LG G Flex - Innovation or Gimmick?
The first reported images of LG's first ‘bendable’ smartphone have been leaked. Reportedly called the G-Flex, LG has announced that they intend to launch the device in Korea as early as November this year. So, I take a look at what we can expect from this new innovation is smartphones.
LG remain tight lipped over the devices specifications. Resolution is still unknown, but the rendered images show off a sleek six inch screen. What we do know is the phone features a bend on a horizontal axis with a 700mm radius of curvature. This differs from their local rivals Samsung who offer the Galaxy Round which features a bend across the vertical axis. Both companies claim the bend facilitates easier handling and compliments the contours of your face when talking on the phone. But, surely both can’t be right?
Speculation still remains over what materials are used in the screen, however, it is believed to comprise of an OLED display layer, instead of LCD in order to facilitate the bend. LG have also reportedly been experimenting with plastics, as opposed to a traditional glass cover, in order to allow for a greater degree of stress to be put onto the display. Numerous advantages can be found based upon these reports based upon these reports such as a further reduction in weight by replacing glass with plastic, which will also facilitate a greater degree of durability.
Are these advantages enough to justify the technology and prevent it from becoming a gimmicky feature? Executive VP Dr. Sang Deog Yeo believes so, and feels the potential opportunities of the technology are worth researching, “The flexible display market is expected to grow quickly as this technology is expected to expand further into diverse applications including automotive displays, tablets and wearable devices.”
The idea of clothing featuring flexible displays or creating a fully interactive car dashboard sounds exciting although admittedly a tad ambitious especially with the current limitations of the technology. It seems focus also needs to be placed on the flexibility of all components in the device if LG wants to steer clear of the gimmick tag some critics are brandishing. Still, Dr. Sang Deog Yeo remains optimistic about the technology and wants LG to spearhead its use and innovation in the future, “Our goal is to take an early lead in the flexible display market by introducing new products with enhanced performance and differentiated designs next year.”
How do you feel about bendable displays? Do you think the technology needs developing out of its infancy before being released to the public, or do you think companies will benefit by getting consumer feedback when developing the technology?
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