Modos Flow – A 60Hz E-Ink Monitor Powered by AMD Zynq 7000 SoC

Modos Flow is a 13.3-inch 60Hz E-Ink monitor designed to provide a paper-like computing experience for reading, writing, coding, document editing, and other productivity tasks. Developed by Modos Tech, it is designed for users who spend long hours in front of traditional LCD or OLED displays and want a more comfortable, low-glare alternative. The monitor connects to Windows, macOS, and Linux systems over USB Type-C with DisplayPort Alt Mode and is available in both monochrome and color versions.

The monitor features a 3200 × 2400 (300 PPI) E-Ink Carta 1300 or Kaleido 3 display with touchscreen support, up to a 60 Hz refresh rate, and sub-100 ms latency, thanks to a custom FPGA-based display controller. It offers multiple display modes optimized for reading, browsing, writing, and video playback, along with programmable mode switching via an API. The color model adds stylus support and an amber frontlight, while both versions support VESA mounting, single-cable USB-C operation, and standalone functionality. These features make it suitable for developers, researchers, makers, writers, programmers, and professionals seeking an eye-friendly, customizable e-paper display.

Using the Modos Flow color E Ink monitor with an active stylus for drawing and handwriting

Modos Flow 60Hz E-Ink Monitor Specifications:

• SoC: AMD Zynq 7000 (XC7Z010-CLG400) FPGA-based controller
• Display: 13.3-inch E Ink Carta 1300 (Monochrome) or E Ink Kaleido 3 (Color) panel
• Resolution: 3200 x 2400 (300 PPI)
• Color Depth: Monochrome, or 4,096 colors with 16 levels of grayscale (Color model)
• Refresh Rate & Latency: Up to 60 Hz with sub-100 ms latency
• Illumination: Amber-tinted frontlight (Color model only)
• User Input: Capacitive touch support; Stylus support (Color model only); Physical hardware buttons for mode switching
• Video & Power Interface: USB Type-C with DisplayPort Alt Mode (Supports up to 40 Hz over a single cable; auxiliary power required for 60 Hz)
• Display Modes: Programmable optimization profiles for Reading, Browsing, Watching, and Writing
• Mounting: VESA-compatible support
• Dimensions: 31.5 x 25.4 x 1.6 cm (12.4 x 10.0 x 0.65 inches)
• Weight: 0.69 kg (1.54 lbs) standalone; 1.19 kg (2.64 lbs) with magnetic cover and stand

Modos Flow offers four display modes optimized for reading, browsing, video playback, and writing

The monitor is compatible with Linux, macOS, and Windows systems, and connects via USB Type-C with DisplayPort Alt Mode. It can operate using a single USB Type-C cable at up to 40 Hz, or up to 60 Hz when an external power source is connected. Users can switch between Reading, Browsing, Watching, and Writing display modes using the onboard buttons or software shortcuts through the Modos Flow API. Each mode adjusts the display’s refresh behavior to balance update speed, image quality, and ghosting.

Modos Flow is based on an open-hardware design with open-source firmware, and its schematics, source code, and documentation are publicly available. The monochrome version is priced at $619, while the color model costs $719. At the time of writing, the Crowd Supply campaign has exceeded its funding goal, with shipments expected to begin in December 2026 through Crowd Supply and Mouser Electronics.

Modos Flow color e-paper monitor with stylus support, displaying a Wikipedia page

Previously, we have written about similar devices, such as the Onyx BOOX Go 10.3, an E-Ink tablet with Android 15 support. There is also the E-Ink Digital Paper, which enables companies and organizations to design and develop a customized ePaper workflow. You can check those out if you are interested in the topic.

The Modos Flow Mono ships with a USB Type-C cable and a folding protective cover that doubles as a monitor stand. The Modos Flow Color includes the same accessories and an active stylus. The color model also includes an amber front light, while both versions feature a 13.3-inch touchscreen E Ink display.

Images used courtesy of Crowd Supply