Sony (SNE) has never lacked for engineering prowess. It latest gadget proves that is still true. The company has launched a video screen that is thinner than most credit cards. And, the screen is flexible.

According to The Associated Press: "Sony President Ryoji Chubachi has said a film-like display is a major technology his company is working on to boost its status as a technological powerhouse."

The technology is, no doubt, impressive. But, it will still have to come with a power source, speakers, an antenna (or some other way to receive content) and perhaps a storage device.

So, what good is it? Right now, that is hard to say. Sony lost much of its reputation as an innovator to companies like Apple (AAPL). It is a decade or more since Sony launched a product that was considered cutting edge and had mass appeal. As far as the paper-thin video screen goes, they only have one of those problems licked.

Douglas A. McIntyre