I guess this could be a new take on audiobooks. Paper that has electronic sensors built in that respond to touch, as well as speakers that are printed along with them.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/6723475.stm
People are already considering this for various marketing purposes. While it might not be the best idea for an actual book, it could provide some unique ways of presenting the book to prospective buyers. Instead of having to read a blurb on the cover, you just press a finger to the spine as you browse the shelves, and a voice (think Movie Preview Narrator Guy) tells you why this book is so great, or maybe the author reads his bio to you when you open the inside flap.
Interesting way to add a unique touch (pun intended).
What’s keeping this from going into production as we speak? Money, of course. At the moment it’s too expensive to make this digital paper en masse, plus the scientists are still looking for a way to make the electronics involved even smaller.
I think it’s cool to see all this flexible, papery display technology on the horizon. No doubt within a couple years this kind of stuff (roll-up television screens, paste-on LCD monitors) hitting the mainstream.
I see that smile.