Samsung unveils bendable TV

Many observers of technology trends have predicted that the television industry will be the next to enjoy significant innovation. However, while most have assumed TV sets will become smarter, with continually online entertainment hubs, few have suggested the need for flexible screens.

Defying the long-held rule of giving consumers what they want, Samsung has unveiled its huge new Bendable TV that allows multiple viewing angles. The 85in screen is designed to enhance viewing experiences, and allows users to control the curvature by remote control.

Many don’t see any clamour from the public for flexible screens, with more demand for simplified services and customisable content

Samsung’s LED screens were unveiled at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, alongside similar, but slightly smaller, flexible screens from rival LG. However, immediately there were mumblings of derision from observers. Many don’t see any clamour from the public for flexible screens, with more demand for simplified services and customisable content.

Martin Garner, a technology consultant for CCS Insight, said that both Samsung and LG would need to prove that such televisions are necessary in people’s homes. “The challenge for the firms is to demonstrate that the world really needs this. They are, however, a nice attempt at differentiation.”

The TV industry is set to undergo big changes in other areas over the coming year. Many high quality 4K screens are set to go to market in the next twelve months, while other manufacturers are seeking tighter integration of content and online services in their products.

Apple has long been rumoured to release a television of its own, while Google has made another attempt at cracking the market with its recent Chromecast dongle that streams content from computers to TVs. LG, which last year acquired the license to the webOS operating system from HP, has integrated it into their new sets in the hope of simplifying things for viewers.