Japanese electronics giant Sharp has unveiled a canny new invention: an LCD screen that can show two distinct images at the same time, depending on the viewing angle. Viewed from the left side, for example, the screen could show an Excel spreadsheet. Viewed from the right side, the same screen could show a movie or web browsing session. Head on, presumably it will show either a blank screen or a jumbled blend of the two images - Sharp doesn’t go out of its way to expand on this particular part of the experience. Anyway, the screen has a myriad uses: in the home, allowing one person to watch the big footie match from one end of the couch, while another person at the other end of the same couch watches Hollyoaks or QVC. You can fill in your own gender stereotypes as required. Headphones will be necessary until Sharp perfects the sonic complement to the directional screen, however. Similarly, in a car, a central screen could show navigation data to the driver, and a movie to a passenger.
If the technology catches on, offices could be transformed. Who wouldn’t want a screen that always looks like you’re working, from the angle at which the boss typically approaches?

15 Jul 2005