Sharp has demoed new LCD technology which could be 1,000 times more energy efficient that current smartwatch displays.
The 1-inch LCD prototype, which is capable of displaying up to eight different colours, isn’t likely to take on the Super AMOLEDs and P-OLED smartwatch screens already available in the wow-factor stakes, but if the success of the Pebble has taught us anything, it’s that people crave a longer battery life for their tech timepieces.
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Sharp is already involved in the smartwatch revolution, of course - it makes the 1.26-inch, e-paper LCD display found in the Pebble.
The new prototype is not backlit, but instead uses a reflective layer to illuminate the display’s pixels. It’ll be no good in complete darkness although a retro Casio-style LED could solve this issue.
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Sharp’s new tech offers a much longer battery life thanks to the LTPS (low temperature polysilicon) tech built in, which Sharp says could hit mass production next year. The battery life is further enhanced thanks to the display panel being able to embed the displayed pixels temporarily.
E Ink is the obvious answer to smartwatch battery woes as it displays reflect ambient light in a room, like printed paper would. E Ink displays are also not as tiring on users' eyes as an LCD screen is either.
The Onyx Sosmart features an E Ink display and, when it launches next year, it could well be the first genuine E Ink smartwatch.
Source: Padnews, via Trusted Reviews
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By Paul Lamkin
Wareable Media Group co-CEO Paul launched Wareable with James Stables in 2014, after working for a variety of the UK's biggest and best consumer tech publications including Pocket-lint, Forbes, Electric Pig, Tech Digest, What Laptop, T3 and has been a judge for the TechRadar Awards.
Prior to founding Wareable, and subsequently The Ambient, he was the senior editor of MSN Tech and has written for a range of publications.