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Apple, Samsung eye RPO patents for new touch tech, more ammo in patent wars

Updated Dec 19th, 2018 7:33PM EST
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Apple and Samsung are among the companies expected to take part in an upcoming sealed-bid auction of RPO’s manufacturing assets and patent portfolio, which covers technology surrounding the company’s Digital Waveguide Touch (DWT) solution. California-based RPO Inc. filed for bankruptcy in April of this year, and an auction to liquidate its protected manufacturing processes and IP portfolio will take place on November 3rd. The company’s DWT technology, which is touted as a superior touch solution that eliminates the need for a touch-sensitive layer, is seen as appealing to Apple, Samsung and other vendors seeking new methods to improve their smartphone and tablet displays. Read on for more.

RPO’s DWT technology records touch input from a finger or stylus by registering interruptions in projected beams of light that are invisible to the naked eye. Because it eliminates the need for a touch-sensitive layer, the technology is said to be more power efficient than current resistive and capacitive touchscreen technologies. RPO also claims its technology makes displays brighter than competitive offerings, with better contrast as well.

“Apple is expected to emerge as a top contender for the DWT patents and manufacturing equipment,” technology research firm iRunway wrote in its analysis of the auction. “The absence of a touch overlay would allow Apple to show off the full capability of their Retina display screens, which are currently produced by LG Display.”

IRunway notes that the capacitive technology currently used in Apple’s iPhone and other smartphones was initially developed for use by graphic artists. “As revolutionary as the iPhone’s retina display is, it is at best a close second when compared against to the new Super AMOLED display sported by the latest Samsung smartphones,” the firm wrote. “A DWT touch screen in place of a traditional semitransparent capacitive touch overlay can give Apple back its competitive advantage at least in the display area. Apple’s motivation will be particularly acute, considering that Samsung recently showcased its own Retina resolution display.”

Samsung also stands to gain from the technology according to iRunway’s report, but not necessarily for the same reason. While DWT might offer benefits for Samsung’s entry-level displays, implementing DWT into its line high-end of Super AMOLED displays is not seen as a cost-effective option. Instead, Samsung could step in and acquire RPO’s patents to block its competitors from purchasing the technology, iRunway says.

“The RPO auction will undoubtedly fuel the ongoing smartphone/tablet wars and is set to be highly contested not only for its technology but also for the strategic and legal advantage it will provide for the winning bidder,” RPO’s report concludes. “Even though it will not hugely upset the playing field, the importance of even incremental improvements in an instantly gratifying spec can never be undermined.”

Zach Epstein
Zach Epstein Executive Editor

Zach Epstein has been the Executive Editor at BGR for more than 10 years. He manages BGR’s editorial team and ensures that best practices are adhered to. He also oversees the Ecommerce team and directs the daily flow of all content. Zach first joined BGR in 2007 as a Staff Writer covering business, technology, and entertainment.

His work has been quoted by countless top news organizations, and he was recently named one of the world's top 10 “power mobile influencers” by Forbes. Prior to BGR, Zach worked as an executive in marketing and business development with two private telcos.