CES is always an exciting time as it showcases what's to come in the world of technology, from cutting-edge prototypes to market trends. In our last blog about flex electronics, they were still prototypes--a glimpse into the future. Now, at CES 2019, flex electronics have arrived as fully realized products ready for end-users.
The most popular trend in flex electronics right now is using the technology in phones with LG using it in its TV. I'm confident that flex PCBs will find more and more applications as the technology continues to mature. Let's take a look at some available/upcoming flex products.
LG Signature OLED TV R
LG has polished and refined its bendable TV to the point where it's a fully realized, end-user product. The main draw of this TV is that it can retract into its base to provide a simple and clean aesthetic. It will undoubtedly be expensive, but it will be one hell of a display piece.
The first mass-market foldable phone, most people who have gotten their hands on it conclude that it lacks the polish that separates a prototype and a functioning and desirable end product.
In contrast to the Royole Flexpai, a lot of people are looking to Samsung's upcoming foldable phone (mentioned in our last blog about flex electronics) to truly usher in the flexible phone to the mainstream. Expected to have the polish, ergonomics, and brand name to make it the
Xiaomi's Upcoming Foldable Phone
Xiaomi has shown a video of their upcoming flex phone, which has a surprising amount of polish:
Huawei's Upcoming Foldable Phone
According to CNET, Huawei has committed to making a flex phone, which means the majority of smartphone makers are now fully on-board with flex phones.
That completes our round-up of upcoming flex electronics. It's always interesting to see how companies utilize and integrate technology like flex PCBs into their products. With the biggest companies integrating flex technology into their phones, the devices we use every moment of every day, shouldn't you do the same?