14 DAY TRIAL // The idea of a touch-based keyboard is not an entirely new one, neither is that of using solar power, or even the power of artificial light, to fuel electronics, but a combination of the two is poised to make an appearance at the upcoming FPD International expo.
Not long ago, Logitech came out and revealed that it had completed development of a keyboard capable of recharging off solar or artificial light.
While definitely a step in the right direction in terms of solar-powered hardware, it seems to have become something that AU Optronics seeks to outmatch.
What the company intends to do once the aforementioned FPD International expo starts is demonstrate a keyboard of its own, among other things.
This one, however, measuring 2.1 mm in thickness, will be different in two major ways from Logitech's creation.
For one, it will be designed for use by mobile PCs, particularly notebooks since it will measure 14 inches in diagonal.
The other major fact is that it itself is built out of one large solar panel, which means that, essentially, it is a 14-inch soler panel with touch support.
Granted, the need for extra power won't be removed altogether, but AUO claims that about 20 percent less external power will be required.
The other major attractions at AUO's exhibition at FPD will be its newest 3D panels.
Apparently, as the report from Digitimes has it, the company implemented an eye-tracking system developed by SuperD.
What this system does is allow for 2D and 3D content to be concurrently displayed.
Two panels will be demonstrated, a 10-inch XVGA display for tablets and a 15.6-inch screen with a native resolution of 1,920 x 1,080 pixels. Mass production is slated for the third quarter of 2011.