable color performance for everyday use.
Orosz further analyzes TCL's market positioning for NXTPAPER. He observes that TCL is initially targeting the tablet and e-reader segment, aiming to provide a more versatile and colorful alternative to traditional e-ink devices. He also speculates about the potential application of NXTPAPER in other product categories, such as laptops, particularly given the increasing demand for devices suitable for both work and content consumption. The author concludes by discussing the potential challenges and opportunities facing TCL's NXTPAPER technology, acknowledging the competitive landscape and the need for further development to fully realize its potential. He raises questions about the technology's long-term viability and its ability to compete with established display technologies, ultimately positioning NXTPAPER as an intriguing development worth watching in the evolving world of display technology.
Summary of Comments ( 38 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=42710296
Hacker News commenters discuss TCL's NxtPaper display technology, generally expressing skepticism about its widespread adoption. Some doubt the claimed power savings, especially given the backlight required for color displays. Others question the "paper-like" feel and wonder if it truly offers advantages over existing e-ink or LCD technologies for typical use cases. A few commenters express interest, particularly for niche applications like e-readers or note-taking, but overall the sentiment is cautious, awaiting real-world reviews and comparisons to determine if the technology lives up to its promises. Some also discuss the history of similar display technologies and their ultimate lack of success.
The Hacker News post "Tcl's bet on screens that look like paper" generated a moderate amount of discussion with 24 comments. Several commenters focused on the practical implications and potential applications of the NxtPaper technology.
One commenter expressed skepticism about the "reflective LCD" description, arguing that it likely functions more like e-ink and questioning the claimed power savings for video playback. This sparked a short thread discussing the potential use of a backlight and how it might affect battery life compared to traditional LCDs.
Another user highlighted the importance of clarifying the refresh rate, especially given the marketing around "video." They pointed out that even a slightly slow refresh rate can significantly impact the user experience, making it unsuitable for smooth video playback.
A few comments centered around the niche appeal of such displays. One commenter suggested that devices with this technology could be ideal for reading in direct sunlight, addressing a common shortcoming of traditional screens. Another pointed out the potential for educational uses, particularly in developing countries where power consumption is a major concern.
Several users brought up comparisons with existing e-ink devices, particularly those from Remarkable and Onyx Boox. They discussed the trade-offs between refresh rate, color accuracy, and power consumption, suggesting that NxtPaper might occupy a middle ground between e-ink and traditional LCDs.
One commenter shared a personal anecdote about using a reMarkable tablet, praising its paper-like feel but lamenting the lack of backlighting for use in low-light conditions. This tied back to the earlier discussion about the potential benefits and drawbacks of incorporating a backlight in NxtPaper devices.
A couple of commenters expressed concerns about TCL's track record with software updates and customer support. They questioned whether the company would provide adequate long-term support for devices using this technology.
Finally, a few comments simply expressed interest in the technology and hoped to see wider adoption in the future. Overall, the comments reflect a cautious optimism about NxtPaper, acknowledging its potential benefits while also raising valid concerns about its practical limitations and TCL's ability to deliver a compelling product.