30 Futuristic Screens3

By B.Z., Jan 27, 2010 in Pop Culture, Zerks Log

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30 Futuristic Screens

Great advancements in screen technology were made in 2009, have continued in 2010, and by the looks of things, are not likely to slow down in the near future. Some of the most popular trends include 3-D capable television displays, color and dual screen e-readers and computer screens that can swivel, rotate and detach. There’s also a flurry of activity around multi-touch screens, flexible displays, and LED lighting, not to mention projection screens that are transparent and inflatable.

Personally, these technologies bring to mind science fiction shows such as “Star Trek” and “Battlestar Galactica,” which both feature futuristic screens onboard their various spaceships. And in a similar sandbox, there’s our own original web-comedy, “Zerks Log,” in which the missing Captain Zerks communicates with the audience solely through the use of his view-screen. While we might still be a long way from the technology of “Zerks Log,” here’s a look at 30 futuristic screens that are taking us one step closer.

1. Apple’s i-Pad

There’s no denying that tech savvy consumers have longed for a state-of-the-art “tablet” or electronic notebook; Apple’s newly unveiled i-Pad, a cross between a laptop and an e-reader, may just be the product they’ve been waiting for. While folks like Panasonic, HP and others have developed tablets in the past, Apple’s version of the product features a state-of-the-art 9.7″ touch screen that can be used to browse the Internet, play games, or read (gasp!) The New York Times.

2. Apple Wearable Screens

In 2008, Research and Markets speculated that Apple was in the process of developing wearable screens – that’s right, eyeglasses containing tiny screens on the lenses. Dubbed “personal viewers,” these wearable screens will provide video and navigation features while allowing the wearer to either block or view their surroundings.

3. Athena Sofa

Couch surfers rejoice! The high tech Athena sofa allows you to stay connected while crashing on someone’s couch. The couch contains a monitor that extends when in use.

4. Castoven

Yet another testament to society’s love of multitasking and constant stimulation: the Castoven microwave that plays YouTube videos while cooking. Developed by two student researchers from Japan’s Keio University, the Castoven contains a 10.4” LCD screen, as a well as a speaker, and connects to any computer. What’s more, the Castoven selects videos that correspond with the length of heating time.

5. Inflatable Outdoor Movie Screen

Open Air Cinema’s inflatable movie screens can turn any backyard into an outdoor movie theatre. The screens are not only large (up to 18’ tall), lightweight (17 lbs. max.), and affordable, but they also contain theatrical grade projection surfaces.

6. Christie’s MicroTiles

Stepping up display technology – literally – Christie’s Microtiles can be stacked upon each other and arranged in various shapes. The effect is a digital wall or canvas of block units that display images in exceptional brightness and color thanks to the product’s advanced optical design.

7. CLARO Holoscreen TV

It’s easy to see why the CLARO Holoscreen was said to be the future of TV screens when it debuted almost five years ago. Thanks to holographic technology, the images projected onto the device’s transparent display seem as though they are suspended in air. Although it is not yet a staple in homes, it may be soon, especially when considering that it is compatible with contemporary devices such as DVD players and game consoles.

8. Dell’s Alien M11X

Gamers tired of bulky and cumbersome gaming computers will undoubtedly be pleased with Dell’s astonishingly trim Alienware M11x, available this Spring. Along with an 11.6” LCD screen, the device also offers the capability to connect to larger HD monitors so that gamers can transport their computers.

9. Flexible Screen Displays

Various manufacturers are currently in the process of creating flexible displays that are easily rolled up, transported, and stored away. Some experts predict that, so long as technology and research steadily advance, flexible displays could be available within the next ten years.

Think Flesible Screen Displays are a ridiculous pitch for a viable technology? Well how about a movie that’s basically National Treasure with boobs ?

10. Fujitsu’s Flepia

Color is definitely the next trend in electronic readers, as seen with Fujitsu’s Flepia. Along with a capability to display 260,000 colors on its 8” touchscreen, this e-reader also features an on-screen keyboard. Although it is currently only available in Japan, the product will be shipped to the U.S. starting in April. One question remains: does it have a chance now that the iPad has launched?

11. Gestural Interface Screens

What can make touchscreens seem outdated? Gestural interface: a system that can track a user’s finger movements in front of, not on, a screen. While researchers are still perfecting the technology at Microsoft and MIT, many speculate that gestural interface will arrive on mobile devices and computer screens in the near future.

12. Hewlett Packard Dream Screen

Digital picture frames no longer simply display photos – they now also connect to social networks, photo-sharing sites, and RSS feeds. One such example is HP’s DreamScreen 100; in addition to displaying photos from a memory card, the device features a 10.2” screen and WiFi connectivity.

13. HP Touchsmart tm2

HP’s Touchsmart tm2 may be one of the best-looking swiveltops on the market. Not only does the device feature a 12.1” screen that rotates, but it can also be converted into a touchscreen tablet by activating the Bumptop 3D program.

