How does the digital ink in ereaders work?

When electrical fields and microcapsules meet.

By Roger Fingas Nov. 7, 2026 12:00 pm EST Kittyfly/Shutterstock Add Engadget on Google: Google Discover

No matter how long you've been around tech, some gadgets can still feel magical. Consider the self-balancing systems in PEVs like Segways, Onewheels and electric unicycles. You wouldn't think that a gyroscope could keep a person upright at 40 mph, yet the proof is out there on the streets. The best ereaders may not be as dramatic as that — nevertheless, it's counterintuitive that an e-ink tablet can display an image indefinitely.