Tag: OLED technology

  • Next MacBook Air to Feature Oxide LCD Display, Not OLED

    Next MacBook Air to Feature Oxide LCD Display, Not OLED

    Apple’s MacBook Air is set to receive a display enhancement, but it might not be what many anticipated. A report from The Elec indicates that Apple is working on a new version of the MacBook Air featuring an oxide thin-film transistor (TFT) liquid crystal display (LCD) expected to launch in 2027.

    What is Oxide TFT LCD?

    If this development goes through, it will mark the first instance of Apple integrating oxide TFT LCD technology into its standard MacBook Air series. Now, you might be wondering, what does oxide TFT LCD actually mean?

    TFT stands for the specific type of transistor utilized in the display, while oxide denotes the material that comprises those transistors. In comparison to the current amorphous silicon (a-Si) TFT LCDs used in MacBook Airs, oxide TFT provides quicker electron mobility. This leads to enhanced visuals and better performance overall.

    Changes in Technology

    Apple has already rolled out oxide TFT LCDs in its premium MacBook Pro models that debuted in 2022. Thus, it looks like this technology is finally trickling down to the more budget-friendly MacBook Air.

    The move to adopt oxide TFT LCD appears to be a part of a larger strategy that has not gone as planned. The report mentions that Apple initially aimed to launch an OLED MacBook Air around 2027.

    OLED vs. LCD

    OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) displays are favored for their outstanding contrast and richer blacks when compared to LCDs. However, due to disappointing sales of the newly released OLED iPad Pro, Apple has supposedly postponed its OLED MacBook Air plans. The underwhelming iPad Pro sales are likely linked to the high price tag that comes with OLED technology.

    Hence, it seems that the oxide TFT LCD will serve as a temporary solution until Apple can improve its OLED tech and reduce manufacturing expenses. The Elec also notes that the OLED MacBook Air may not debut until approximately 2029.

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  • New OLED MAX Tech: 3x Brighter & 5x Longer-Lasting Displays

    New OLED MAX Tech: 3x Brighter & 5x Longer-Lasting Displays

    Applied Materials has revealed an innovative manufacturing technology called MAX OLED, which aims to transform display technology for smartphones, tablets, PCs, and televisions. Major players in the industry, such as Samsung Display, Visionox, and Japan Display (JDI), have already pledged to implement this groundbreaking solution.

    Enhanced Display Features

    MAX OLED features a unique pixel structure and a maskless manufacturing method that allows for brighter, more durable, and energy-efficient OLED displays. Applied Materials asserts that this technology can enhance brightness by up to three times, improve resolution by 2.5 times to approximately 2,000 PPI, and cut power usage by 30%. The most remarkable aspect is that it could increase the lifespan of displays by five times compared to what is currently available.

    Simplifying Production

    This new technology simplifies the transition of OLED production from Gen 6 glass substrates to larger Gen 8 substrates, effectively doubling production efficiency. Furthermore, it enables manufacturers to create OLED panels of various sizes—from AR/VR headsets to large televisions—all within the same facility.

    Samsung Display, Visionox, and JDI are all on board as initial partners, with Visionox and JDI anticipated to be the first to bring this technology to market. Both Visionox’s ViP initiative and JDI’s eLEAP program are reportedly in sync with MAX OLED advancements, indicating swift progress in their OLED offerings.

    Industry Impact

    Samsung Display, a leader in RGB OLED technology, is also adopting MAX OLED. With its vast resources and strong market presence, Samsung is well-equipped to implement this technology across a broad spectrum of devices.

    Dr. Brian Shieh, Group VP and GM for the Display and Flexible Technology division at Applied Materials, highlighted the potential of this technology:

    The consumer electronics market has been anticipating a breakthrough that could integrate OLED technology into the millions of tablets, PCs, and TVs sold annually. We are excited to collaborate with Samsung Display to introduce this innovative technology on a global scale.

    Ross Young, CEO of the analytical firm DSCC, pointed out the importance of Samsung Display’s role:

    SDC has the financial strength to increase production capacity more rapidly than its competitors, fully realizing the potential of MAX OLED technology, and could scale it from 1” for AR/VR to any size OLED TV in one facility if they choose.

    Potential for Disruption

    This advancement may significantly alter OLED manufacturing, which has traditionally depended on fine metal mask (FMM) deposition methods. The maskless approach of MAX OLED simplifies processes and reduces expenses, potentially making high-performance OLED displays more accessible for mid-range and entry-level products.

    Applied Materials’ MAX OLED solution arrives at a time when the display sector is looking for methods to enhance scalability and lower production costs. While the initial investment required for this technology is high—current Applied solutions are priced at $500 million or more—the long-term advantages could surpass the upfront expenditures.

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  • TCL Unveils Affordable, Brighter OLED with Inkjet Printing Tech

    TCL Unveils Affordable, Brighter OLED with Inkjet Printing Tech

    CSOT, the manufacturing branch of TCL, has been achieving notable progress with its inkjet-printed OLED technology. They are making significant improvements in efficiency and reducing production costs. Ming-Jong Jou, who leads the Technology Planning Center, presented these advancements at the Omdia Korea Display Conference.

