It wasn’t all that long ago when articles about flexible e-ink screens were being splashed across nearly every major tech blog and website on the web. And yet while that story seems to have dried up a bit, there is, in fact, an even newer-developed flexible innovation that you’ll probably soon be reading about everywhere: flexible batteries.
The ultra-thin and super-flexible batteries have apparently just been developed by Korean scientists. And according to various bloggers and tech journalists, it’s quite possible that the batteries could one day assist in the development of tablets and e-readers that can be folded and placed in your pocket.
“A big limitation on the screen size of portable electronics is screen size,” says Peter Pachal, writing at Mashable. “Since today’s phones, tablets and e-readers are rigid, there’s an upper limit to what can fit in a pocket or handbag. But [if] the gadget can fold up, that’s another story.”
The battery, Pachal goes on to explain, is often the largest component of a tablet or e-reader. But once the Korean scientists’ flexible solid state batteries are introduced to the mass market, the development of folding hand-held devices shouldn’t be too far behind.
For more details, check out the story on PhysOrg.com (a science research and technology news service), where the story was originally reported. And take a look at the short video below to see the new battery in action.
As I remember it, those flexible e-reader screens were just months away… all these years ago. I believe in technology and progress but I think the eBook business was hampered by those who wanted to wait for the prefect machine instead of accepting one that was good enough, and then upgrading later. Perhaps the Google Glasses will have an e-reader option so we can do everything without the need for any kind of hand-held device at all. Until then, I’ll make do with my Kindle, my Nook Color (and if necessary my wife’s Kindle Fire). The eBookWise has been retired after many years of faithful service as has the Palm III. As for the flexible screened e-reader, I’m sure the photos are still in the TeleRead archives.