The American consumer electronics giant Apple has been granted a patent for foldable and flexible mobile devices such as tablets and smart phones. The new technology is reported to protect the devices from damages caused by dropping and offers new input options. For example, certain video games could be controlled by bending or folding the device, claim the developers. In more general terms, bending could be used to switch the hardware on or off.
DP Patterning AB (DPP), subsidiary of the Swedish non-profit electronic research institute Acreo, has signed a contract with the smart card, smart label and semiconductor producer Mühlbauer Group from Roding, Germany. The agreement gives Mühlbauer exclusive rights to exploit passive RFID antennas on the market. This unique manufacturing technology had been developed by Norrköping-based DPP.
Evonik Industries AG from Essen, Germany, a leading producer of specialty chemicals, and Holst Centre, an independent R&D centre for flexible electronics in Eindhoven, The Netherlands, have entered the next phase of their cooperation. Over the last two years, the partners have optimised the materials and processes of the new semiconductor technology iXsenic S. Now, the revolutionary technology has been introduced into mass production.
