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AU Optronics (AUO) unveiled new technology at SID Display Week 2008 in Los Angeles that it claims to be the world’s first curved display technology on a glass substrate. The AUO Curved Display uses TFT-LCD technology rather than existing e-paper on a flexible substrate.

The benefit of using TFT-LCD technology over the e-paper technology is increased image quality and color performance. InfoSync World reports that AUO plans to use the curved display technology in applications like watches and dashboards. A curved screen would be welcome in a car where screen sizes are limited due to space constraints. The curved design would put larger viewable image sizes in a smaller footprint.

AUO is showing off more technology that the Curved Display with demonstrations of new mobile device technologies. One of these technologies is a 1.9-inch TFT-LCD that is only 0.63mm thick and weighs 2.1 grams. Despite the thin and light design the screen produces 400 nits of brightness—enough for a sunlight readable display.

AUO is also showing off in-cell multi-touch technology in larger 4.3-inch and 8-inch sizes. The screens have integrated touch sensitive designs that are added to the TFT manufacturing process and require no additional glass to be used. The screens also feature new anti-glare technology. The 4.3-inch screen is expected to see mass production this spring.

While the two previous touch screens are too large for use in most mobile electronics, AUO is showing off one new screen that you will be seeing in portable devices in the future. Two new technologies are built into the 2.4-inch AMVA mobile panel. These technologies are Grease Free and Touch Mura Free technology.