While we may be moving away from the traditional black rectangles that dominate our living rooms, new TVs are set to transform our perspective. At **CES 2018**, various tech companies showcased devices that promise to redefine how we watch movies and signal the future of these devices in our lives.
However, experts like **Jim Neal**, an analyst at **Forrester Research**, view these innovations as little more than “advertising moves” by the companies. He suggests that TV manufacturers are still speculating about the next generation of TVs, just as they did when flat screens first appeared on the market.
On the other hand, **Patrick Moorhead**, president of **Moor Insights & Strategy**, believes these prototypes, though not yet commercially available, offer a glimpse into the future of television. Here are some standout designs from CES 2018.
The Rollable TV
**LG Display**, a division of **LG Electronics**, introduced a **rollable TV** prototype. With the push of a button, the screen can be rolled up into a compact box and set aside. When unrolled, the **OLED screen** appears just like any regular TV, displaying a **4K** image. The back of the TV features vertical sections, allowing it to roll seamlessly.
At CES 2017, LG showcased an 18-inch rollable screen. This year, they upped the ante with a 65-inch version. However, don’t expect to see this TV in stores anytime soon, as LG provides the technology to other manufacturers, leaving it up to them to incorporate it into their products.
The Wall by Samsung
**Samsung** introduced a product called “**The Wall**,” the first **microLED** screen designed specifically for consumers. This innovative technology allows users to modify the size and shape of the image by adding or removing screen modules, all without compromising image quality.
**MicroLED technology** uses millions of self-emitting chips that generate light without the need for color filters or backlighting. According to **James McKeefe**, a Forrester analyst, this technology could help make TVs an integral part of walls. "You’ll be able to use any part of your wall as a TV, while other areas could be used to display photos, interior designs, or digital avatars of family members watching remotely," McKeefe explained.
Samsung has yet to announce the price of "The Wall," but it is expected to be available later in 2018.
Digital Assistants in TVs
LG's new lineup of TVs is the first to integrate **Google Assistant**. Users can now ask the assistant to search for movies, play shows, look up information on Google, or even check the weather—all through their TV. While it may not seem as revolutionary as a wall-sized screen, having a built-in digital assistant is a convenient feature that users are sure to appreciate.
Other smart TVs are also incorporating digital assistants. **Amazon Fire TV** users, for example, can use **Alexa** to search for content or stream shows from Amazon's library.
LG's New 4K OLED TVs
LG also unveiled its latest range of **4K OLED TVs**, offering sizes from 55 inches to 77 inches. These TVs are expected to deliver stunning picture quality while also providing smart features like voice control and integrated assistants, further cementing their place in the future of home entertainment.
In summary, while many of these futuristic models may not yet be ready for widespread sale, they highlight the innovation in the TV industry. Whether through rollable displays, modular screens, or integrated assistants, these advancements could soon change how we interact with and view content in our homes.