LG dips into e-book reader display tech
updated 09:00 am EST, Mon December 28, 2009
LG lands deals with E Ink, more
LG Display today landed deals that will give it the ability to produce e-paper screens. The company now has a display supply deal with E Ink and has an agreement with Hydis Technology both to develop e-paper modules as well as to cross-purchase technology between the two. LG is also investing about $30.5 million into Hydis and already has a half-percent, $10.5 million stake in Prime View International, the parent company of both E Ink and Hydis.
Korea-based LG hasn't said it necessarily plans to enter the e-book reader market itself but does expect to product displays itself.
The move gives LG a significant play in e-book readers as it's now involved with some of the companies responsible for producing displays for the Amazon Kindle and Sony Reader lines. So far, the industry has primarily been dominated by American device and technology designers as well as their Taiwan-area suppliers.
