Who developed world's first color e-book reader?

Fujitsu developed the world’s first color e-book reader, the FLEPia. Built with Fujitsu Laboratories and Fujitsu Frontech technology, FLEPia used color electronic paper rather than a conventional backlit LCD screen.

Fujitsu unveiled the device in Japan in 2007, initially as a portable information terminal intended for reading electronic books, newspapers and other digital content. General consumer sales began in March 2009. Its color e-paper display could show as many as 260,000 colors, although refresh times were much slower than those of modern tablets.

The device was notable because electronic readers at the time were overwhelmingly monochrome. FLEPia’s display could retain an image without continuously consuming power, giving it the paper-like readability and low energy use associated with electronic paper.

The wording can cause a small technical confusion: Fujitsu Frontech manufactured and sold the product, while Fujitsu and its research divisions developed the underlying technology. “Fujitsu” is therefore the standard company-level answer. FLEPia should also not be confused with later color E Ink readers, which use different display technology.