Displace made waves with the launch of its innovative 55-inch ‘Display Flex’ TV at CES 2023, boasting a wireless design that attaches to walls without traditional mounting hardware. At Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, founder and CEO Balaji Krishna shared insights on upcoming iterations of the product, hinting at exciting new features.
Firstly, Displace is expanding its lineup with the introduction of the ‘Display Mini,’ a smaller 27-inch TV tailored for spaces like kitchens or bathrooms. Additionally, Krishna teased undisclosed technology enhancements, including an AI-powered shopping engine enabling users to make purchases directly from advertisements, as well as a contactless payment reader.
Furthermore, the company plans to integrate thermal imaging technology into its devices, potentially offering health-related applications such as detecting inflammation through body heat maps. While these features are yet to be verified, they showcase Displace’s commitment to innovation and exploring new functionalities beyond traditional TV offerings. Interested consumers will have to wait for the product release to experience these capabilities firsthand.
Krishna provided updates on Displace’s progress since CES, noting that pre-orders were halted to prioritize fulfilling existing orders, with shipping set to commence mid-year. The company made design enhancements to streamline the product, including weight reduction.
In terms of fundraising, Displace is planning a modest Series A round of $5 million. Interest in the device has primarily stemmed from businesses like art studios, museums, and embassies, as the TV’s unique mounting capabilities cater to their specific needs.
Functionally, the TV utilizes a vacuum suction system for attachment, even on drywall, along with swappable batteries to power the screen. It operates portlessly, streaming content from a base station, akin to LG’s OLED M series.
The Display Flex can adhere to ceramic and glass surfaces, maintaining its position for up to 10 months through its vacuum system. In the event of suction failure, the screen employs a zipline mechanism to gradually lower itself from the wall, ensuring safety and ease of removal.