FormNation's E-Ink Phone Goes Back to Black and White and Basics
Laura McQuarrie — July 12, 2014 — Tech
References: formnation & psfk
This E-Ink phone by the New York-based design consultancy FormNation is a practical and more functional alternative to the many flashy smartphones out there. Today, the modern mobile telephone is rarely without other capabilities, but instead of trying to do it all, this E-Ink mobile focuses on doing less, but better. Even so, the phone is capable of sending out calls, texts, email, browsing the Internet and provides access to music and maps.
Although smartphones like the Apple iPhone are wildly popular, it does have some major drawbacks like the price and its extremely short battery life. The E-Ink counters this with a black and white design and a screen similar to a Kindle. On the design, FormNation remarks that "While to some E-Ink might seem like reverting from HDTV to black and white, we see this as the difference in beauty between full color and black and white photography.
Although smartphones like the Apple iPhone are wildly popular, it does have some major drawbacks like the price and its extremely short battery life. The E-Ink counters this with a black and white design and a screen similar to a Kindle. On the design, FormNation remarks that "While to some E-Ink might seem like reverting from HDTV to black and white, we see this as the difference in beauty between full color and black and white photography.
Trend Themes
1. Practical E-ink Devices - As consumers begin to prioritize practicality over flashiness, there is an opportunity for companies to develop more functional E-Ink devices with longer battery lives.
2. Simplification of Multifunctional Devices - As the market is dominated by multifunctional devices, there is an opportunity for companies to differentiate themselves by focusing on simplifying their product offerings.
3. Nostalgia-inspired Design - There is a growing trend towards nostalgia-inspired design in technology, which provides an opportunity for companies to cater to customers looking for simpler and more familiar designs.
Industry Implications
1. Smartphone Manufacturing - Smartphone manufacturers can differentiate themselves from competitors by prioritizing practicality and simplicity and developing devices with E-Ink technology and longer battery lives.
2. Consumer Electronics - As consumers continue to prioritize practicality, there is an opportunity for consumer electronics companies to develop more functional and efficient devices, including those with E-ink displays.
3. Design Consultancy - Design consultancies can capitalize on the growing trend towards nostalgia-inspired design and work with clients to develop simpler and more familiar designs for their products.
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