Impressively Thin

Today at the CES 2017 (Consumer Electronics Show) in Las Vegas, Chinese company Xiaomi revealed the newest model in its Mi TV line of televisions. Dubbed the Mi TV 4, the model will be offered in three sizes — 45, 55 and 65 inches — and while it boasts some pretty impressive features, the real kicker is that each TV is 30 percent thinner than an iPhone. At its thinnest point, the television measures in at a minuscule 4.9 mm (.19 inches).

The television will run using Xiaomi’s “Patch Wall” software, which uses artificial intelligence (AI) to offer users a wide array of content suggestions based on what is watched. Even more notable is the price tag — even the largest of the new screens is said to cost “well under $2,000.” And that’s including the modular soundbar, which contains 10 speakers, two wireless speakers, a subwoofer, and support for Dolby Atmos surround sound.

“One [of] our biggest innovations in building smart TVs is our approach to building modular TVs,” said Hugo Barra, Xiaomi Global’s Vice President, according to TechCrunch. Along with the soundbar, the motherboard is also separated from the display. This will allow for cheaper upgrades in the future. However, there’s no indication that these products will be available outside of China, so those in the United States will only get to admire them from (very) afar.

Skinny Electronics

Advances in electronics are allowing developers to create devices that are thinner than ever before thought possible.

Right now, technology is in development that could result in devices even thinner than the Mi TV 4 — so thin, in fact, they could be printed at nanoscale dimensions. Thin film transistors are being created for use in flexible electronics, electric wires only three-atoms thick are being built for future use in small-scale devices, and tiny supercapacitors are being added to microchips to usher in an age of smaller, longer lived, and more powerful electronic devices.

Needless to say, the trend of electronics becoming sleeker, faster, and more powerful than ever before shows no signs of slowing down.