In an exciting development for book lovers and technology enthusiasts alike, the Chinese brand Readmoo has announced a groundbreaking new device known as the mooInk V. This innovative e-reader features a foldable design that collapses along a vertical axis, much like a traditional book. Given the implications of this design, many are surprised it has taken this long for a company to create an e-reader that mimics the familiar experience of closing a book.

The mooInk V is equipped with an 8-inch E Ink display that allows it to fold down to a compact size, making it easy to slip into a pocket or a small bag. This feature could revolutionize the way avid readers carry their books, combining the portability of a paperback with the modern advantages of digital reading. The device not only promises convenience but also boasts a colorful display that aims to enhance the reading experience.

In a release that was translated via machine translation, Readmoo described its new mooInk device, developed in collaboration with E Ink. This partnership focuses on minimizing the size of conventional e-readers through innovative technology. Notably, the mooInk V utilizes the E Ink Gallery 3 technology, which is the same framework found in popular devices like the reMarkable Paper Pro. This advanced display relies on color ink capsules in yellow, cyan, and magenta, which are manipulated using an electrical field, resulting in a more vibrant color palette than older E Ink technologies, such as Kaleido.

However, skeptics may wonder if the mooInk V can deliver the same stunning visual experience that the reMarkable device offers. The Gallery 3 display is indeed aesthetically pleasing, but it is essential to note that it has a slower refresh rate compared to the Kaleido technology used in other color E Ink devices. While this makes it effective for displaying graphics and colorful book covers, it raises concerns about its performance when flipping through pages in a book.

According to Readmoo, the development process for the mooInk V involved using multiple new materials and optimizing the stacking technique to transform the traditionally thicker E Ink display into a foldable form factor. The display boasts a resolution of 300 pixels per inch (ppi), which should provide ample clarity for reading fine text, even in the relatively small tablet size when fully unfolded.

Like all folding devices, the mooInk V is not without its challenges. Visuals released by Readmoo reveal a noticeable crease in the center of the screen, a common issue for products featuring folding technology. Many users of folding smartphones and tablets can attest to the potential distraction that arises from light reflecting off this crease while attempting to read.

Moreover, the device's outer shell is made from an aluminum-magnesium alloy with a sleek silver finish, contributing to a lightweight total weight of 255 grams (approximately half a pound). Manufacturers like Samsung and Google have invested significant resources in perfecting the hinges of their folding devices to ensure durability and protect the delicate displays from damage over time. Based on the images shared by Readmoo, it appears that the mooInk V folds quite flat, although questions remain about potential gaps that could allow dust to infiltrate the device.

Readmoo has claimed that the mooInk V has successfully passed 200,000 bending tests, a significant indicator of its durability. However, real-world usage often reveals new complications that lab tests cannot predict. Just last week, two of my friends who own Samsung Galaxy Z Flip phones had to seek service for broken internal screens, underscoring the vulnerabilities associated with folding technology.

As of now, Readmoo has not disclosed a specific release date or pricing information for the mooInk V. However, given the trends in the industry, it is likely to come with a premium price tag. For context, the larger 12-inch reMarkable Paper Pro retails for around $630, and folding devices generally command higher prices compared to their traditional flat-screen counterparts. This price point has hindered the mass adoption of devices like the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6, which can reach up to $1,800.

On the other hand, the appeal of a pocket-sized e-reader, such as the Onyx Boox Palma, may entice users who are looking for convenience without compromising on functionality. A color E Ink display in a portable format could ultimately sway dedicated readers to transition away from their cherished physical books, provided that the cost remains reasonable.