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A groundbreaking new loudspeaker that can be printed on and used as a wall poster has been developed by British engineers.

The lightweight and flexible speakers are less than 0.25mm thick and could also be concealed in car interiors or ceiling tiles.

They were developed by the University of Warwick spin-out company, Warwick Audio Technologies, who plan to start selling them later this year.

Steve Couchman, CEO of Warwick Audio Technologies said: 'We believe this is a truly innovative technology.

'Its size and flexibility means it can be used in all sorts of areas where space is at a premium.'

All speakers work by converting an electric signal into sound. Usually, the signal is used to generate a varying magnetic field, which in turn vibrates a mechanical cone to produce a sound.

The new 'Flat, Flexible Loudspeaker' uses a bendy laminate made up of thin, conducting and insulating materials, which when vibrated by an electrical signal produces a clearer, crisper noise.

The makers say the sound is projected further and doesn't deteriorate in quality or volume like conventional speakers. It can also be angled in a certain direction.

The FFL was first developed by Dr Duncan Billson and Professor David Hutchins, both from the University of Warwick, with early trials using just two sheets of tinfoil and an insulating layer of baking paper to produce sound.

They hope they will one day replace all traditional speakers used in our homes and cars.

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