LCD panel maker AU Optronics (AUO) has been developing new product lines for high-value applications including touch, car-use, education, 3D imaging and AMOLED, and the company will starting shipping these applications in two quarters, making them a new focus of business, according to the company's executive vice president and president for Display Business Operation, Paul Peng.

AUO's interactive whiteboard with photo sensor technology will target the educational market. The maker's touch panels with in-cell sensors will mass produce in second-quarter 2012.

In addition, the company is expected to start mass production of AMOLED panels at its 3.5G and 4.5G plants starting second-quarter 2012, said Peng during FDP International 2011.

AUO is also gearing up shipments of mid-range and high-end small- to medium-size panels. It is looking to raise the proportion of smartphone panels to 80% from 70% of sales from the cell phone segment in 2012, he said.

The company also aims to more than double the shipments of its 5-7-inch panels for car applications in 2012 from the current several million units in 2011, said Peng.

A 15.6-inch 3D display with face tracking technology has also debuted at the show.

Source:digitimes