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LG has unveiled a new stretchable screen that can be tugged up to 18inches long – and could even be used on clothing in the future.
The company has been working on bendy screens for several years.
The latest prototype, from LG’s Display division, can bend, twist and stretch between 12 to 18inches.
According to LG Display, it “can be repeatedly stretched over 10,000 times, maintaining clear image quality even in extreme environments such as exposure to low or high temperatures and external shocks.”
It is the “world’s first” stretchable display, according to the Korean tech firm, and can expand by up to 50% its original size.
LG’s first iteration of the free-form screen, unveiled in 2022, could stretch up to 20% of its initial size.
The most recent version of the screen marks a more than double improvement in elasticity.
It is even capable of displaying full RGB colours and a 100ppi resolution.
In comparison, a smartphone typically has between 300 and 500ppi.
Flexible displays have become available to consumers in recent years, typically in the form of folding smartphones.
LG, which cancelled its rollable TV project earlier this year, suggested the stretchable screen could be attached to fabric and used as infotainment screens in cars.
Or even used in sci-fi style clothing.
“Stretchable displays are not only thin and lightweight but also capable of adhering to irregularly curved surfaces like clothing and skin,” the company said.
“They are expected to be widely applied in various industries, from fashion and wearables to mobility.”
Beyond future high-street fashion, the screen could be used to modify the gear of emergency responders, without compromising on comfort.
LG added that the display “can be operated by hand as well as a wearable display attached to firefighters’ uniforms that provides real-time information.”
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