The Future is here: Transparent OLED displays are in use in China and Europe

[Aug. 21, 2020: Joshua Shavit]

The future of transparent computer displays is here and all those futuristic movies with slick transparent touch screens monitors, car windshields with integrated navigation and see-through smart phones are closer than ever.

LG is leading the movement by bringing transparent OLED displays to subways in Beijing and Shenzhen. These 55-inch, see-through displays show real-time info about subway schedules, locations and transfers on train windows. They also provide info on flights, weather and the news.

Riders will see the tech first on Line 6 in Beijing and Line 10 in Shenzhen. LG plans to expand the OLED displays to other subway lines, which will require working with railroad companies and train glass manufacturers.

Transparent displays have long been a concept shown off at trade shows. Samsung brought its smart OLED windows to CES way back in 2012. That same year, Samsung teased a transparent showcase at IFA. But this latest see-through tech from LG shows a real-world application, and one that actually has some utility.

There’s a good chance we’ll soon see more practical uses of transparent display tech beyond the trade show walls. LG has also put transparent OLED TVs in Harrods’ storefront windows.

“The application of transparent displays will become more diverse,” said Dr. Chang-ho Oh, a senior vice president at LG Display. His division “aims to supply products to a wide range of industries in line with its vision as the leading display solution provider.”

Like these kind of stories? Get The Brighter Side of News' newsletter.

If you are interested in buying a transparent OLED TV today, you can check out Xiaomi’s new 55 inch transparent OLED TVs. They can be yours for the low, low price of $7,200. They are stunning.

Interested in what the gaming experience is like on a transparent OLED TV? Check out this video below.