Key Takeaways
1. Samsung’s new patent reveals a foldable smartphone design that can bend both inward and outward with a unique 360-degree hinge.
2. The innovative design eliminates the need for a separate cover screen by using a single flexible display that adjusts to user needs.
3. Samsung is developing a flexible ultra-thin glass (UTG) display supported by advanced materials for durability and flexibility.
4. The design includes a small display strip beneath the rear cameras for notifications and basic functions even when the device is folded.
5. The smartphone industry is shifting towards foldable devices, with competitors like Huawei also exploring new designs and functionalities.
Samsung is possibly gearing up to change the game for foldable smartphones, and in a big way. A fresh patent approved by the United States Patent and Trademark Office shows off a design for a foldable device that can bend both inward and outward, all thanks to a unique 360-degree hinge. If this comes to life, it could be a major shift from what we see in the industry today.
A New Approach to Displays
The patent images, shared by tipster @xleaks7 and noticed by GSMArena, depict a single flexible screen that can fold in both directions, which means there’s no need for an extra cover screen. This is significant. Current foldable phones depend on outer screens for quick tasks while keeping the main display hidden. But Samsung’s innovative method could offer a seamless, all-in-one display that adjusts to user needs, regardless of how it’s folded.
Advancing Technology
To achieve this, Samsung is crafting a flexible ultra-thin glass (UTG) display that is supported by a layered mix of flexible polymers and adhesives. The hinge has dual folding axes and a distinctive lattice-style support plate, enabling the screen to bend both ways while keeping its structure intact.
Interestingly, the design also features a small visible display strip beneath the rear cameras, allowing users to see notifications and perform basic functions even when the device is completely folded. This is a smart addition that maintains functionality without compromising the overall design.
Bold Moves in the Industry
It appears that major smartphone makers are fully committing to foldables and are willing to try new things. Recently, Huawei launched the Pura X, a flip phone that folds sideways rather than vertically. When opened, it reveals a wider 16:10 display that expands to 6.3 inches, blurring the lines between a clamshell and a tablet.
Clearly, the shapes and styles of smartphones are changing rapidly, and Samsung’s 360-degree design could be the most daring idea yet. For now, it remains a concept, but it offers an exciting sneak peek into the future of foldable devices.
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