LG wants to use transparent OLED displays for ‘invisible’ bedroom TVs
- LG uses CES to show how its transparent OLEDs can be used in the real world.
- It envisions an “intelligent bed” in which a transparent television could sit at your feet.
- It’s still not clear when this will show up on mobile devices.
LG Display continues to drive transparent OLED displays into practice and is using CES 2021 to show what could be possible. The company has developed a “Smart Bed” concept, which uses a 55-inch transparent screen as a television that is effectively invisible.
The transparent TV would sit in a frame that you could place at the foot of your bed or even move around the house. All you would have to do is press a button to lift the transparent OLED out of the frame and keep you entertained without the backlight (or backdrop) affecting the experience. Cinematic Sound OLED pumps out audio without the need for separate speakers.
LG also intends to use the 55-inch transparent OLED for restaurants (when it’s safe again) where you can watch TV while your chef prepares your food. It’s even useful for subways as you can have a look outside at the same time you check the route map or the weather.
Like LG’s earlier clear OLEDs, the 55-inch model would thrive with a high transparency of 40% compared to “only” 10% for LCDs. It could serve as a window replacement in smart homes or even in self-driving cars, the company said.
Connected: LG Display talks about foldable and transparent screens
The company didn’t say if or when you would see a transparent television or similar product on store shelves, despite reports that there was “growing demand” from various industries.
Just don’t get your hopes up for a phone with a transparent OLED display just yet, at least not yet. While transparent phones are nothing new (the 2009 Xperia Pureness from Sony Ericsson is an example), a modern smartphone would have to hide the electronics behind a large screen while offering comparable battery life and functions. For now, at least, your phone is blocking your view of the outside world.
