"Rain Technology specializes in innovative switchable privacy solutions integrated directly into display technology, providing users with enhanced control over what is visible on their screens. The company, based in Boulder, Colorado, with teams in the UK and Taiwan, collaborates with major panel manufacturers and device brands to bring these innovations to market. Their technology, currently featured in HP laptops, showcases switchable modes—normal viewing for shared use and privacy mode for secure, restricted visibility. These modes can be toggled with a button or software, reducing visible light to as low as 3% from side angles while maintaining full brightness for the primary user.
Switchable privacy is achieved through a proprietary liquid crystal layer embedded within the display. This layer, along with optimized backlight and polarizer configurations, allows for seamless transitions between modes without compromising touch or brightness in normal use. Unlike passive films, which are always in privacy mode and limit functionality, Rain Technology's active solutions are adaptable, supporting multiple use cases like branding displays and dynamic privacy messages in point-of-sale systems.
The applications of Rain's privacy solutions extend beyond laptops to include automotive displays, point-of-sale devices, and touchscreen kiosks. For example, automotive setups allow drivers to access GPS data while passengers watch entertainment, ensuring focused and safe driving. Retail point-of-sale systems use privacy displays for secure PIN entry while maintaining a professional, branded appearance. Rain’s technology also incorporates advanced features like display branding, where logos or messages are visible only from side angles, offering unique utility for advertising or user guidance.
Rain Technology is expanding into OLED displays, promising broader integration into mobile devices. OLED versions are particularly promising for privacy-sensitive environments like public transportation or finance. App developers can leverage this feature to enhance user control over screen visibility, making it a valuable tool for professionals and casual users alike. The technology is poised to redefine how privacy is managed across various screen applications, providing not just security but also utility and aesthetic enhancements.
The company has its roots in RealD Cinema, pioneers in modern 3D cinema technology. This heritage in optics and photonics underpins Rain's expertise in polarization, backlight optimization, and light direction. Their portfolio includes over 700 patents and innovations in areas such as AR/VR optics and adaptive beam headlights. For AR/VR, Rain developed Anamorphic XR, which significantly increases brightness and true color fidelity for immersive experiences.
Switchable privacy is just one facet of Rain's focus on enhancing light management. Their proprietary technologies address various challenges, from automotive lighting systems to AR/VR environments, showcasing their versatility in photonic innovation. The integration of these technologies reflects a commitment to both solving real-world problems and advancing user experiences.
Rain’s partnership-driven approach ensures their solutions can meet diverse industry needs, from laptops to automobiles. By embedding these technologies into the "sandwich" of display layers, the company creates transformative products that improve functionality and aesthetics. This adaptability makes their solutions appealing to a wide range of industries, setting new standards for privacy and display customization.
For more details about Rain Technology, visit their website: https://raintechnology.com"
Description by @Charbax
Published on January 22, 2025
