The display on Samsung's latest handset, the Galaxy S6 Edge, already spills over the side of its own face. But Samsung is preparing to push its next generation of displays to 11k resolution with a pixel concentration of 2,250 ppi (Pixels Per Inch), according to ET News.
To put Samsung's 11k ambitions in perspective, the standard HD, 1080p, has a pixel count of 1,920 x 1,080. An 11k display would have a resolution of 11,264 х 6,336 — offering an unprecedented level of clarify.
With 4K for smartphones just up the road and many people still wowed by 2K, 11k could seem like overkill. But it's the future, according to Chu Hye Yong, executive director of Samsung Display's Base Technology Department.
"We are hoping that we are able to show such technologies at Pyeongchang Olympics if there is a progress in developing technologies," he said. "Although some might think that 11K as 'over specification' that consumers do not need, this can work as a basis for [the] Korean display industry [to] take another leap, if related materials and parts improve through this."
Samsung began development of the 11k display at the beginning of June. The manufacturer has partnered with the government of South Korea – which is investing $26.5 million over five years – and 13 other tech companies, both foreign and domestic.
One of Samsung's objectives with the 11k is to create a 3D effect. The resolution from the high number of pixels would generate an optical illusion to give users life-like depth of field. Plus, it wouldn't require any 3D glasses, goggles or headsets to deliver 3D.
11k may indeed be the stuff of the future — but another of Samsung's display innovations may literally hit the streets much sooner.
Samsung wants to put cameras on the front of big rigs, with the video feed showing on a display at the back. The system, known as Safety Truck, would effectively allow motorists to see "through" trucks to the road ahead.
"Currently, the prototype truck built is no longer operational," the company said. "So far, Samsung has been able to confirm that the technology works and that this idea can definitely save the lives of many people."
The next step, according to Samsung, is to bring in non-government organizations along with the South Korean government.
