SmartInk I: iPhone Case with E-Ink Display and Voice Transcription
A protective iPhone case with a built-in E-Ink display that records speech, generates transcripts, concise summaries, and translations across 100+ languages for on-the-go reading.
SmartInk I is a new protective iPhone case that adds an E-Ink display and voice features to the familiar device. The goal is to turn your phone into a compact reading and productivity hub while preserving the original design and protection. This model targets busy users who want quick access to reading, notes, and translations without draining the battery.
What is SmartInk I?
The case houses a 3.97-inch touchscreen at the bottom, covered by tempered glass, with a resolution of about 235 ppi. It supports speech recording with transcription, provides brief summaries, helps organize notes, and can translate text into more than 100 languages.
Developers say it can even transcribe a phone conversation during calls, offering on‑the‑spot assistance in discussions.
Pricing and plans
In the free tier you get 50 minutes of speech recognition per month. The Business plan costs $100 per month and includes 150 minutes, while the Extended plan at $150 per month raises the limit to 250 minutes.
Power, connectivity, and compatibility
The SmartInk I display supports widgets, to‑do lists, QR codes, and digital business cards, and it can sync with other devices over Wi‑Fi or Bluetooth. The case carries a 300 mAh battery, which is designed to last about a week in standby or roughly 10 hours of reading or recording. It also supports MagSafe wireless charging so you can charge the iPhone and case together.
The device works with all iPhone models from the iPhone 14 family and newer.
Availability on Kickstarter
The project is live on Kickstarter, with an early pledge near $120. This price is about 40% below the anticipated retail price, making it an attractive entry point for early backers. If funding succeeds, shipments are planned to begin in February 2026.
Expert comment
Expert comment: A tech analyst notes that combining an E-Ink display with voice features could appeal to readers and professionals who want quick, distraction-free access on the go. The setup also emphasizes energy efficiency for day-to-day use.
Summary
SmartInk I reimagines a phone case as a compact reading and productivity tool by adding an E-Ink screen, transcription capabilities, and translation features. It offers multiple subscription plans, a 300 mAh battery, and MagSafe charging, with shipments anticipated in early 2026 for iPhone 14 models and newer. The project is currently crowdfunding on Kickstarter.
Key insight: A protective case with an E-Ink display and voice tools could redefine mobile reading and productivity by blending durability with energy‑efficient intelligence.