14 DAY TRIAL // Now that monitors and HDTVs have reached maturity, technology-wise, it is time for other projects to receive attention, and we might just know what type of panels are next on the list.
As it happens, Digitimes has another piece of information to share with the world, even though it is nearly remarkably devoid of the most relevant specifics.
And by 'relevant specifics' we mean the companies ready to start researching and developing a certain type of screen, as well as the time frame for commercial applications.
We weren't left completely in the dark though. The Taiwan Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) was mentioned.
ITRI is trying to establish a supply chain, in Taiwan, for the commercialization of YOUM, a flexible screen invented by Samsung Mobile Display (SMD).
Chimei Innolux (CMI) and AU Optronics (AUO) are the ones most likely to take up development, but this is just speculation.
Flexible screens are considered the next wave of ultra-mobile display technology, and this may very well be an accurate assessment.
They can be taken everywhere, be built into all sorts of mobile consumer gadgets and maybe other items too. It all depends on what substrate is used and how developers go about things.
Speaking of which, the three choices are, currently, as follows: foil, extremely thin glass and plastic. The last of these will be the most widespread.
The main challenge will be to reduce wear and increase image quality. Sharp, Plastic Logic and, of course, Samsung have made steps in this direction, but there is still a way to go.
All that remains is for Corning to create a version of Gorilla Glass that can bend and twist. Not the easiest of tasks, but surely not impossible either. After that, consumer electronic panels will only have full transparency left to tackle.