Next Generation of E-Readers Could Be Flexible

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August 30, 2010 9:36 PM EDT

LG's announcement that it's mass producing flexible e-paper displays means the next generation of e-readers could have a whole new form.

According to an SEC filing, LG will be mass producing 9.7-inch color and 19-inch flexible e-paper by the end of this year. While some companies, such as Skiff, have already attempted to produce the flexible e-reader, a mass produced display from LG could drive this type of product to popular devices says analysts.

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"The competition between e-readers in still in the early phase," Andy Castonguay, connected device analyst at the Yankee Group said. "It's focused around the form factor, the size of the screen and the weight of the device. The advantages the more flexible screens offer in size and thinness will be a lot different than what we see now, it will be something I think a lot of people will prefer."

Most e-readers now have a glass protector. This makes the typical e-reader inflexible and heavier. Only a few e-readers have ever been made with a flexible display. The Skiff Reader and Plastic Logic were two companies that attempted to go this route. However, the heavy pricing competition didn't allow for either to beat the entrenched industry leaders. Skiff ended up getting bought out by News Corp, which promptly killed its e-reader plans. Plastic Logic also ended up dropping its idea for a flexible e-reader.

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However, the mass production of these flexible displays means industry leaders could be integrating them into their next devices. LG is one of the leading suppliers of LCD screens used for tablets and e-paper for e-readers.

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"With this, everyone will be able to have a flexible e-reader," Sara Rotman-Epps, analyst at Forrester said. "Sony can make their e-readers flexible, Amazon can make the Kindle flexible, Barnes & Noble can make the Nook flexible."

According to Rotman-Epps, flexibility would add a level of durability that current devices don't have. "If you've ever used a Kindle you know how fragile it is. If you can improve the durability of the device, you are bringing a major benefit to consumers," she added.

Industry analysts say a flexible-display e-reader could add a better platform for newspapers and magazines. Both Rotman-Epps and Castonguay even said the display might even be used for all-in-one consumer tablet computers like the iPad.

"Eventually the technology behind the screens, connectivity and battery life of the single purpose device will no longer force you to compromise and those types of devices will have it all. But that's a couple of years away. Until then, there is room for a single purpose device with a flexible, durable screen," Castonguay said.

It's unclear how flexible displays would impact the pricing. LG did not respond to requests for comment.

This article is copyrighted by International Business Times, the business news leader