Samsung to Release Galaxy Smartphone With Three-Sided Display

Samsung is reportedly planning to release a Galaxy smartphone with a three-sided display that wraps around the edges of the device, reports Bloomberg. Citing people supposedly familiar with Samsung's plans, Bloomberg says the South Korean handset maker is planning to release a Galaxy smartphone with a three-sided display sometime in 2014. The display will wrap around the edges so that users can read messages and notifications from virtually any angle.

The phone will use an upgraded version of Samsung’s technology called Youm, currently featured in the curved Galaxy Round handset, the people said, asking not to be identified because the plans haven’t been released. The display may be used in the S or Note series of premium handsets or may be the first in a new line, the people said. Samsung plans to have each side of the display operate independently,” allowing users to view, for example, messages or stock info at a glance along the edge of the device.

Samsung unveiled a prototype of its Youm flexible display technology at this year's Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. Youm uses OLED display technology, and is designed to bring out better colours and contrast with an extremely thin form factor.

Brian Berkeley, the senior vice president of Samsung's display lab, showed off a prototype of a phone with a Youm display bent around the sides at CES. He said the technology will let the company's partners make bendable, rollable, and foldable displays. 

That's not all Samsung has on its roadmap for next year, as the firm has already revealed that it will launch a smartphone with a 2K display in 2014, which will measure 5.2in and boast 2560x1440 resolution and a pixel density of 560ppi. 

It's unclear when Samsung's rumoured smartphone with a wraparound display will make its debut, but Bloomberg's sources said it's unlikely to appear until the second-half of 2014. However, with Apple reportedly planning two curved iPhones for next year, it's likely that Samsung will be looking to beat its rival to market.