Industrial Technology Research Institute in Taiwan is developing flexible screens. They are thin just like paper and lovers e-books will be able to enjoy them in the beginning of the next year.

ITRI and a holder of a license AU Optronics - the producer of the biggest in the world LCD screen makers are working over the project.

The old factory was converted to mass produce thin displays, no new factories are needed and modern technologies are used for the manufacturing process.

These flexible displays will enhance the technology of mobile devices and phones, in particular. This way the screen could be pull out for reading, for instance.

The project in progress is produce e-reader screens for schools. The fact that such screens are not breakable and resistant speaks in favor of such features. But there is a disadvantage too. The technology is only developing, its touchscreen functionality is not quite finished. In spite of this, screens thin as paper are going to be licensed by ITRL to other company.

The screens with thinness 30 microns must be connected with glass when flexible screens are manufactured. When it is not done, the screen curls up because of heat needed during the process.

The price is not known at present, but the producers are sure that device makers will like the idea for its cost efficiency and low price.