New Clie to Use an OLED Display

Posted By: Ryan Tuesday, December 30, 2003 4:08:44 PM

According to an article published on Yomiuri Online, a Japanese newspaper, Sony is planning to begin using OLED, or Organic LED screen technology, in new handhelds due in the spring of 2004.

The article in the Yomiuri claims that Sony will begin using a new OLED screen in a handheld in the spring of 2004. The company has not released a new model since October. Sony may also debut a new model at the upcoming CES show in January, as they did with the NZ90 last year.

About OLED Screens
Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) is a generic term for a whole group of possible screen types. OLEDs are made up of thin films of organic materials that give off light of various colors when voltage is applied to them. Like LCDs, OLEDs have both active matrix and passive matrix forms.

The main advantages of OLED screens over current ones is the screen itself glows so there is no need for a back- or side-light. This means they require less power and take up less space, two important factors in a handheld. They also cost less to make.

OLEDs have a faster response time so they are also better able to show video. They can be seen from wider viewing angles. They are less susceptible to heat and cold. OLEDs have fewer manufacturing steps and use both fewer and cheaper materials than LCDs do.

Numerous companies are working on developing OLED screens, like Sony, Pioneer; and TDK. Research scientists at Kodak invented the OLED in the early 80s and the company continues working with them today.

Thanks to ClieSource for the link.

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Any disadvantages?

rened @ 12/30/2003 4:45:22 PM #
Are there any disadvantages?
RE: Any disadvantages?
hoodoo @ 12/30/2003 4:49:24 PM #
Babelfish translation of article:

"Organic EL the next generation PDA who was used, SONY next spring sale

SONY is observed on the 27th, the picture display of the next generation (display) as, "organic EL (electro- luminescence) the portable information terminal which used display" (PDA), the policy of selling 2004 spring was made clear.

As for organic EL, the vividness and the like of coloration is the merchandise in comparison with the picture of liquid crystal system, but those where enlargement is difficult technically were the weak point. PDA which SONY sells anew 3 - 4 inches and, as a commercial item is the schedule which "the for the first time (SONY) former 2 times uses large picture in the world". The hit commodity very without developing, there is the aim of preceding with development competition of the next generation display for SONY where, painful management is continued, assuring the rollback.

SONY adjusts to the loading to PDA, from 2004 spring, monthly output 300000 scale (2 inch conversion) with starts the mass production of larger-sized organic EL panel. Furthermore, furthermore enlarging organic EL in the future, you aim toward the fact that you use in the screen of the thin-shaped television."

I gather that a larger display of 3"-4" is/was the problem, apparently overcome now? Definitely a very exciting development.


RE: Any disadvantages?
TrafficGeek @ 12/30/2003 5:02:13 PM #
The earlier generation of OLED suffers from longevity issues. I don't know if this has improved, or how much it has improved in the current state of the art.
RE: Any disadvantages?
Admin @ 12/30/2003 5:02:17 PM #
that babelfish translation thing made no sense to me
RE: Any disadvantages?
Altema @ 12/30/2003 5:10:08 PM #
One thing that comes to mind is brightness, which would be limited by the output of the OLED itself with no help from additional lighting.

RE: Any disadvantages?
Sho-Bud @ 12/30/2003 5:21:12 PM #
Organic: You'll have to feed your PDA.

RE: Any disadvantages?
Strider_mt2k @ 12/30/2003 5:29:59 PM #
"No handheld displays were harmed in the making of this motion picture."

Bumper sticker: "Handheld displays are people too!"

Widespread reports of handhelds being stolen by misguided-yet-well-intentioned PETA-ites and thrown into oceans and lakes to be set free.

The future is now. ;)

Happy New Year EVERYONE!

RE: Any disadvantages?
Strider_mt2k @ 12/30/2003 5:34:46 PM #
Also this just in:


OLED technology is NOT to be confused with OLEO technology, which involves a form of electroluminescent margarine.

Or OREO technology, which of course harnesses the power of snack foods.

;)

RE: Any disadvantages?
hotpaw4 @ 12/30/2003 8:47:05 PM #
Volume OLED manufacturing technology isn't as mature, so there could be cost and quality issues. Earlier OLED displays had age related degradation problems, but maybe about the same life as a daily cycled li-ion battery, so that might be a suffient product life for a power user who replaces his gadgets every year or two.

And the main advantage of OLED displays is also it's biggest disadvantage: the pixels are self lit. Since no backlight is needed, it's much brighter at lower power levels; so will have much better battery life indoors. But since there is no backlight reflector, the display can become invisible in direct sunlight.

OLED display units are thinner, and can use a thinner battery for the same battery life, so I expect they will help in the design of extra thin-and-light models.

RE: Any disadvantages?
robrecht @ 12/30/2003 10:13:29 PM #
And now for the funniest post of the year award. The envelope, please: Strider_mt2k!

