Citizen's newest product doesn't seem to be related to electronic ink, but we like it all the same. It's a small device called the "Memorizing LCD" that continues to display even after the power to the screen is cut off.

Citizen Watch Corporation announced on the 13th that they have successfully developed the "Memorizing LCD Display" that continues to display even after its power is turned off.

Rather than using polyimide alignment layers used by current LCDs, an inorganic alignment layer is used. The alignment layer and liquid crystal molecule polarization angle was also set to 20 degrees, giving the device is "memorizing" capability. Furthermore, by decreasing the gap of the glass substrate to under 1/3rd current levels, the memory was improved, and the device can now also be driven using low voltage (5V).

Because there is no need to supply power except for when writing to the screen, the power consumption versus existing displays is about 1/50th. The display system is passive matrix style.

The company expects applications for electronic tags, subdisplays of mobile phones, electronic books, and so on.

Inspired by:
http://pc.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/2006/0417/citizen.htm

Press Release:
http://www.citizen.co.jp/release/06/060413me.html