14 DAY TRIAL // Most of the main problems holding back wearable electronics devices have been solved, which means that developers can now look to enhancement, and what better enhancement than flexibility? ABI Research is certain there is a lot to explore there.
Until a few years ago, wearable devices like augmented reality glasses (that didn't look like alien helmets), smartwatches and anything besides headphones were little more than a pipedream.
It mostly had to do with the difficulty in miniaturization. Making cameras, speakers, storage, wireless connectivity, etc. small enough to fit, next to each other, in such tiny packages was not easy, definitely not feasible as commercially viable products.
This has changed though. Google Glass is approaching (augmented reality headset) and this year finally saw the debut of the first Smartwatches.
That is why ABI Research believes scientists can now switch from necessities to optional enhancements.
Flexible displays are one such enhancement. ABI expects a great surge in sales and R&D investments in this product category over the next two years.
According to its report, most of the digital smart watches and other fitness and health wearable devices will have flexible screens in 18 months or so.
Understandable, since wearable gadgets are, ultimate, commodity products, not necessities, so the “wow” factor plays a big part in their sales. Samsung and LG are bound to sell lots of little screens in 2014 and 2015.
“Samsung’s YOUM technology (flexible display) has been highly publicized and it is clearly understandable why people can see the ‘Wow’ factor in the technology. Nevertheless, the use of the technology in smartphones and tablets is still unlikely to become hugely popular in the next twelve months,” says Senior Analyst Joshua Flood.
“There are a number of questions that need to be addressed. First and foremost, how useful is a flexible display on a mobile device like a smartphone?”