With E Ink’s introduction of its BroadSheet components, ink is now going to be available to more and more eReader manufacturers that use its technology.
Engadget is showing off one such eReader, the BeBook:
From this photo, the ink doesn’t look that bad. That’s encouraging. Imagine something like Microsoft’s handwriting recognition in a device like this. It would be a stunning advance.
I’m not holding my breath though. Microsoft has been of the mind that its pen and touch technologies are premium experiences and not for lower cost devices, I presume such as eReaders.
I hope Microsoft begins to appreciate that they are missing a major opportunity here to advance the adoption of Windows technology.
Part of the problem, of course, is that Microsoft needs to redouble its OS offerings for devices such as eReaders. Windows 7–or its future counterparts–are unlikely to ship in a device like an eReader. More likely we’re talking Windows CE, Embedded, or whatever the flavor of the day is.
Point is that Microsoft has some magnificent technology, such as handwriting recognition, and with offering it more broadly, Microsoft could become the preferred platform provider for more than desktops, notebooks, and cellphones.
Currently Microsoft is struggling in the Internet-oriented cellphone market and I imagine even more pressure will come with the arrival of Intel’s next generation Atom processors, but this isn’t the end of it. eReader devices are going to be a key form factor in the year to come too and I hope Microsoft sees the opportunity to innovate, innovate, innovate. My fingers are crossed even if I don’t hold my breath.