At Expo Comm Wireless Japan 2012, NTT Docomo and Fujitsu showcased a recently co-developed Android-powered smartphone prototype with a double-sided transparent OLED touchscreen display. Thanks to sensors on either side, you can solely use the front panel as you would with the average handset, use the back independently as to not obstruct the view (think PS Vita, but with better accuracy due to transparency), or access both sides simultaneously for multi-tasking actions.
“You could hold down an icon on the front, and slide on the back to move an icon, or use the message bar, or create a new application. For example, from the front, you can only move the whole Rubik cube like this, but if you slide your finger across the front while holding down the back, you can rotate just one face. So this display makes gripping operations possible.”
The current prototype display is rather small at only 2.4″ and of QVGA (320×240) resolution, however, NTT Docomo and Fujitsu know they would need to enlarge it for the consumer market. Alternatively, it could be used as a sub-display in its current form, albeit with limited capabilities. Brightness will also need to be significantly improved in order to make it more practical with every day usage.
Source: DigInfoNews, TokyoTek
