THE newspaper of the future has been revealed by a team of Paisley scientists who have developed a new iPod-style computer for reading.
Just like millions of consumers who currently download music, many more could end up downloading newspapers and books to a screen small enough to fit in a pocket or handbag.
The potentially life-changing creation has been developed by scientists at Paisley University’s Thin Film Centre.
The centre which is in partnership with global company DuPoint-Teijin Films and leading plastic electronics developer Plastic Logic, have been working for over a year after receiving a £250,000 grant.
Now the team behind the three-year study have developed a working prototype – the first of its kind. This means that people could download their newspapers in the morning and receive up-to-the minute news throughout the day.
Professor Frank Placido, who heads the centre, said: “Electronic paper reflects light off its white background making it easy to read outdoors, in bright light and at virtually any angle.
“Many people looking at a laptop all day get very sore, tired eyes and this is an attempt to stop this. It is cheap and flexible. For instance, if you drop your laptop there may be serious damage but if one of our display screens falls to the ground it will be fine.
“Also carrying a laptop around isn’t very convenient. So it can definitely compete in that market.
“Many new applications can be opened up from this including interactive posters, greetings cards and electronic books. It has the potential to replace newspapers, but one of the biggest problems we have is that people like the feel of handling a book or newspaper.
“They have told us that they would prefer two A4 pages so they can flip one over as they would with a book, so that is something we are looking in to.”
By Lauren Mirzai
