Samsung, known for its innovative OLED displays, showcased its latest concepts at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. Among the impressive lineup was the Samsung Cling Band, the company’s first attempt at a wrist-worn watch. This unique device combines the functionalities of a phone, smartwatch, and fitness band, making it a versatile accessory.
The Cling Band, in its candy bar mode, resembles a standard phone with ridges along its backside. However, when it’s in “backbend mode,” it curves over to create a perfectly domed bridge. While still in the early stages of development, the novelty factor of flicking a phone against your arm and watching it curl around your wrist is undeniable. It brings back memories of slap bracelets from childhood.
Although some creases are visible on the display when folded, the majority of the screen remains remarkably smooth when curved. During a demonstration, one of the samples had a working display, allowing for basic scrolling. However, scrolling mostly resulted in zooming in and out of images. The Cling Band truly shines when displaying a gallery of photos all around the wrist. This suggests that a wrist-worn phone could become an interesting and customizable fashion accessory, surpassing more established wearables like smart rings, smartwatches, and glasses.
Samsung’s display team showcased various other intriguing concepts at the event. One standout was the Flex Magic Pixel, which adjusts the viewing angle of the screen for privacy. By combining OLED technology with AI capabilities, Samsung created a screen that can only be viewed face-on. This feature ensures that no one sitting next to you on the subway can sneak a peek at your screen while you check your bank balance during your commute.
The team also experimented with fitting small OLED panels into smaller devices like headphones and car keys. This innovation allows for useful information to be displayed conveniently. For example, a circular OLED on an earbuds case featured a spinning vinyl disc with an artist’s face in the middle, indicating the currently playing music. While adding a screen to such devices may impact battery life, the aesthetic appeal is undeniable.
In addition to these concepts, Samsung teased its rollable display concept and a flexible display as thin as paper. It is hoped that these concepts will not be shelved for future development but instead integrated into products available for purchase in the near future.
Samsung’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of OLED display technology is evident in its impressive showcase at the Mobile World Congress. The Cling Band and other innovative concepts demonstrate the company’s ambition to create devices that are not only functional but also visually appealing. As consumers eagerly await the release of these groundbreaking products, it is clear that Samsung’s OLED displays continue to captivate and inspire.
