LG.Philips readying smudge-free computer displays

LG.Philips seems to never get bored with finding ways to better the displays our dear eyes scan so, so much, and we'll be straight up, it's hard not to get excited over its latest development. Apparently, the outfit has conjured up a method for ensuring that LCD panels resist smudges, and if that wasn't enough to pique your interest, the technology should also enable the screen to shun dirt, dust, fingerprints and permanent ink. Essentially, the new panel "employs a principle similar to that used on non-stick frying pans," but it isn't handing out any more secrets beyond that. Think you can handle even more good news? Mass production of said panels is slated for the first half of next year, so let the countdown to smudge-free mobile computing begin, eh?

[Image courtesy of Tuff-As-Nuts]

[Erik @ Nov 15th 2007 1:44PM]

Come to iPhone, please!

[anderesp @ Nov 15th 2007 2:13PM]

you didnt feel like using those really cool finger-condom to get rid of the smudges?

[ekwmin @ Nov 15th 2007 4:34PM]

One problem. If it's really slick, it might pose a threat on devices like the iPhone.

[quomen @ Nov 15th 2007 1:51PM]

C'mon Endgadget, can't you find better photos than the one you used? That has to be the grossest looking hand model + WTF kind of ring is that.

[KM @ Nov 15th 2007 1:53PM]

quomen,

You get the vote for best E comment today! I was thinking the same thing.

[adam @ Nov 15th 2007 1:53PM]

I'll believe it when I see it. These technologies always have a way of dimming the screen/reducing contrast or such like.

Side note: Roll this tech out into book sleeves so I can get my dust free sports almanac!

[kureshii @ Nov 15th 2007 2:15PM]

What's that cloth doing on a smudge-free screen?

Sounds like a Teflon-coated LCD... but if it works I'm all for it.

[BubbaGumb @ Nov 15th 2007 2:42PM]

if its Teflon coated,

can i fry an egg on it???

imagine that,
an lcd monitor an fry pan in one,
never have to leave your computer to cook food again :D

[tiuk @ Nov 15th 2007 2:26PM]

Oh, pretty please with sugar on top. I can't *stand* people who don't know how to hover their finger.

[Skulfighter @ Nov 15th 2007 3:37PM]

I hate it when people point at my screen and leave a wonderfully greasy full size fingerprint.

[NHAnimator @ Nov 15th 2007 3:02PM]

"Essentially, the new panel 'employs a principle similar to that used on non-stick frying pans'"

Bad news for my gecko.

[Benson @ Nov 15th 2007 4:44PM]

Me want on my N800!!!!!

Seriously, if it doesn't reduce the sensitivity of the screen's, this will be great on iPhones, ITs, and all manner of touchscreen gadgets.

But they aren't talking about handhelds, they're talking notebooks. I suspect there's a reason. :(

[Lupe @ Nov 16th 2007 3:14AM]

A smudge free screen would really be a cool thing
http://ezinearticles.com/?Chemical-Peel&id=781895

[malaeum @ Nov 15th 2007 6:13PM]

This sort of thing isn't terribly new. The same sort of behavior is being perfect for use on glass already with the intended use being for automotive windshields, eyeglasses (they are polycarbonate, not glass, but its being worked there too), and lenses, and who knows what else.

My MSE 367 professor is working on this and is one of the leaders in this field. Here is a press release on it, followed by some follow up reading on how this works for those who are interested. Well reading through one of the links it seems that this would be possible on a flexible substrate as well so perhaps this is the same tech.

http://www.purdue.edu/UNS/x/2007a/070326YoungbloodSelfclean.html
https://engineering.purdue.edu/MSE/People/Faculty/jpyoungb/research3.html
https://engineering.purdue.edu/MSE/People/Faculty/jpyoungb/research4.html

[tekdroid @ Nov 15th 2007 7:30PM]

the thing is, non-stick frypans still smudge, only less noticeably. So not sure what they are getting at there. Teflon and non-stick/non-stain chemicals in general are also related to many health problems; DuPont was sued for the multi-decade cover up. Cast iron frypans are the real non-stick, that will last a lifetime with some basic maintenance and won't kill you...).
http://www.health-report.co.uk/teflon_risks_not_reported.htm

That said, smudges are a non-issue to me, generally speaking. It's funny that we are seeing all these tacky gloss laptops and desktops and monitors now, and this comes out. Har. Would be interesting to see just how effective it is. I doubt it's 100% resistant.

[Matt @ Nov 15th 2007 10:50PM]

So, instead of actually using a tablet or touch-screen to draw "on" the screen to circle things for emphasis, you could just write on it with permanent marker and wipe it clean afterwards? :P