If you visit the CES, you would see 2prototypes on the show floor here at sport flexible displays. It shows you the time, your music playlist and videos. But those touch screens wrap partially around the device, for a unique and cylindrical look.
The prototypes come from Royole, which made a splash in November with a foldable phone called the FlexPai. The company is now marketing its flexible display touch screen technology to smart display and speaker makers.
The larger prototype of capacitive touch panel features a screen that curves around half of the product. The screen on the smaller model, meanwhile, wraps around most the device, enabling a 300-degree viewing angle.
Both prototypes of touch foil use AMOLED screens that have a fairly high pixel resolution at 1,920 by 1,440. The smart speakers also run the Android operating system. So it's possible they could run all kinds of applications.
We had a chance to try out the speakers, and both are certainly impressive—at least at first glance. The prototypes look more unique than other smart displays. They can also double as an attractive bedside lamp, thanks to the curved displays.
Unfortunately, the touch screens on both still need some work. We had to press the displays multiple times to access the menus and play or stop the music. The audio from each speaker was also pretty subpar.
Nevertheless, both devices are essentially concepts, not final products. Royole's goal is to sell the curved-screen technology to third-party vendors, which can then make the smart speakers as they see fit.
How much will a curved smart speaker cost you? Royole declined to speculate.