Roll-up electronic screens have finally arrived and flexible televisions using the technology will be available before the year end.
South Korean tech company LG has unveiled its ultra-high definition product that furls and unfurls on demand, and can collapse into a boxy can the size of a chunky soundbar.
A demonstration showed that the 165-centimetre wide screen could disappear completely into its container, extend part way, act as a control screen for smart devices, or rise completely for full viewing.
The OLED TV, which was unveiled by LG at Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, is still in a prototype - but essentially functional - form.
"It brings freedom of design to a space, without the limitations of a wall," a company spokesman said.
There was no indication as to how much LG's finished product would actually cost.
Chinese start-up Royole, meanwhile, showed off what it claimed is the first foldable smartphone, which can fit into a pocket but unfold into a full-sized tablet computer.
The product is available in China and is offered in the United States for $1,300 (Dh4,775).
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GlobalData research director Avi Greengart said LG's roll-up TV offers "unique technology".
"Foldable phones are going to be a big trend this year," Mr Greengart added, noting that similar announcements from other manufacturers were likely to be saved for the upcoming Mobile World Congress in Barcelona.
Samsung is widely expected to launch a folding handset sometime this year, possibly at the event in Spain.
Other device makers are expecting to introduce similar products later this year.
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Need to know
The flights: Flydubai flies from Dubai to Kilimanjaro airport via Dar es Salaam from Dh1,619 return including taxes. The trip takes 8 hours.
The trek: Make sure that whatever tour company you select to climb Kilimanjaro, that it is a reputable one. The way to climb successfully would be with experienced guides and porters, from a company committed to quality, safety and an ethical approach to the mountain and its staff. Sonia Nazareth booked a VIP package through Safari Africa. The tour works out to $4,775 (Dh17,538) per person, based on a 4-person booking scheme, for 9 nights on the mountain (including one night before and after the trek at Arusha). The price includes all meals, a head guide, an assistant guide for every 2 trekkers, porters to carry the luggage, a cook and kitchen staff, a dining and mess tent, a sleeping tent set up for 2 persons, a chemical toilet and park entrance fees. The tiny ration of heated water provided for our bath in our makeshift private bathroom stall was the greatest luxury. A standard package, also based on a 4-person booking, works out to $3,050 (Dh11,202) per person.
When to go: You can climb Kili at any time of year, but the best months to ascend are January-February and September-October. Also good are July and August, if you’re tolerant of the colder weather that winter brings.
Do not underestimate the importance of kit. Even if you’re travelling at a relatively pleasant time, be geared up for the cold and the rain.
OIL PLEDGE
At the start of Russia's invasion, IEA member countries held 1.5 billion barrels in public reserves and about 575 million barrels under obligations with industry, according to the agency's website. The two collective actions of the IEA this year of 62.7 million barrels, which was agreed on March 1, and this week's 120 million barrels amount to 9 per cent of total emergency reserves, it added.
NO OTHER LAND
Director: Basel Adra, Yuval Abraham, Rachel Szor, Hamdan Ballal
Stars: Basel Adra, Yuval Abraham
Rating: 3.5/5
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
