Last week, Trends in Japan highlighted a new technology that allows paper to store and play audio messages. Although it is only 0.75 millimeters thick, audio paper is embedded with a small speaker, microphone, and battery. Currently, it is capable of playing a 20 second message about 50 times, and it already went on sale in Japan this past fall for $10.65 per sheet.

Other research is working to develop ultra-thin electronic displays that one day could possibly be implemented into books, newspapers, and advertisements. One company pursuing such research is E Ink, which is already working with Electronic Paper Display (EPD). They describe it as:

EPDs are a technology enabled by electronic ink - ink that carries a charge enabling it to be updated through electronics. Electronic ink is ideally suited for EPDs as it is a reflective technology which requires no front or backlight, is viewable under a wide range of lighting conditions, including direct sunlight, and requires no power to maintain an image.

Food for Thought:
This technology is still relatively new. It will only become more affordable and technologically advanced in the years to come. Perhaps, now is a good time to begin brainstorming what cool things your ministry could do with such technology.

Special thanks to Trend Hunter for highlighting Trends in Japan’s article.