Micro-displays in wearables, whether Augmented Reality (AR), Smartwatches, Smartphones or other applications of the near future are not bright enough to readily see images on a bright, sunlit day, nor efficient enough to give mobile devices much loiter time – better technology is needed, particularly as pixel sizes shrink in next gen micro-displays

The new SFH 4055 from Osram Opto Semiconductors is based on the company’s proven Firefly platform, used widely for LEDs in the visible spectrum. The new transmitter, Osram’s smallest side-looking infrared LED to date, has a wavelength of 850 nm and is primarily targeted at eye-tracking systems in augmented and virtual reality headsets.

VueReal, a Canada-based specialist in micro-LED display technologies, announced that its Continuous Pixelation(TM) technology has led to development of a 4K micro-LED array at 6000 ppi which is the record highest pixel-per-inch emissive display.

Following Sony’s introduction of CLEDIS (Crystal LED Integrated Structure) displays and Apple’s acquisition of LuxVue, more technology companies are exploring the possibilities of micro-LED in various display applications. LEDinside, a division of TrendForce, reports that there are now nearly 100 private companies and research organizations participating in the development of micro-LED displays. Besides Apple and Sony, there are other major technology brands that invest in micro-LED. Notable cases include the acquisition of InfiniLED by Facebook’s Oculus and the partnership agreement between Ostendo Technologies and KDX. By entering this field in advance, these companies hope to gain favorable positions in the future.