In a notable step forward for e-reader technology, Readmoo, a Chinese company, has unveiled the Mooink V — the world’s first foldable e-reader. The innovative device was introduced at the Touch Taiwan technology exhibition and has quickly drawn attention for its blend of advanced engineering and elegant design.
The Mooink V features an 8-inch color touchscreen that can fold in half, allowing for improved portability and convenience. The device supports two reading modes: it can lie completely flat at 180 degrees, or be used at a 90-degree angle, mimicking the feel of a physical book. Constructed from a durable aluminum-magnesium alloy, the device is both sturdy and lightweight. Additionally, the crease in the fold is barely visible when the screen is fully opened, ensuring a smooth visual experience.
At the heart of the Mooink V is the E INK Gallery 3 color e-paper display, offering a sharp 300 PPI resolution for both monochrome and color content. This is a significant improvement over Kaleido 3, which typically offers lower resolution for color content. The Mooink V can display up to 50,000 colors, and enhancements in page-turning speed and device performance contribute to a smoother reading experience.
Notably, this display technology is the same as that found in high-end devices such as the ReMarkable Paper Pro, positioning the Mooink V in the premium segment of the e-reader market. For the sake of comparison, Kaleido 3 can display only 4096 colors.
The design of the Mooink V was handled by KOTOK, a Japanese design team associated with Sony’s Design Center. The lead designer, Hiroshi Anfu, has previously been recognized with prestigious awards such as the Red Dot Award and the IF Design Award for his work on GVIDO, an e-paper music score reader released in 2018.
Compact in size, the Mooink V is slightly smaller than a standard paperback, making it one of the most portable e-readers currently available.
Developing a foldable e-reader is no simple task. According to Readmoo, the project took nearly nine years to perfect. Unlike foldable OLED screens found in smartphones, e-ink displays are thicker and more rigid, making foldability a greater challenge. Nevertheless, the final product can withstand over 200,000 folds, making it highly durable. The device weighs approximately 225 grams and is finished in a sleek silver coating, further enhancing its aesthetic appeal.
As of now, there is no indication that companies like Amazon have plans to develop a foldable version of their popular Kindle devices. However, as The Shortcut speculated, the success of the Mooink V could encourage other major players to explore similar concepts. A foldable design not only improves portability but may also provide a more immersive, book-like reading experience — something many digital readers continue to seek.
At this time, Readmoo has not announced a release date or pricing information for the Mooink V. It is also unclear whether the device will be made available internationally or remain exclusive to the Chinese market.