Liquid crystal displays might be getting a little long in the tooth, but the technology will continue to be the display of choice in cell phones, gaming devices, PDAs and other handheld devices for the foreseeable future, according to a new report from ABI Research.
The reason? Cost. Because LCD is a mature technology, it has a cost advantage that ensures its future as the primary display technology for some time to come, said the report. LCDs are especially entrenched in the mobile phone market where a few cents' difference in a component's manufacturing costs can make or break a new technology. Newer display technologies may consume less power and are easier to read in bright light, but because they are more expensive they are still struggling to find a foothold in the handset market.
"Of the challengers, Organic Light-Emitting Diodes [OLEDs] are among leading contenders because of the maturity of their development and their use in other devices, such as televisions, which will strengthen their supply chain," author Kevin Burden wrote.
Other new technologies, such as Qualcomm’s micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS)-based "mirasol" display, are beginning to appear in secondary screens found on clamshell handsets. E-Ink, the "electronic paper" display in Amazon's Kindle, might also shine as a secondary screen, said the report, thanks to its very low power consumption. However, its current lack of color handling and low refresh rate limit mainstream appeal.
"It’s a long road ahead for these new display companies," wrote Burden.
However, over time, the newer types of screens will cost less to produce and they will find their way into our everyday handheld devices, improving battery life and readability.
"Even a niche in the handset market could prove very profitable indeed," Burden noted.
Image: LG Envy (StockVault.net)
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