Colour e-reader with video is showcased

Bangalore: Dutch researchers have come up with a colour e-reader that supports video and potentially web browsing facility. The prototype uses screen technology-based which is up to four times more energy efficient than LCD screens, according to the researchers, reports Dan Simmons from BBC Click. Dutch firm Liquavista said it expects the first e-readers using the "electrowetting" technology to be available by the middle of 2011 and the technology to then become more widespread. "You certainly could see this technology in your smartphone, in your mobile phone, in your web tablet, in your PC, in your notebook," said Guy Demuynck, head of the firm. "But eventually you could see it in your home as your television screen in your living room," he added. Electrowetting has been known about for more than a century, but is only now being perfected by several companies, for instance, to create auto-focus lenses for cameras. It involves small electrical charges moving coloured oil within each pixel. Most current e-readers use e-ink technology - small black and white beads that are manipulated with electrical charges. However, analysts question whether consumers will be enticed by the greener gadgets.