New displays and new applications  |  January 15, 2009  

There have been a number of stories lately about new flexible display types coming to market. It does make me wonder about their power consumption and the limits it will place on application. According to this story, flexible color displays are not that far off either.

If you connect a flexible display with edge computing, the implications on everyday devices will be extensive. I could see products that change their labels based on where they are in the store or what other products they are near and other interesting interaction models. We could have one product's display, "talking" for another product that isn't as capable.

These displays will be used in places we currently have traditional displays, but will require less protection (less weight). Places like credit card displays, cell phones, etc. could be utilized. There will not just be small applications, but billboard-sized, as well (using OLEDs). Combining that with other technology could make for a much more interactive billboard experience (similar to Minority Report). We may eventually be able to print OLEDs on just about anything.

Maybe instead of clip-on sun glasses we'll have clip-on displays. I could use that for augmented reality applications, like remembering people's names and background when I see them... of course then I can hear a whole chorus of these devices making us stupid too.

Charlie Bess
EDS' Next Big Thing Blog