NEW YORK -- A factory in Taiwan has started churning out a new type of power-sipping screen for cell phones, and they could show up in devices before the end of the year. The "mirasol" screens, created by Qualcomm, are different from regular color LCDs, because they don't shine with their own light. Instead, they reflect ambient light. Tiny mirrors move in the screens to manipulate light in much the same way that a peacock's plumage gets its hues. The mirrors consume power only when they're moving, so mirasol screens can show a static image with very little battery drain. Small mirasol displays have been used in some Chinese and Korean phones, and in an MP3 player on the U.S. market. These were able to show two colors, but Qualcomm's new displays will be in full color.
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