Following Amazon's recent launch of the Kindle Scribe with Colorosoft technology, TCL has revealed a competing product designed for focused reading and note-taking without distractions. In contrast to the Scribe, this new gadget avoids E Ink technology altogether. The TCL Note A1 NXTPAPER represents the firm's newest application of its proprietary NXTPAPER display, a paper-mimicking LCD that delivers several E Ink advantages while sidestepping its drawbacks.
According to TCL, the Note A1's 11.5-inch color NXTPAPER Pure screen boasts a resolution of 2,200 by 1,440 pixels along with a 120Hz refresh rate, resulting in sharper visuals and more responsive handling compared to color E Ink panels found on devices such as the reMarkable Paper Pro. It works with the T-Pen Pro stylus from TCL for handwriting and sketching, and includes eight integrated microphones to capture and convert spoken words to text. Additionally, the tablet offers a 13-megapixel rear camera for digitizing paperwork, an 8,000mAh power source, and 256GB internal memory, plus connectivity to cloud platforms including Google Drive and Microsoft OneDrive.
Differing from previous NXTPAPER models from TCL that emphasized entertainment, the Note A1 centers on efficiency and work-related tasks. The company indicates it operates on Android, though details on Google Play Store availability remain undisclosed. The highlighted capabilities revolve around digital note creation and artificial intelligence for analyzing and arranging user inputs. It further includes instantaneous language conversion and enhancements to improve handwritten text appearance, as part of a broader set of AI-driven tools.
Engadget has contacted TCL seeking further details about the Note A1 NXTPAPER's operating system. This report will be revised upon receiving any reply.
While no single ideal model may ever dominate the market for such writing gadgets, the Note A1 NXTPAPER stands out as a compelling, albeit niche, option against E Ink offerings from Boox, thanks to its screen technology paired with audio recording capabilities.
Prospective buyers of TCL's latest innovation can place orders immediately via Kickstarter, where special perks and reduced prices apply, with general retail availability starting at $549 in late February.