I want this E Ink secondary display concept more than any RGB light gimmick
Android Police 2026-06-22 12:00:11
Context: A concept for a secondary E Ink display on smartphones has gained attention for its potential to provide useful information without distractions. The idea, proposed by Reddit user Taweros, involves replacing the LED Glyph Matrix on the Nothing Phone with an E Ink display, which could offer longer battery life and better visibility in sunlight. This concept has sparked interest among tech enthusiasts, particularly those familiar with E Ink technology.
Key Facts
- The Nothing Phone's Glyph Matrix, a micro-LED display, has been criticized for being more of a gimmick than a functional feature, with limited use and silly functionality.
- E-paper displays have advanced significantly since their introduction, with recent devices like the Pebble Round 2 showcasing complex colors and shapes with minimal fading.
- The Pebble Round 2's e-paper display offers longer battery life, an always-on display that barely draws power, and excellent visibility in sunlight, making it a suitable technology for secondary displays.
- Taweros' concept image for an E Ink secondary display on the Nothing Phone shows a list of suggested uses, including displaying important information without distractions, and could potentially be adopted by other manufacturers like Google.
- The author, Jon Gilbert, has extensive experience with E Ink devices, including using an E Ink phone to cure his doomscrolling addiction and turning an e-reader into an always-on bedside clock.