Windows of the Future

Imagine sitting in your home, watching the sun set onto the ocean through your picture window. As the light finally  retreats into the horizon and your view turns to black, your window suddenly comes to life and enthralls you with a dazzling light show. Personally, I would never leave that couch. This scenario might sound slightly ridiculous by today’s standards, but in a few years it could be reality. Of course, you’ll still need to save a few bucks for that oceanfront mansion–so get back to work.

Several players in the OLED market including Philips and The Research Institute for Organic Electronics have been showing off some transparent OLEDS. At the Big Sight lighting fair in Tokyo, both companies have been displaying their own versions of transparent OLED technology. A clear favorite is RIOE’s screen window display (above) which provides 70-75% transparency. Individual OLED panels then create different patterns when turned on at night. Alas, this technology is another 3 to 5 years down the road. [Wired]