Bigger bendy phones need flexible, elastic & stretchable electronics

IDTechEx believe that the only portable answer to meet these needs is flexible and then elastic, stretchable electronics that can withstand extreme abuse by the user. Future wearables will even take the form of tightly-rollable large screens that can unwind and spring back from the phone or tablet.

Future portable and wearable devices may also incorporate larger keyboards and large area photovoltaics charging the battery in order to tackle the power problems associated with new features such as NFC. Users are increasingly calling for WiFi, GPS and other features at all times. This creates a major issue for ever thinner phones which will require several forms of energy harvesting in the future. As Edison said 130 years ago: "make electricity where you need it".

Hosted by IDTechEx, 19th to 20th November in California, Printed Electronics USA is the world's largest event on printed, organic and flexible electronics. The event will cover flexible, stretchable, transparent and other advanced forms of electronics. The two day event will feature nine parallel conferences, one of which explores wearable technology and another which details new forms of energy harvesting. Optional masterclasses are available where world-renowned experts will teach a variety of these subjects. End-user requirements, the latest diverse technology capability and opportunities are all examined. IDTechEx is anticipating more than 200 exhibitors and 2,500 attendees at Printed Electronics USA.