E Ink's Color ePaper Technology Gets Supersized for Outdoor Displays

E Ink, a pioneer in color ePaper technology, has just unveiled a major breakthrough with its latest offering—a 75-inch outdoor display that brings vibrant, sustainable digital signage to the forefront. While E Ink’s Kaleido 3 technology has already powered e-readers and e-notes for the past few years, this new development signals a significant expansion, bringing color ePaper to large-scale outdoor environments.

The Evolution of E Ink’s Kaleido 3 Technology

The transition from small handheld devices to massive outdoor displays is a significant leap for E Ink. For those unfamiliar, E Ink is best known for its low-power, paper-like display technology, which has made e-readers such as Amazon’s Kindle a favorite among digital book lovers. Its color version, Kaleido 3, added a touch of innovation by introducing color to the ePaper technology, paving the way for applications beyond e-books and into the world of digital signage. However, E Ink’s vision has always extended beyond handheld devices, and now, the company is showcasing how Kaleido 3 can be applied to large-scale outdoor signage.

At the ISE 2025 showcase, E Ink partnered with leading tech companies—Samsung, LG Information Display, DynaScan, and Agile Display Solutions—to reveal the potential of the Kaleido 3 Outdoor technology. Together, they demonstrated how this revolutionary display can transform the digital signage industry by combining high-quality visuals with environmentally conscious features.

A Step Toward Sustainability in Digital Signage

E Ink’s latest innovation comes at a time when cities and businesses are becoming more environmentally conscious and seeking sustainable solutions for their advertising and signage needs. Traditional digital signage can be energy-hungry, requiring continuous power and contributing to light pollution. E Ink’s Kaleido Outdoor 3, however, presents a more sustainable alternative with its low power consumption and eco-friendly features.

Dr. F.Y. Gan, President of E Ink, highlighted the global shift toward sustainability when discussing the new product. “As more countries look to reduce their carbon footprint and increase the sustainability of their communities, the benefits of an E Ink display, with its low power consumption and non-light pollution characteristics, can bring real change to indoor and outdoor Digital Out-of-Home signage.” He further added, “Our largest E Ink Kaleido display to date offers a compelling solution to address the need for a dynamic display that also provides environmental solutions.”

E Ink’s commitment to sustainability aligns with the growing trend of “green” initiatives in advertising and urban planning. Cities are increasingly prioritizing eco-friendly solutions, and businesses are looking for ways to reduce their environmental impact while still engaging customers through effective, eye-catching signage. This outdoor display technology provides a way forward, offering a visually appealing solution without compromising on environmental responsibility.

How Kaleido Outdoor 3 Works: A Closer Look at the Technology

So, how does E Ink’s Kaleido Outdoor 3 work? At its core, the technology is based on an RGB color filter array layered over a monochrome E Ink film. This unique design enables the display to produce 4,096 colors while maintaining the high contrast and clarity E Ink is known for. As a result, viewers can experience rich, vibrant content that is just as clear and readable as traditional black-and-white ePaper displays.

The Kaleido Outdoor 3 is specifically built for outdoor digital signage applications. It is designed to withstand harsh environmental conditions, with the display able to operate in temperatures ranging from -15 °C to 65 °C (5 °F to 149 °F). This makes it suitable for use in a wide range of climates, from freezing winters to scorching summers.

Perhaps the most impressive feature of E Ink’s technology is its minimal energy consumption. Unlike conventional digital displays, which require constant power to maintain images and video, E Ink displays only consume power when the image is refreshed. This low power usage means that digital signage applications, such as those seen at bus stops or train stations, can run entirely on solar power. This is a game-changer, as it not only reduces energy costs but also allows digital signage to be deployed in off-grid locations, making it a more versatile and sustainable option for businesses and cities alike.

In addition to its eco-friendly power consumption, the Kaleido Outdoor 3 is also eye-friendly. The display doesn’t emit harmful blue light, making it less straining on the eyes compared to traditional backlit digital screens. Furthermore, it doesn't contribute to light pollution, unless additional backlighting is used, which is a significant benefit in cities and regions that prioritize dark-sky initiatives.

In fact, the Kaleido Outdoor 3 is the first display technology to be certified by the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA), a global organization dedicated to reducing light pollution and preserving the natural night sky. This certification makes it a perfect solution for outdoor advertising in areas where minimizing light pollution is a top priority.

Versatile Display Sizes for Every Need

One of the most appealing aspects of E Ink’s new technology is its versatility in terms of size. While the 75-inch display is the flagship offering, Samsung’s Color E-Paper line includes a range of display sizes, from 13 inches (1,600 x 1,200 pixels) to 75 inches (5,120 x 2,880 pixels). These size options provide businesses with the flexibility to choose the best solution for their advertising needs, whether it’s a small storefront or a large outdoor billboard.

The 75-inch display is perfect for larger advertising spaces, offering high resolution and vibrant color that will catch the attention of passersby from a distance. On the other hand, the smaller displays can be used in more intimate settings, such as kiosks or bus shelters, where space is limited but visibility is still crucial.

Additional Features for Enhanced Functionality

Samsung’s Color E-Paper displays come with several additional features that further enhance their functionality. Each display package includes a 5,000-mAh battery, which ensures longer operational life without needing frequent recharging. USB-C ports allow for easy connectivity, and there’s 8 GB of onboard storage for storing content. Additionally, the displays are equipped with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities, making remote management and content updates easy and efficient.

A dedicated mobile app makes managing content from anywhere possible, providing users with the flexibility to update their display remotely. The displays also feature a specialized algorithm that optimizes content visibility based on factors such as ambient lighting, ensuring that the content is always easy to read, whether it’s bright and sunny or overcast.

Why Kaleido Outdoor 3 Is a Game-Changer in Digital Signage

E Ink’s Kaleido Outdoor 3 represents a significant step forward in outdoor digital signage. By combining vibrant color displays with eco-friendly power consumption, light pollution reduction, and a range of versatile sizes, this technology offers a sustainable and dynamic alternative to traditional digital signage. As cities and businesses around the world continue to focus on sustainability and innovation, E Ink’s Kaleido Outdoor 3 is poised to play a key role in the future of outdoor advertising.

Whether it’s replacing energy-hungry digital billboards or creating eye-catching displays in remote locations, E Ink’s latest development offers a solution that is as environmentally friendly as it is effective. As the world shifts towards greener technologies, the Kaleido Outdoor 3 is a perfect example of how digital signage can evolve to meet the needs of both businesses and the planet.