Qualcomm starts
production
The first factory dedicated to making low power-thrifty mobile
phone displays has started operation. Jim Cathey, Qualcomm's vice
president of business development said the lower power displays could be in
the shops by the end of the year.
Qualcomm's "mirasol" displays don't shine
with their own light and reflect ambient light. Tiny mirrors move in the
screens to manipulate light. The mirrors consume power only when they're
moving, so mirasol screens can show a static image with very little battery
drain.
It is similar to "electronic ink" displays used in e-book reader
devices like the Kindle from Amazon.com. However they can change from one
image to the next and show video. Their sizes can range up to 5 inches
diagonally.
They are pricey at the moment but when mass-production kicks in
prices should eventually be competitive with LCDs, Cathey said.
