This Smart Wall Calendar Looks Like Paper and Acts Like an App

Even traditionalists can’t deny the convenience of calendars apps; they can be viewed from anywhere, shared with anyone, and updated with a couple of keystrokes. But paper calendars hold a certain appeal that’s secured them a spot on our walls even in the digital age. Japanese designer Hironao Tsuboi has combined the best qualities from both mediums for a piece that presents cutting-edge tech in a classic package.

As designboom reports, the Magic Calendar from Tsuboi’s studio KOSHO TSUBOI is designed to look and feel like paper. But there’s no need to tear off a new sheet at the beginning of each month—the single display uses electronic ink to update itself in real time. The calendar also connects with its owner’s smartphone. That means no matter where they are, they can add events to their calendar at home by doing so to the calendar on their mobile device.

The high-resolution electronic paper is anti-reflective, so it looks more like a static surface than a television screen. It also runs on very little energy—a single charge is enough to keep the calendar going for up to three months.

Tsuboi’s concept was one of four submissions chosen for Android Experiments OBJECT, an initiative in Japan that called on people to design products that connect to Android devices. For their next step, Android is developing a prototype of the calendar. To see how it works, check out the video below.