PocketBook has recently made a new announcement regarding a color e-reader – yes, again! But this time, the PocketBook Color Note is generating a lot of buzz and could potentially change the game.
PocketBook Color Note: Introduction to the E-Reader
PocketBook continues its momentum by introducing a new device featuring a Kaleido 3 color e-ink screen.
At first glance, this e-reader reflects what the European brand does best: a color screen, a 10.3-inch diagonal, lighting, an attractive design, text-to-speech functionality, and a stylus for annotating books and documents.
However, this time, PocketBook has altered its approach to offer a dedicated machine for various work-related tasks, more so than mere entertainment – and thus, reading.
he PocketBook Color Note runs on Android 12, which allows users to add applications for productivity on their color e-ink device.
PocketBook is clearly targeting professionals who work with digital documents as well as students whose consumption of books and PDF documents is ever-increasing.
To facilitate document sharing, PocketBook offers the "Send to email" feature, allowing you to quickly send your documents to collaborators via email.
Being well aware of the issues associated with prolonged reading on an illuminated screen, PocketBook has integrated the ComfortGaze system, which is found on the brand's other e-readers. ComfortGaze helps reduce the harmful effects of blue light, allowing users to read or work for extended periods without experiencing the usual screen fatigue associated with iPads or computers.
For audio content, it will be possible to use the PocketBook Color Note to listen to audiobooks (MP3 format supported). You can connect a Bluetooth audio device or use the built-in speakers. Text-to-speech is also natively integrated.
Finally, the Android 12 system allows for the addition of new applications, with Google Play available to simplify their installation.
Here are the technical specifications of this device:
- E Ink Kaleido™ 3 Color Screen – Displays 4096 colors and offers a resolution of 1404 × 1872 pixels (for black and white images).
- Android 12 Operating System – Comes with the Google Play Store, enabling the installation of third-party applications.
- Quad-Core Processor
- 4 GB RAM and 32 GB Internal Storage, plus a microSD card slot for expandable storage.
- Bluetooth 5.2, Dual-Band Wi-Fi (2.4/5 GHz), and a USB Type C port.
- Supports 6 audiobook formats.
- Supports 24 book formats (ebooks) and graphic formats (images).
- PocketBook stylus included in the box.
PocketBook promises a quick availability date with a price expected to be around $600 (with the stylus).
So, Why Is Everyone Talking About It?
The fact is that PocketBook has undercut two competitors.
Firstly, although the technical specifications are not entirely identical, the new PocketBook Color Note overshadows the reMarkable Paper Pro significantly. The reMarkable, which was released just a few days ago, offers similar features but lacks the ability to enhance its functionality with new applications.
Even worse, users have to pay a monthly subscription to benefit from Cloud document storage – which does not seem necessary with the PocketBook Color Note as you can install a Cloud service of your choice from Google Play.
The second competitor is Kindle. Amazon has been offering the Kindle Scribe for some time now, and it's evident that a color version is on the horizon.
However, once again, PocketBook has beaten Kindle to the punch by quickly launching a reader capable of competing with a hypothetical Kindle Scribe Color – the announcement of which we are still awaiting.
Clearly, PocketBook is positioning itself well in this market with a modern color device featuring a large 10.3-inch screen that seems interesting enough to entice many potential buyers who might have otherwise opted for a Kindle or a reMarkable.
The question remains whether PocketBook will quickly release this PocketBook Color Note or if we will have to wait several more months before getting our hands on it…
Source: PocketBook Official News
