Samsung’s stretchable display can turn 2D content into moving 3D scenes
TL; DR
- Samsung unveiled its latest stretchable display prototype at a conference in Seoul.
- The screen can move in accordance with the content displayed and provides a 3D representation of a scene.
Display technology has improved by leaps and bounds in recent years, from the development of better OLED technology to ever faster refresh rates. One big battlefield, however, was the form factor. We have seen foldable and scrollable screens. Now Samsung has introduced a new stretchable display.
According to a report from the Korean outlet ET news, Samsung Display unveiled its latest stretchable display prototype with a 13-inch wingspan. As the title suggests, the screen can stretch and morph to allow for a more immersive representation of the content being displayed. In the example of a bubbling lava cloud given by Samsung, the screen physically rises and falls, effectively creating a 3D representation of the 2D content being shown.
This isn’t Samsung’s first attempt at a stretchable display. The company first presented its prototype in 2017. This product was 9.1 inches tall and could bend in two directions. What is noteworthy is that this latest attempt appears to have higher resolution and more natural movement.
What’s the point of stretchable displays?
So where could we find stretchable screens in the future? In 2017, Samsung believed that such technology could benefit wearables, IoT devices, the automotive and AI industries. In theory, the technology could be a boon to accessibility as it provides a tactile experience for blind phone users. However, this would require a more sensitive and flexible display system. A stretchable display could also provide more immersive movie experiences. Software-based 3D was a fad that came and went quickly, but a stretchable OLED could provide actual 3D rendering for supported media.
Before we get too far ahead of ourselves, Samsung’s stretchable display is still in the works, even if the pace of development is accelerating. Many questions about the longevity, mobility and scalability of the technology are still open. Samsung Display has expanded plans for foldable and rollable displays. So expect these form factors to take precedence over stretchable displays, at least for now.
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