After a curved screen Samsung now has set its focus on a screen that could be folded. The implications of such a design are quite far reaching, as hybrid tablets and smartphones would then be possible. The ‘Youm’ OLED technology based smartphone that has a curved screen making it ergonomically more comfortable to hold and carry has been launched by LG and Samsung. Samsung followed that up with an announcement that it intends to come up with a screen that would be foldable. Samsung made the announcement during its Analyst day event, explaining that with such a technology a device that could be used as a smartphone with the display folded would also serve as a tablet with the display unfolded to present a larger screen. Samsung has also stated they are in advanced stages with foldabledisplay technologies so that we could witness the first commercial devices based on such tech by 2015 itself.
As of now the technology to create such hybrid devices are yet at their nascent stages. Samsung is confident of making the break in this field in the coming two years. Their confidence has sure been boosted by the success of the curved glass concept that they have pioneered. They have also made a mention that though the path is tough to achieve this breakthrough, they are so confident of making it that they would like suggestions for names that they could give to their device when it comes through.
Foldable displays have been talked about for years now though it is only this year that we have seen it making some headway in the commercial space. A few ebook reading devices were launced based on flexible display though none lasted long enough. What remains to be seen is whether Samsung is able to capitalize on the advancements already made in this field.