Thanks, robrecht
RE: Any disadvantages?
HardyM @ 1/1/2004 2:18:36 PM #
The only number I could verify is 1000 hours life for blue OLEDs. In June I was told of a lifetime of several thousand hours by an engineer from a development team at TU-Dresden.

RE: Any disadvantages?
aardvarko @ 1/6/2004 7:11:05 PM #
The OLED display in my phone (T8767) is quite readable in direct sunlight. It's bright enough to serve as a flashlight at night.

Will PPC, Tapwave, palmOne follow?

Palm Cow @ 12/30/2003 4:55:59 PM #
So ... I have read over the last couple months about OLED technology in digi-cams for thinner, larger, more efficient screens. So if Song starts incorperating OLED displays into all their PDAs ... will there be such a differece as to compell palmOne, Tapwave, and various PPC brands (thinking more of Dell, Toshiba, and HP here) to follow with OLED displays? Or is this technology not very different than LCD, just a little thinner and more efficient?

Chess or Chyes
Palm Cow loves it.
CHYES! kevin707s@mchsi.com
RE: Will PPC, Tapwave, palmOne follow?
JKingGrim @ 12/30/2003 7:35:23 PM #
OLEDs are thinner than paper. They need no backlight, significantly reducing power needs. So now you have a low power display that takes virtualy no room inside the PDA. Just imagine how thin, long batt life, and feature rich PDAs are on the horizon...

...if Palm starts using them. ;)

RE: Will PPC, Tapwave, palmOne follow?
Ben S @ 12/31/2003 1:35:59 AM #
PalmOne's handhelds already have Sony screens... so it's highly likely that if Sony Electronics stars producing an OLED screen, it will find its way into a future PalmOne model.

RE: Will PPC, Tapwave, palmOne follow?
Timothy Rapson @ 12/31/2003 7:41:42 AM #
The cost factor is also a huge bonus with OLED. There were cost problems with early models, until someone found the could use standard ink jet technology (yes, just like in your $30 Lexmark) to spray the organic compounds onto the projecting surface. Most reports are that the screen is the most expensive part of the PDA and a good one can cost the manufacturer $40 or more. My guess is that if Sony can take the hit on their current LCD business profits that would result, they could produce tons of color screen products from PDAs to cameras to phones, to GameBoy competitors all selling for less than $100 each and very pocketable.

How does OLED perform outdoors?

twocents @ 12/30/2003 5:40:31 PM #


Crappy
MediaBaron @ 12/30/2003 8:22:36 PM #
I have a Motorola TimePort cellphone that uses an OLED display. It's very sharp and contrasty but worthless in sunlight. It seems to be similar to a plasma display as the pixel elements themselves are illuminated, so in dim/dark places it looks great. In sunlight it just looks like a black screen.

RE: How does OLED perform outdoors?
Strider_mt2k @ 1/1/2004 10:17:22 AM #
Hmm,
This could result in a reverse Zire that folks only use at night!

RE: How does OLED perform outdoors?
Palm Cow @ 1/3/2004 12:25:28 AM #
LOL!

Chess or Chyes
Palm Cow loves it.
CHYES! kevin707s@mchsi.com

New Sony CLIE?

Verteron @ 12/30/2003 6:16:57 PM #
OLED Screen
480x640 Resolution
UX, TJ, NX/NZ Form Factors
WiFi
Palm OS6

= Palm Bliss? Maybe even at a reasonable price?


RE: New Sony CLIE?
positivelectron5 @ 12/30/2003 7:23:02 PM #
that wouldnt be keeping the same ratio (320x480 isnt the same as 480x640)

Sony's product cycle is in dog years!
RE: New Sony CLIE?
abhinay @ 12/30/2003 7:51:10 PM #
lol! With an OLED, it is actually possible to put a much denser screen in a smaller area, so 640x480 isn't that distinct a possibility

RE: New Sony CLIE?
positivelectron5 @ 12/30/2003 7:54:14 PM #
Well itd have to be better-sony has to improve its screens with each release, and keep the same ratio to accommadate programs

Sony's product cycle is in dog years!
RE: New Sony CLIE?
Verteron @ 12/30/2003 8:49:37 PM #
> that wouldnt be keeping the same ratio (320x480 isnt the same as 480x640)

Well Handera managed to put a 240x320 screen in to a Palm. I remember someone saying that POS6 would support any multiples of 160x160, so HiRes++ (480x480 with virtual graffiti) isn't that unreasonable.

RE: New Sony CLIE?
skennedy1217 @ 12/31/2003 3:43:11 PM #
Drats! Just when I was about to buy a UX50.... So, do I live with my T|T until the new ones come out, or try to pick up a UX on clearance when the prices start dropping?
RE: New Sony CLIE?
positivelectron5 @ 12/31/2003 7:34:40 PM #
>so HiRes++ (480x480 with virtual graffiti) isn't that unreasonable.
But the virtual graffiti should keep the same dpi as the rest of the screen.