    A New Approach to OLED Production

    Rather than relying on the traditional evaporation technique for creating OLEDs, this innovative method employs precise inkjet printers, marking a significant change. This transition has resulted in a 50 percent reduction in internal light loss, while light output efficiency has increased by approximately 1.5 times.

    Efficiency and Resource Management

    Though inkjet printing is already a part of OLED manufacturing for applying encapsulation layers and quantum dots, especially in Samsung’s QD-OLEDs, TCL CSOT has taken it a step further. They are now utilizing it for emitters and various stack materials, which enables them to optimize their resource usage—achieving up to 90 percent material efficiency. This is double the performance compared to earlier methods. Additionally, they have cut blue light emissions by half.

    Cost Reduction and Future Plans

    This technology goes beyond just efficiency improvements; it also reduces manufacturing costs by 20 percent and accelerates product development by 30 percent. They have already showcased several applications of this technology, including a 65-inch 8K curved OLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate and 1800R curvature, a 31-inch 4K dome-shaped OLED, and a 14-inch 2.8K laptop display.

    The company intends to commence small-scale production by the end of 2024, beginning with 21.6-inch 4K OLED panels designed for medical monitors. After that, they aim to expand into producing medium-sized OLED panels for computing devices in 2025.

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  • LG Display’s OLED Panels Revolutionize Smart Cabin Technology

    LG Display’s OLED Panels Revolutionize Smart Cabin Technology

    LG Display is venturing into the future of air travel at the 2024 Aircraft Interiors Expo (AIX) in Hamburg, Germany. The company unveiled its innovative smart cabin technology, developed in collaboration with Boeing EnCore Interiors and LIG Nex1. This partnership focuses on enhancing the passenger experience by strategically placing OLED panels throughout the aircraft cabin.

    OLED Panels in the Aircraft Cabin

    Large 55-inch OLED panels greet passengers at the gate, possibly displaying flight information, boarding passes, or targeted advertisements. Curved OLED panels follow the ceiling's curvature, creating a visually immersive environment. Additionally, 30-inch transparent OLED panels placed between cabin partitions offer a sleek way to display information without obstructing views. In the crew galley, 27-inch OLED panels provide essential information for cabin staff.

    Benefits of OLED Technology

    Beyond aesthetics, OLED technology offers several advantages for airlines:

    • Lighter weight: Compared to LCD panels, OLED panels contribute to a lighter aircraft, potentially improving fuel efficiency.
    • Enhanced Cost-Effectiveness: The lighter weight and potential for targeted advertising could result in cost savings for airlines.

    Collaboration and Development

    LG Display is pivotal in developing these specialized OLED panels, ensuring they meet the stringent reliability and safety standards required for aviation use. LIG Nex1 complements this by developing systems that integrate these panels with the cabin entertainment network, providing both the software and hardware necessary to operate the entire OLED panel system.

    The future of smart cabins seems closer than ever. According to reports, Boeing’s EcoDemonstrator test aircraft, equipped with this smart cabin technology, will begin ground and flight testing within the year. This real-world testing aims to pave the way for a more comfortable, informative, and potentially cost-effective flying experience.

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  • Samsung to Boost Utilization of LG OLED Panels in TVs, Omdia Research Reveals

    Samsung to Boost Utilization of LG OLED Panels in TVs, Omdia Research Reveals

    Market analysis firm Omdia has reported that Samsung Electronics is set to increase its usage of LG WOLED panels in its products during this year. It is projected that Samsung will incorporate 700,000 to 800,000 WOLED panels in its OLED TVs, a sharp rise from the previous year's 10-20 thousand units.

    Increased Utilization of LG WOLED Panels

    Samsung's Growing Dependency on LG's WOLED Panels

    LG Display is anticipated to produce close to 6 million units in the current year, with LG Electronics expected to utilize 3.5-4 million of these units. The surplus panels will be distributed to other manufacturers like Sony and Samsung. Market insights suggest that Samsung Electronics will acquire a considerable portion of these LG panels.

    Samsung's Diversified Display Strategy

    The Rise of QD-OLED Panels in Samsung's Manufacturing Plan

    In the display manufacturing sector, Samsung Display holds a significant position and is poised to manufacture 1.4 million QD-OLED panels in the ongoing year. Of these, Samsung Electronics plans to employ 1.1 million panels internally, sharing the remainder with Sony. This shift indicates Samsung's emphasis on QD-OLED panel production while supplementing its WOLED panel requirements through LG Display. Notably, Samsung is projected to produce close to 2 million OLED TVs this year, marking a twofold increase from the previous year.

    OLED TV Market Growth

    Samsung's Role in the Expanding OLED TV Market

    Market research suggests that global OLED TV sales are estimated to reach 6.3 million units in the current year, with Samsung and LG collectively accounting for 5.5 million units. In light of this data, Samsung is set to incorporate LG's B series and C series TV-level WOLED panels in its OLED TVs, while maintaining the use of in-house QD-OLED panels for premium TV models like the S95D showcased at CES earlier this year.

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