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Apple Patents Foldable Device With Movable Flaps to Prevent Display From Creasing
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Uhm, iFold?
Or do you?
Or do you?
Apple this week has been granted a patent for a foldable device with a unique hinge mechanism that utilizes movable flaps to help prevent the display from being creased or damaged when folded.
Published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office today, the patent explains that the hinge mechanism would ensure adequate separation between the first and second portions of the display. When the device is unfolded, movable flaps would extend to cover the gap, and then retract when the device is folded.
Early foldable smartphones like Samsung's Galaxy Fold and Huawei's Mate X have noticeable creases along the bending portion of the display. Motorola's new foldable Razr avoids this issue with a unique hinge design, but early reviews indicate the device makes creaking sounds when opened or closed.
All in all, it is still early days for foldable smartphones, with lots of room for innovation. Apple has certainly shown an interest in the category with several patents for foldable devices and mechanisms over the past few years, but it remains to be seen if the company ever releases a foldable iPhone or iPad.
Article Link: Apple Patents Foldable Device With Movable Flaps to Prevent Display From Creasing
The arrogance of that statement absolutely floors me. The unmitigated gall... Who are you to say what anyone else wants? YOU don't want it. Fine. Don't buy it (if it ever makes it into a product). I've been watching the reviews of foldable and loving what I've seen. An iPhone 11 sized device that unfolds to be nearly iPad Mini sized is exactly what I want.
Careful what you wish for - a slight programming error could have them folding up while you're wearing them.
What I really want - when the tech actually works, and not before - is an iPhone where, when needed, you can slide a screen extension out of the side (seemingly out of nowhere), like they do in SciFi shows/movies, resulting in an iPad-sized screen.
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Meh. I'd rather have them use thicker glass on the screen. Everyone I personally know has had a broken iPhone display. Everyone. Folding screen and thin glass, that's a recipe for $$$ since AppleCare will only cover 2 screen replacements.
Cha-ching. $_$
Cha-ching. $_$
Not sure about a phone. The iPad or Mac could work nicely. The folded bulk would not negatively impact their portability. Plus the expanded benefits. A good distance from patent to product.
Folding iPad is a great idea. Partially fold it for typing mode, and flatten it out for a huge 17" iPad.
Sure, the screen would be more fragile and scratch-prone, and the folding mechanism would eventually fail, but iPad Pros are already ridiculously fragile, and when folded these iFolds would be as durable as a laptop for travel.
I'll let the youtubers and Apple cultists buy the first generations, and wait until the 3rd or 4th gen of the devices when Apple finally updates the design to be more durable, tacitly admitting that "a few customers had an issue with the hinge".
Sure, the screen would be more fragile and scratch-prone, and the folding mechanism would eventually fail, but iPad Pros are already ridiculously fragile, and when folded these iFolds would be as durable as a laptop for travel.
I'll let the youtubers and Apple cultists buy the first generations, and wait until the 3rd or 4th gen of the devices when Apple finally updates the design to be more durable, tacitly admitting that "a few customers had an issue with the hinge".
Well, you're a Leafs fan so your opinion doesn't mean anything. Haha jk jk jk. Totally agree with you. Definitely seems like a preemptive measure. Oh, btw, Rangers all the way!
Automobiles ... not interested, horse and buggies/carriages is all we need.
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Folding displays in an interesting concept, how it becomes feasible without drawbacks is key. Manufacturers have been researching various methods, mostly miss but it’s a positive sign in a promising direction.
Imagine a smartphone having the same candy bar form factor 2 decades from it inception, seems stale. Wearables is possible but not for everyone, what happens if someone wears bi/tri focal and contact lenses is not an option for them. Just saying.
Would love to see it!
...also, it’s funny to watch people squirm about this..
Of course Apple has patents on this kind of stuff and have been prototyping it. They’d be asleep at the wheel and negligent to NOT be doing that and seeing if anything works or makes sense for a product at some point.
Do people honestly believe that “a rectangular slab of glass” is the end of innovation and we can just quit now? lol
...also, it’s funny to watch people squirm about this..
Of course Apple has patents on this kind of stuff and have been prototyping it. They’d be asleep at the wheel and negligent to NOT be doing that and seeing if anything works or makes sense for a product at some point.
Do people honestly believe that “a rectangular slab of glass” is the end of innovation and we can just quit now? lol
Glad to see Apple taking the appropriate steps to make sure they do not release junk. They are smart to wait to see how the tech matures and if there is even a market for such devices.
Take your time with this, Apple. Nobody has made a good foldable display yet.
Apple is often late to the game, but they knock it out of the park.
Apple is often late to the game, but they knock it out of the park.
Just because Apple patented it, doesn’t mean they actually gonna release a product like that.
You guys need to chill.
You guys need to chill.
I’m happy to eat my words, but I really honestly think this foldable phone fad won’t take off. I just don’t get it.
But they do say history repeats itself and, well we’ve had foldable phones before. They just weren’t smart.
But they do say history repeats itself and, well we’ve had foldable phones before. They just weren’t smart.
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