E Ink, the originator, pioneer, and global commercial leader in ePaper technology, announced the launch of a groundbreaking ePaper touchpad solution for laptops, developed through the integration of Intel’s Smart Base, Innovation Platform Framework, and AI Assistant Builder technologies. This innovative solution combines colour ePaper with traditional laptop touchpads, creating a visual, AI-assisted human-machine interface (HMI) that enhances user interaction and brings a whole new dimension of functionality to AI PCs.
“E Ink continues to explore innovative applications across industries through ePaper technology,” stated JM Hung, the Vice President of Business Center of E Ink Holdings. “With the development tools and reference architecture provided by the Intel Smart Base ecosystem, we’ve created ultra-slim, energy-efficient modules optimised for AI PC designs. These modules enable seamless integration of ePaper displays into laptop touchpad areas—delivering crisp visuals, low power consumption, and a novel interactive experience.”
Ideally suited for auxiliary displays in mobile computing devices
ePaper’s core advantages—paper-like readability, ultra-low power consumption, and excellent sunlight visibility—make it ideally suited for auxiliary displays in mobile computing devices. By integrating ePaper into the touchpad, E Ink not only preserves the intuitive functionality of touch interactions but also unlocks new second-screen capabilities. With support from Intel Smart Base, IPF, and AI Assistant Builder, the system is empowered to perform real-time edge AI applications such as frequently used shortcuts and system notifications and GenAI contents like text/image summaries, gaming tactics, or custom AI tasks displayed on the interactive C-cover. Users can also view weather updates, take notes, display meeting transcripts, or showcase personalised cover art—even when the device is powered off.
Additionally, because ePaper consumes power only when content is updated and remains static otherwise, it significantly reduces overall system power consumption compared to emissive displays. Its non-emissive, reflective and flicker-free nature also reduces eye strain, making this touchpad design a uniquely ergonomic and eco-friendly innovation.
Enhancing the user experience
Leveraging Intel’s platform and ecosystem, E Ink enhances the laptop user experience through:
- Visual Interaction Innovation: Employing ePaper as a next-gen touch display medium, enabling low-power visual interactivity for intuitive HMI design.
- AI-Powered Personalisation: Supporting AI-driven content generation to elevate functionality and user engagement.
- Design-Driven Integration: Tailored for the aesthetics and performance requirements of new-generation AI PCs.
- UX Redefined: Reinventing the user experience with the comfort, clarity, and adaptability of ePaper displays.
- Scalable Possibilities: Establishing a solid foundation for future AI hardware applications by integrating Intel’s reference designs and solutions.
This touch-enabled application highlights the versatility and forward-looking potential of ePaper technology in next-generation computing. E Ink will continue to expand the boundaries of interactive design by exploring innovative ePaper scenarios in the AI era—delivering sustainable, personalised, and cutting-edge user experiences.