Samsung is still generations away from perfecting display that can be folded, as evidenced by the still existing folds and brittle plastic screen protector on it. However, that does not mean it can not play around with unconventional type of display, such as a removable screen before. But this time, it shows the kind of new look that can only be described as a “stretchable.” But compared with the folds and rolls, stretchable OLED screen is not really something that was meant to be touched or tasted most of the time.
Folding display more often than not is used mainly in smartphones and tablets, making it something that you hold and touch during use. Rollable screens, on the other hand, can be used for things such as TV and the installation of the display, but there are also attempts to use it on mobile devices. Despite being in the realm of possibility to use runway 13-inch display for a large tablet, Samsung may be targeting the TV and non-interactive installation instead.
That may be because the main effect screen which can be stretched more visual than tactile. “Hirsute” almost sounds like putty, but anyone who has seen the implementation of deformable screen will know that hardly will be the case for this view. Might better describe the display as something that can damage it a little to give the appearance of bumps and raised structures.
In a demonstration that Samsung presented at the Global Tech Korea 2021, 13-inch OLED panel that can be stretched seen video flowing lava. Even more of the flowing water, the surface of the lava away from the flat and smooth, and the mechanisms under the panel “push” the screen to the top or to the outside in places where there should be the surface. It gives the appearance of a true 3D images without need stereoscopic technology.
While you may be able to touch the mound 3d, it probably will not be the main purpose of this special screen incarnation. That said, it’s not a stretch (play on words) to imagine a stretchable display this type eventually solve the problem of tactile and haptic feedback of the keyboard on the screen. With hopefully in the future, it is possible to touch the screen to have a lump that matches the key, making it feel a bit more natural to type in the display compared to a flat glass screen at this time.