Ten or fifteen years ago, e-books seemed like a revolution for those who love to read. In transport, in queues, in parks – light compact devices with screens that looked like paper were often found. They were comfortable to hold in your hands, they did not flicker, did not blind your eyes, and one such “book” could easily fit several hundred novels or documents, informs Ukr.Media.
Back then, it really seemed like a new stage in the development of reading. Smartphones had small screens and low resolution, laptops remained bulky. The e-book filled the need of those who wanted to read a lot and comfortably.
Part of this popularity was due to the peculiarities of the technology. These are displays based on electronic ink – E-ink. These are not liquid crystal displays (LCDs), as in smartphones or laptops. The principle of E-ink is different: millions of tiny capsules with black and white pigment change position under the influence of electrical impulses, forming text or images. As a result, the screen looks almost like a page of a paper book, without bright backlighting. Thanks to this, the eyes get tired much less even after long reading.
At that time, it looked like e-books would become a mass phenomenon. Their functionality was simple — just reading, but the autonomy was impressive: the charge lasted for weeks. Add to this the ability to carry a library with you, and the reason for their popularity becomes clear.
But the situation has changed.
With the development of mobile technology, smartphones and tablets have improved significantly. Displays have become larger, with high resolution, and blue light reduction modes allow you to read even in the dark. At the same time, the smartphone has remained universal: reading, listening to music, communicating, working – all in one device.
E-books have not been able to compete in the mass segment. Even the addition of Wi-Fi and simple browsers has not helped. For a modern user who is accustomed to instant access to various content, a specialized device for one task seems limited.
Changes in information consumption have also played a role. People are reading large texts less and less, and are increasingly consuming video or audio content. Audiobooks allow you to “read” on the go, combining it with other things. For many, this format seems simpler and more dynamic.
Despite this, e-books have not disappeared completely. They remain a niche but sustainable product for those who read a lot and need the convenience of long reading sessions.
The modern market offers dozens of current models from leading manufacturers: Kindle, Kobo, PocketBook, Onyx Boox. Some of them have basic functionality focused only on books, others have advanced features with notes, PDF support or color screens. The cost varies depending on the features, but on average an e-book remains cheaper than a modern flagship smartphone.
E-ink technology is also not standing still. Today, there are already models with color screens (for example, Kaleido or Gallery), devices for taking notes with a stylus, or large screens for convenient work with documents. At the same time, the main advantages remain unchanged: minimal strain on the eyes, no distractions, long battery life, and convenience of reading in bright sunlight.
It's also worth mentioning that some users are consciously turning to e-books because they're tired of the constant information noise of smartphones. It's a way to leave behind a space just for reading, without notifications, ads, or the temptation to go on social media.
Paper books remain competitors due to their tactility, the smell of printing, and the feel of a “real” book. Audio formats are convenient for those who combine information consumption with other activities. E-books take their place alongside these formats, allowing for comfortable reading, saving space, and taking care of your eyesight.
The general trend is that the mass craze for e-books has passed, but for a certain group of users they remain the optimal reading tool. This market will probably continue to develop slowly in the coming years, focusing on improving screen technology, new formats, and improving user interaction with the device.
For those who are tired of multitasking and want to simply immerse themselves in the text, an e-book remains one of the best options.