14. Kohjinsha’s Dual Screen Laptop

Kohjinsha’s DZ is a trailblazer in perfecting duality in the screens of tomorrow. The first dual screen laptop, now on sale in Japan, offers two 10.1″ LED backlit screens. Not only can the screens rotate 180 degrees, but they can also feature either independent or dual displays.

15. Lenovo Hybrid Notebook

While many hybrid laptops, such as HP’s Touchsmart, have swivel screens, Lenovo’s IdeaPad U1 offers a screen that detaches completely. How is this possible? The IdeaPad U1, available in June, contains not just two screens, but two processors as well.

16. LG 480hz TV Screen

Although 240Hz LCD TV screens are considered fairly recent, LG debuted a 480Hz screen at the 2010 Consumer Electronics Show. This screen technology sharpens action sequences by eliminating most of the blur.

17. LG AMOLED TV Screens

Although active-matrix organic light-emitting diode (AM-OLED) displays have many advantages – better picture quality, less power consumption, and an extreme thinness – they are continually passed over in favor of LCD displays, which are better priced for mass production. LG sought to change all this when it introduced a 15” AM-OLED TV last September in Berlin. The device is expected hit markets in the States sometime this year.

18. Google’s Liquid Galaxy

Google’s Liquid Galaxy, or Holodeck, brings viewing images on Google Earth to a new level. Imagine stepping inside the “street view” image on your computer screen – at least that’s how some have described the experience of Liquid Galaxy, thanks to the eight giant screens that offer a panoramic view.

19. LPD screens

If gestural interface is the next touchscreen, then LPD may be the next LCD. Developed by Prysm, laser-powered phosphor display (LPD) uses lasers rather than electrons. The benefits include: improved black levels, high definition 3-D capable resolution, and low power consumption.

20. Misa Touchscreen Guitar

Think of it as Guitar Hero for the next generation. Misa’s digital guitar replaces traditional screens with a touchscreen display. Users can also enjoy loads of customized features as well an electric (not digital) guitar sound.

21. ng Connect’s Car Dashboard Touchscreen

It is becoming increasingly common to see more and more touchscreens: ATMs, checkout stands, and . . . car dashboards? Ng Connect is currently developing a LCD touchscreen that will come installed on the Toyota Prius dashboard. In addition to containing entertainment and navigation features, this device will also feature an app platform and high-speed Internet.

22. Optimus Tactus Keyboard

Proving that touchscreens aren’t just for, well, screens, the Art Lebedev presents the Optimus Tactus, a keyboard without keys. While physically resembling a real keyboard, it’s actually a giant sensor display that can change appearances depending on the function you want it to perform: type, watch videos (yes, on the keyboard) and just about anything else.

23. Panasonic VT25 3D Plasma TV

Watching movies in 3-D at the movie theater is nothing new – but what about watching 3-D TV at home? While many manufacturers are eager to make 3-D TV a reality, Panasonic is leading the way with the VT25, available this Spring. This flat-panel HD TV will not only have 3-D capability, but also comes with sleek-looking 3-D glasses.

24. PURE Sensia radio

PURE has developed digital radios previously, but their Sensia model is the first to feature WiFi. By using the radio’s 5.7” touchscreen, consumers can access their favorite social networking sites in addition to Internet and FM radio. The screen also displays slideshows from radio stations and album art.

25. Samsung’s Pico Projector Phone

Would you like the ability to install a screen on almost anything? Samsung’s Pico Projector phone can do just that, thanks to the tiny projector installed inside that can project images on almost any surface. Although they are currently only offered in Korea, projectors may soon become a common feature in cell phones everywhere.

26. Sharp “Fourth Color” Technology

Most LCD TV’s only feature pixels in three primary colors: red, green and blue. Sharp has introduced a fourth primary color – yellow – which brings the number of colors shown onscreen to 1 trillion. While some critics question how big a difference it can make, Sharp will feature this technology on a third of their flat-panel TV’s this year.

27. TOOB Screen Dome

Everyone loves watching movies and playing video games in 3-D. Wearing the glasses, however? Not so much. The TOOB is a digital screen meant to give users the 3-D experience, without glasses, thanks to its unique dome shape.

28. Transparentius

From the visionary that brought you the digital keyboard comes new developments in both road safety and screen technology. Art Lebedev’s Transparentius is a rear projection screen meant for semi-trucks that projects oncoming traffic to those following behind, making the truck look almost transparent.

29. Viewsonic HD Moviebook VPD550T

This April, Viewsonic will feature the MovieBook VPD550T, a portable HD media player. The device features a 5” LCD touchscreen display as well as an incredibly reasonable price.

30. Woehburk Crystalline Projection Screen

In 2007, Germany’s Woehburk introduced its line of Crystalline projectors – transparent projector screens that produce sharp images. In addition to being completely transparent, the highly durable screens can be cut, bent, folded and shaped.