mooInk V from Readmoo Can Be Slipped Into a Pocket
After years of foldable smartphones, foldable e-readers are finally a reality. Taiwan-based Readmoo has introduced the mooInk V, the first consumer-ready foldable e-reader. While the company hasn’t revealed the price or shipping date yet, it has confirmed a groundbreaking feat, its screen can survive over 200,000 folds.
This is a big step forward for e-readers, which have mostly remained flat, literal slabs for over a decade. The mooInk V could change how people carry and use digital reading devices.
A foldable screen that’s more than just a gimmick
Unlike folding phones that use OLED screens, the mooInk V uses a specially developed color E Ink display. It’s called Gallery 3, and it’s a major upgrade from traditional black-and-white screens or those with basic color filters.
Gallery 3 uses actual color ink capsules. This allows the mooInk V to display over 50,000 shades at 300ppi resolution. For comparison, devices like the Kindle Colorsoft only support 4,096 shades using older technology.
This means images and text on the mooInk V are expected to look more vibrant and sharp—without losing that paper-like readability that E Ink is known for.
Nine years of work behind the screen
Developing a foldable E Ink screen wasn’t easy. While E Ink has shown folding prototypes before, making them strong enough for daily use was tough. The technology is thicker and more fragile than OLED, making the hinge design a huge challenge.
Readmoo spent nine years working closely with E Ink to solve this. The mooInk V’s design includes a visible gap near the hinge to reduce strain on the folding area. It’s not seamless like the latest folding smartphones, but it may be more durable in the long run.
A compact and portable design
When unfolded, the mooInk V offers an 8-inch touchscreen, which is close to the standard size of most e-readers. The body is made from a light aluminum-magnesium alloy, finished with a sleek silver coat.
Weighing just 225 grams, it’s only slightly heavier than the Kindle Colorsoft. And when folded, it becomes smaller than a paperback. That could make it more pocket-friendly for people on the go.
The device can also open flat for reading or sit at a 90-degree angle, much like holding a real book. However, it’s still unclear how comfortable this position will be for long reading sessions.
Will readers embrace the fold?
While the innovation is exciting, some doubts remain. The gap in the hinge, though functional, could bother readers who are used to seamless designs. Also, since pricing and availability are still unknown, it’s unclear how accessible the mooInk V will be.
Another point to watch is software. Foldable hardware is only useful if the user experience is smooth. Readmoo hasn’t shared much yet about what reading apps or ecosystem will support the device.
Still, it’s hard to ignore what the mooInk V represents — a new era for digital reading.
Final thoughts
The mooInk V is more than just a new gadget, it signals a shift in how we may interact with e-readers in the future. With better portability, improved color support, and a flexible form factor, it’s a bold attempt at reimagining the reading experience.
What remains to be seen is how well it performs in real-life use and how soon it becomes available to the masses.
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