2008 Marks the Beginning of Flexible Displays
March 26 2008 / by Venessa Posavec
Category: Entertainment Year: 2008 Rating: 6
The market for flexible Active Matrix (AM) displays will finally be open for business this year, according to an iSuppli report. We’ve seen paper-thin prototypes for a while now, but the quality and diversity of products is good enough to get the public’s attention. In fact, the worldwide market revenue is estimated to reach $2.8 billion by 2013, up from $80 million in 2007.
Gamers are already drooling over the new curved monitors that were showcased by Alienware at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show in January. The first of its kind, the screen is the equivalent of two 24-inch monitors, and promises a richer, more immersive visual experience. Check out the video, then get in line – we should be seeing these on store shelves later this year.
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Other applications include e-readers and e-paper, even mobile phones. Within a few years, a cell phone or laptop might be considered a bulky artifact, as devices get smaller and flatter. We’ll be able to read a book, watch videos, send e-mail, and make a phone call from a device that can be rolled up and stored away in a shirt pocket.
I can’t wait to see how this will change home decor, too. Imagine an entire wall in your house projecting an image of your choice – the New York skyline, or waves lapping up on a crystalline beach. Or even better, a live video feed from the location of your choice.
We’re just entering the beginning phase of this technology, but I can see how it could evolve. The displays become crisper, then accommodate 3D displays. Games become increasingly photorealistic. Combine a 360 degree screen with brain-computer interface devices like the Emotiv headseat, and we’ll be able to experience some incredible virtual environments that are going to start feeling indistinguishable from reality.
In the meantime, I’ll just wait for that Alienware monitor.
(via iSuppli Corp)
Comment Thread (1 Response)
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Awesome. I can’t wait to play Spore or Call of Duty 4 on one of those beasties.
Posted by: Alvis Brigis March 26, 2008
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