Founded in 1997 by MIT professor Joseph Jacobson, E Ink is a manufacturer of electrophoretic displays. The company's technology has many applications in products like electronic paper, wristwatches, eReaders, digital signage, etc.
When people think of electronic ink, they usually associate it with black and white e-book readers such as the Amazon Kindle series, or maybe smartwatches like the Pebble Steel. At CES 2015, E Ink has unveiled Prism, a color changing film that aims to change the boring design of the walls that we have today.
The company showcased a wall tile that can be incorporated into existing architectural products, and features a fully reflective, programmable display that can change patterns and colors, while sipping only a tiny amount of power. It allows environments to shift from static to dynamic, featuring sensors that allow for user interaction, and if you prefer a fixed image, it doesn't need to draw any power to maintain it indefinitely.
At the snap of a finger, the wall can change according to your moods, or help you find your way through public spaces, such as airports, malls, and each tile is self-aligning, allowing for easy installation and use.
E Ink intends to first sell the product to third parties that produce animated textured walls, art installations, digital signage, flexible furniture etc., due to its relatively high cost compared to conventional materials. Still, imagine that one day you'll be able to use this technology in your home to make your walls come alive, with a simple tap on your smartphone, or a motion gesture.
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