Samsung is planning to begin mass-producing flexible mobile OLED displays for use in smartphones soon. According to a source close to the situation, the Samsung Display team is currently in the final phase of development of the bendable displays and they should go into production in the first half of 2013. Unsurprisingly, the screens will be constructed with bendable plastic instead of the standard glass that’s used in nearly all smartphones today. Analysts believe the new, pliable display type will contribute in making some smartphones noticeably lighter and more durable overall.
The technology “could also help lower manufacturing costs and help differentiate its products from other rivals,” claims Lee Seung-chul of Shinyoung Securities. Sony and LG are said to be competing to bring similar products to the market as well. It’s unclear which of the three companies will be first to market, but many continue to insist that Samsung has the edge.
It’s likely that the first smartphone featuring a flex-display will run Android, with a Windows Phone possibly following soon after. Expect Samsung to preview an updated prototype at either CES 2013 in early January or MWC 2013 in late February.
Source: WSJ