Sony's product cycle is in dog years!
RE: New Sony CLIE?
ardiri @ 1/1/2004 10:59:10 AM #
480x720 = 160x240 * 3

that would be more like the resolution possible :) if you were to keep compatibility with existing PalmOS applications. a 3:1 pixel ratio isn't hard to do - but, i doubt we'll be seeing that any time soon :)

---
Aaron Ardiri
PalmOS Certified Developer
aaron_ardiri@mobilewizardry.com
http://www.mobilewizardry.com/members/aaron_ardiri.php

RE: New Sony CLIE?
Take1 @ 1/2/2004 8:03:44 PM #
I've been waiting for OLED to arrive in a handheld!! I was going to purcahse a T3, but I'm now going to use my TG-50 and wait a few months for the new Sony to come out. Hopefully, it won't be another UX model and actually be a full-screen T or TG series upgrade!!

Since I don't hold onto any PDA for more than a couple of years, if the screen can last at least 1.5 -2 years, then it's not going to be a problem.

The power savings of OLED should either create an uber thin device, or a regular sized device will fantastic battery life!

Clie with OLED...!?

abosco @ 12/30/2003 7:36:28 PM #
Remember my prediction for Sony climbing to the top in 2004 despite a dismal year in '03? OLED may be their ticket, selling ARM handhelds with great screens and OUTRAGEOUSLY good battery life for its feature set, plus a thin body because of no backlighting. Let's just hope it's in a T-series form with HVGA (or dare I say, VGA?)!

Dream - NX80v with OLED VGA, dual wireless, dual slots, 128RAM/64ROM, OS 6, and 400 MHz.

-Bosco
NX80v + Wifi + BT + T616

RE: Clie with OLED...!?
Foo Fighter @ 12/30/2003 9:14:21 PM #
OLED may be their ticket

I doubt it. Sony won't be the only vendor building handhelds around OLED displays, you can be sure of that.

-------------------------------
My blog: www.pocketfactory.com

RE: Clie with OLED...!?
robrecht @ 12/30/2003 10:17:19 PM #
But it won't be backwardly compatible with previous alphabets. Good for multimedia, bad for text applications.

Thanks, robrecht
RE: Clie with OLED...!?
gfunkmagic @ 12/30/2003 10:19:48 PM #
quote: "OLED may be their ticket

I doubt it. Sony won't be the only vendor building handhelds around OLED displays, you can be sure of that."

True...but OLED screens could still be a healthy boost for Sony since it is one the major lcd manufactures in the world...

Visit http://goodthatway.com/
-better living through better technology.

another translation

Salt Peanuts @ 12/31/2003 12:11:27 AM #
Here's another translation of the article. Japanese is kinda hard to translate IMO.

"SONY announced on 27th that they will release PDAs using an OLED display in the spring of 2004.

OLED's main strength comapred to LCD is its superior vividness, but it has been difficult to manufacture larger screens. The new SONY PDAs will have 3-4 inch display, which would be twice the size of previously available displays (*I'm assuming they mean this by OLED displays, but there's no mention of it). This new dispalay may help rally SONY in the PDA market where they had been struggling to produce a hit product.

For use with the new PDAs, SONY will begin mass production of larger OLED displays in the spring of 2004 at the rate of 30000 displays per month. Additionally, they are looking to further enlarge OLED displays for use with televisions."

RE: another translation
Courante @ 12/31/2003 1:18:54 AM #
>> This new dispalay may help rally SONY in the PDA market where they had been struggling to produce a hit product. <<

If they keep screwing up with non standard API amd locking the device on proprietary peripherals, it would still doesn't sell.

The OLED would just be a neat but short lived gimmick, just like any of their latest models.

RE: another translation
JKingGrim @ 12/31/2003 1:38:33 PM #
"it would still doesn't sell."

Terrible English Ska. Stop skipping English class to visit this site.

RE: another translation
Sleuth255 @ 1/1/2004 10:59:28 AM #
hmmm... not ska I think; she was always a big fan of oled technology and even ska's english wasn't that bad...

RE: another translation
mj6798 @ 1/2/2004 11:22:39 AM #
If they keep screwing up with non standard API amd locking the device on proprietary peripherals, it would still doesn't sell.

Since PalmOS lacks standard APIs for the new features Sony wants to add, what choice do they have?

The proliferation of non-standard Palm APIs is Palm's fault. Let's hope that POS6 fixes this by finally having decent graphics, sound, and I/O APIs.

Can't Wait!

MJGunn @ 12/31/2003 1:58:16 PM #
Can't wait to see this in action on a PDA. I just picked up a Samsung E715 (a flip phone with an OLED outer display), and its beautiful. It is, literally, my favorite part of the phone :)

Kodak Cameras are already using them

benixau @ 1/1/2004 2:07:08 AM #
I have seen Kodaks consumer camera that has a nice OLED display in it. WOW! This thing makes me reconsider flat panel technologies in terms of clarity etc as it beats most CRTs I have seen in their (CRT monitors in general) strong points.

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