Electronics giant Koninklijke Philips Electronics has
revealed new paper-like computer displays made almost entirely of plastic that are both flexible and low-cost and potentially revolutionary.
More than just neat gadgets, the flexible displays could have a vast impact both economically and environmentally.
Flexible displays not only could replace bulky computer monitors and rigid flat screens, but also supplant paper in books, newspapers and elsewhere in print.
"There aren't enough trees in China to make enough schoolbooks for their kids. And kids are trudging around in their 40-lbs. backpacks here," said Michael McCreary, vice president of advanced research at E Ink of Cambridge, Mass., the company whose electronic ink technology is the imaging layer for the Philip's flexible display.
"You could just have a single electronic book with a flexible display that gets updated each year."