Gizmodo: oled screen

Next-Gen iPhone Specs, Launch Date Rumor Looks Fishy (OLED Screen, Light-Up Apple Logo?)

Jason Chen — Tue, 19 May 2009 14:19:29 EDT

Apple iPhone Apps, a site with no known track record (which is also down right now) just leaked a July 17 release date and a bunch of specs for the next iPhone. They look fishy.

The July 17 release could technically be possible, since it's on a Friday and Apple's been releasing their iPhones on Fridays, but the specs are weird.

* 32GB and 16GB storage (up from the current 16GB and 8GB models)
* $199 and $299 price points to be maintained
* 3.2-megapixel camera (up from the current 2-megapixel camera)
* Video-recording and editing capabilities
* Ability to send a picture & video via MMS
* Discontinuation of the metal band surrounding the edge of the device
* OLED screen
* 1.5 times the battery life of the current models
* Double the RAM and processing power
* Built-in FM transmitter
* Apple logo on back will glow
* Rubber-tread backing
* Sleeker design
* Built-in compass
* The camera, GPS, compass and Google map combined will identify photo and inform about photo locations
* Turn-by-turn directions

So what's weird? The OLED screen, for one. The 1.5x battery life, for two. And a rubber-tread backing/sleeker design for three. It's still quite cost-prohibitive to use OLED screens on devices, and it's difficult to see how Apple could shrink down the size of the device to make it "sleeker" while at the same time making the battery 1.5x. Maybe because they're using an OLED screen?

It's all very pie in the sky, so don't take it as literal proof that the next iPhone will have this. And the rubber tread backing may or may not be this leaked image from MacRumors, which isn't quite rubber, but more of a matte feel than the current version. [Apple iPhone Apps via 9 to 5 Mac]

8GB Sansa Clips Make iPod Shuffles Seem Juvenile

Andi Wang — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 22:00:13 EST

Perfect for those who need a small device for music on-the-go, the Sansa Clip from SanDisk is very much like the iPod Shuffle with its compact size and its ability to clip onto belt, purses and clothing. However, what makes the Sansa Clip stand out—and what the iPod Shuffle could benefit from—is it produces more bang for your buck with its larger selection, increased storage, built-in FM tuner, and the color OLED screen that allows users to see and choose their audio entertainment. Although it is $30 more than the 2GB iPod Shuffle, the 8GB Sansa Disk can hold roughly 1,500 more songs than the largest Shuffle, and will be available starting this week for $99. [cnet via Gadgetell]

Super Skinny OLED Display Is Thinner Than a Sheet of Paper

Elaine Chow — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 22:00:00 EDT

If you thought OLEDs were thin already, researchers at the Universal Display Corporation (whose factory we visited last year) have made a flexible display that's positively anorexic. The ultra-thin metal foil screen is less than 50 micrometers thin, which means it's even thinner than a sheet of A4 paper. The UDC folks also claimed that their new invention exceeds the industrial target of 1,000 hours and the lifetime of conventionally sealed glass packaged OLEDs.

The researchers said they were able to get better lifetime ratings after identifying a flexible, highly impermeable barrier layer, which helps keep the OLED screen from degrading because of oxygen and water. Flexible, amazingly thin and with a very decent lifespan? It sounds like we're two steps closer to handing out Young Lady's Illustrated Primers. [AVS Symposium via Slashgear]

Sony Shows Off Completely Wireless OLED TV

Elaine Chow — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 00:30:37 EDT

Now not only can you get Sony's OLED TV for the bargain bin price of $1,748, you'll also soon be able to make that 11-inch hunk of visual sexiness completely wireless. Sony recently revealed a completely cordless version of the XEL-1 with an integrated HDTV tuner, a battery, and a wall mount. No specific information about the timing and price of the “I've got no strings” version, but Sony promises it'll be out "soon." [AV Watch via Engadget]

Sony's Pro HD Camera is World First to Get OLED Viewfinder

Kit Eaton — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 07:10:50 EDT

Organic Light Emitting Diodes are getting used in phones, lamps and now the world's first professional camera color OLED viewfinder. The HDVF-EL100 sports an 11-inch screen, and apparently it's Sony's first non-consumer application of the display technology. The 960 x 540 pixel screen's wide acceptance angle and deep contrast is designed to help operators achieve the accurate focusing that HDTV demands. Pro cameramen can expect to get their mitts on the camera later this year. [Sony via OLED-Display]