Samsung Display and Intel Design PCs that Sliding, Not Just Folding

JAKARTA - Samsung Display and Intel are designing a "slidable" PC. During the September 27 Intel Innovation keynote, Samsung Display CEO, JS Choi, appeared on stage to show off a prototype PC that went from a 13-inch tablet to a 17-inch screen.

"We're announcing the world's first 17-inch sliding screen for PC," said Choi, as quoted by The Verge. “This device will meet the various needs for a larger screen as well as portability.”

Samsung Display has chosen to apply sliding instead of folding technology for its flexible PC displays. Choi seems to be suggesting that the product is "foldable" on the PC for now.

Intel has been experimenting with new PC form factors for years and was initially preparing for dual screens and future foldable PCs before Microsoft scrapped its plans for Windows 10X on foldable devices.

This new type of form factor desperately needs software and apps to make it shine, and it's not yet clear how Intel will make the sliding PC a reality.

The prototype device that Samsung Display and Intel showcased today essentially turns a 13-inch tablet into a 17-inch monitor with a flexible screen and sliding mechanism. Intel quickly demonstrated its new Unison software on this screen, which aims to connect Intel-powered computers to smartphones, including iPhones.

The sliding PC itself is just a concept for now, and there's no word from Intel or Samsung Display when it will become a reality.