Report: Samsung to press forward with flexible displays
updated 01:35 pm EST, Wed November 14, 2012
No word on commercial availability
Samsung's display manufacturing arm, Samsung Display, is reported to be in the final stages of development of flexible displays composed of plastic rather than glass. Samsung has been working on flexible displays for some time now, but recent indications from sources within the South Korean conglomerate hint that advances have been made with the technology, though there is still no word on when it might make its way into consumer-targeted devices. The use of plastic instead of glass is aimed at making devices featuring Samsung displays more durable -- purportedly "unbreakable" -- lighter, and bendable.
Citing unnamed sources familiar with Samsung's operations, The Wall Street Journal says the move toward flexible displays is part of an attempt to differentiate Samsung's and its clients' devices in the mobile device sector. The displays will reportedly incorporate Samsung's OLED display technology, which is already in use in the company's smartphones and television sets.
Industry analysts say that the use of flexible OLEDs would allow Samsung to produce more durable displays. It could also help the company to lower manufacturing costs even as its products gain features its rivals are unlikely to match easily.
Samsung is not alone in pursuing flexible display technology. Sony has reportedly been researching flexible displays since 2002, yet the Japanese conglomerate is unable to comment on when such technology might make it to market. Similarly, Corning -- the company behind the tough Gorilla Glass featured in many smartphones -- recently introduced Willow Glass, a flexible material that could be used to produce curved screens.
