March 26 2008 / by Venessa Posavec Category: Entertainment Year: 2008 Rating: 6
The market for flexible Active Matrix (AM) displays will finally
be open for business this year, according to an iSuppli report.
We’ve seen paper-thin prototypes for a while now, but the quality
and diversity of products is good enough to get the public’s
attention. In fact, the worldwide market revenue is estimated to
reach $2.8 billion by 2013, up from $80 million in 2007.
Gamers are already drooling over the new curved monitors that
were showcased by Alienware at this year’s Consumer Electronics
Show in January. The first of its kind, the screen is the
equivalent of two 24-inch monitors, and promises a richer, more
immersive visual experience. Check out the video, then get in line
– we should be seeing these on store shelves later this year.
(cont.)
Other applications include e-readers and e-paper, even mobile
phones. Within a few years, a cell phone or laptop might be
considered a bulky artifact, as devices get smaller and flatter.
We’ll be able to read a book, watch videos, send e-mail, and make a
phone call from a device that can be rolled up and stored away in a
shirt pocket.
I can’t wait to see how this will change home decor, too.
Imagine an entire wall in your house projecting an image of your
choice – the New York skyline, or waves lapping up on a crystalline
beach. Or even better, a live video feed from the location of your
choice.
We’re just entering the beginning phase of this technology, but
I can see how it could evolve. The displays become crisper, then
accommodate 3D displays. Games become increasingly photorealistic.
Combine a 360 degree screen with brain-computer interface devices
like the
Emotiv headseat, and we’ll be able to experience some
incredible virtual environments that are going to start feeling
indistinguishable from reality.
In the meantime, I’ll just wait for that Alienware monitor.
