E-book readers on the Radio platform experience a setback in the year 2018.
In the realm of technology, the e-reader market has seen significant advancements over the past few years. This year, the Onyx Boox Note S e-reader was released, marking a step forward in the industry with its 9.7-inch screen, but with reduced battery life, RAM, and internal storage compared to some newer models.
Meanwhile, Michael Kozlowski, a renowned figure in the audiobook, e-reader, e-paper, and digital publishing industry, discusses the current state of these industries on various platforms. One of the most exciting developments is Storytel's upcoming foray into the e-reader market, set to release their first device tied to their unlimited audiobook and ebook subscription service.
Looking back at 2021, the second generation Kindle Oasis was released, featuring the Audible bookstore and Bluetooth for wireless speakers. However, a precise listing of 2021 e-reader releases is not readily available in current search results, which mainly focus on devices available and tested in 2025.
To provide an overview of the evolution since 2021, let's compare recent innovations in e-readers around 2025 with earlier models. One of the biggest innovations has been the adoption of color E Ink technology, such as the Kaleido 3 display announced in 2022. Devices like the Boox Go Color 7 now offer a 7-inch color and black & white E Ink screen with 300 dpi for B&W and 150 dpi for color, bringing a new dimension to e-readers.
Newer models have also expanded storage capacities (e.g., 64GB in Boox Go Color 7) and maintain week-long battery life, even with enhanced features like color displays. Splash resistance and ergonomic enhancements like page-turn buttons have become more common, improving versatility and user convenience. Modern devices also include adjustable warm lighting to reduce eye strain, a step up from older models that had only basic front lighting.
Pre-2021 e-readers, including earlier Kindle and Kobo models, were primarily focused on black and white E Ink displays with 167-300 dpi resolutions, usually without color or with very limited color capability. Earlier devices had less internal storage (often 8GB or less) and sometimes lacked waterproofing or front light adjustment features. Physical buttons for page-turning were less common, with most relying on touchscreen-only navigation.
The following table summarises these innovations:
| Feature | Pre-2021 Models | 2025 Models (e.g., Boox Go Color 7) | |--------------------------|----------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------| | Display | Black & White E Ink | Color E Ink (Kaleido 3), 7" size | | Resolution | Up to 300 dpi | 300 dpi B&W / 150 dpi color | | Storage Capacity | Typically 8GB or less | 64GB | | Battery Life | Weeks (black & white only) | Weeks even with color | | Waterproofing | Limited or none | Splash-resistant | | Lighting | Front light only (basic) | Adjustable warm light | | Page-turn buttons | Rare | Available on some models |
While specific 2021 models are not detailed here, the notable trend since then is the gradual introduction and maturity of color E Ink technology and enhanced hardware features, significantly improving the versatility and reading experience of e-readers.
In other news, Sony released a 10.3-inch version of the Digital Paper, but its performance has been underwhelming. The Remarkable, a digital note-taking e-reader, was introduced and sparked a competitive space for e-readers. The Aura One Limited Edition was released, featuring a new rapid page turn system and a 32GB model. The new Kindle Paperwhite 4 will feature a color temperature lighting system and Bluetooth for audiobooks.
Michael Kozlowski, editor-in-chief at our platform, has been writing about audiobooks and e-readers for fifteen years. Despite Kobo e-readers having an audiobook store, no audiobook functionality has been added to them. The smartphone and tablet space is not exactly moving forward, but is not taking a step back in design and innovation. Only a few companies are currently making e-readers and making a living from it, with no new E Ink display in five years. The Clara HD e-reader was introduced, but it is another six-inch e-reader with a Comfortlight and costs over $100.
[1] Source: https://www.boox.com/products/boox-go-color-7 [3] Source: https://www.boox.com/blogs/news/boox-go-color-7-review-by-michael-kozlowski-good-e-reader-for-colour-comics-and-books
The introduction of color E Ink technology, such as the Kaleido 3 display, has marked a major advancement in the e-reader market around 2025, offering a new dimension to devices like the Boox Go Color 7 with its 7-inch color and black & white E Ink screen and improved battery life. Michael Kozlowski, a notable figure in the audiobook and e-reader industry, discusses the growth of these industries, including the entrance of Storytel into the e-reader market, and the gradual improvement of e-reader features like storage capacity, waterproofing, and front light adjustment.
