It has long been "relegated" to e-readers, but today electronic paper is experiencing a second youth. On the eve of a crucial transition (the one that will give us color readers, and free up even more paper), e-paper is finally starting to expand into other devices such as tablets, watches and even cars (BMW and its chameleon bodywork are only the first of the examples). The CES 2023 also unveiled an even more bizarre device: an e-reader called Sol Reader which can be worn on the face. Basically, you pick up a book and read it.
How Sol Reader works, the book in glasses
Even if you can't use the electronic card as a universal replacement for LCD and OLED screens, this technology has some advantages. Two above all: low energy consumption and a reflective screen that doesn't tire the eyes. This makes it an ideal technology for reading a book, or taking notes: I certainly didn't expect to see it in a pair of glasses. But it makes sense: in less than 100 grams there is a full-fledged reading device. The idea is there. Sol Reader does not aim to replace smartphones, but rather to offer an alternative to traditional e-readers.
You wear these glasses (vaguely similar to those masks you wear to sleep) and you can read even in bed, or in any case without keeping your hands busy. In this video by an American YouTuber you can take a look for yourself at the mechanism of use (and at the price, which seems rather high to me at the moment).
An interesting concept, but
The Sol Reader won't transport you to interactive 3D virtual worlds, but it will allow you to read in a more immersive way. With glasses on, you will be able to see the pages of a book floating in front of you or above you while you lie down. You will be able to browse the pages using the wireless handheld remote control (I would have preferred a pointing system directly using your eyes) and enjoy around 30 hours of reading thanks to the use of e-paper display.
And here we come to the painful notes: if the device does not improve and does not go down in price (it costs 350 dollars) I see it hard that one does not prefer a VR player, which costs just 50 dollars more. Guys, tune your device better, or this book won't have a happy ending.
