Google 'Pixel Fold' to Use Ultra-Thin Glass, Still on Track for 2021 Release

[poked]

Not sure what Google is trying to do here. I mean Google is not even serious enough on their regular Pixel phones. Seems just like posturing to drum up their youtube revenue from all the tech tubers talking about it.

Marketing is king. Revenue based on reviews/media coverage has always been extremely profitable. There’s a reason Google and Apple put millions into Ads. They work.

 

[ian87w]

Marketing is king. Revenue based on reviews/media coverage has always been extremely profitable. There’s a reason Google and Apple put millions into Ads. They work.

LOL. Yeah, it seems like them making phones are just the cost for making more ad revenues from their other channels.

 

[mr_jomo]

LOL. Yeah, it seems like them making phones are just the cost for making more ad revenues from their other channels.

That is correct!

 

[ImaginaryNerve]

I got to play with the Surface..Duo? awhile back and actually kind of liked the whole look of it, I just couldn't seriously consider it as it was running Android. If MS came out with a better iteration running some form of modified Windows 10 (tbh, for what I'd use it for, I'd be happy with Windows XP...) and I'd consider getting one. Or maybe I should say...I'd put together more EFFORT into considering one. I have little to no interest in an iOS or Android version though. I fully admit my needs are fairly niche for that type of device. My 12 PM does everything I need it to, my iPad as well though...

If Apple could modify and scale down the magnet connect that's used in the iPad for the pencil to transmit video and let you magnetically connect a screen similar to the Surface Pro's keyboard port (which doesn't, I don't think), I'd be interested in that. Just click a second screen in place. Leave the "foldable" aspect to the accessory manufacturers. I might be interested in that. Imagine getting two iPad Minis and just clicking them together or an iPad Pro and pop an iPhone or an iPad Mini right on top? Or two iPhones of any size.

Eh, probably wouldn't work that well. But still, I'd be more interested in that than a foldable phone. Maybe the "right" foldable phone hasn't come out yet for me, though.

 

[chucker23n1]

I got to play with the Surface..Duo? awhile back and actually kind of liked the whole look of it, I just couldn't seriously consider it as it was running Android. If MS came out with a better iteration running some form of modified Windows 10 (tbh, for what I'd use it for, I'd be happy with Windows XP...) and I'd consider getting one.

I'd think you would regret that. Windows 10 Mobile (before that, Windows Phone 7 and 8) used to exist, but was never that successful.

While some Windows 10 apps might theoretically scale down fine to that 5.6-inch screen, most won't. So you don't really end up with a big ecosystem.

 

[JosephAW]

I don’t know why they just don’t wrap the OLED screen all the way around an iPhone and have no back to the iPhone.

 

[ImaginaryNerve]

I'd think you would regret that. Windows 10 Mobile (before that, Windows Phone 7 and 8) used to exist, but was never that successful.

While some Windows 10 apps might theoretically scale down fine to that 5.6-inch screen, most won't. So you don't really end up with a big ecosystem.

I used to have the Palm Treo 800w, I still occasionally miss that device. That said though there’s only one app on Windows 10 I desperately wish would run on iOS or Android because the equivalents just…are either too simple, not functional enough, TOO technologically functional while omitting certain simple features (like changing font/text size) etc. I’ve legit been considering developing my own for ages now as a result.

Edit: I actually bought the Surface Pro specifically for that app. There were…a ton of other reasons I ended up getting rid of the Surface Pro though.

If you can’t get the app you want, may as well write it yourself, right?

 

[LordVic]

I don’t know why they just don’t wrap the OLED screen all the way around an iPhone and have no back to the iPhone.

We've seen a Xiaomi phone try this. Ignoring the software / company for this comment and only specifically looking at the tech:

 

[kc9hzn]

it was just a retort to your comment that they don't always make the right call.


I use excel a lot and having a folding phone has been amazing. I love not having to bring a laptop everywhere I go... sure I can use Excel on a normal phone, but the experience with a folding phone is so much better (I also do a bunch of other things that the big screen makes much easier). It's not for everyone, but we do exist out there.

Still, I feel like a folding phone is a compromise in screen size, kinda like the iPad mini. It’s large enough that its utility as a phone is compromised (especially if you can’t make calls while it is folded or easily perform other small screen tasks), but it’s small enough that its utility as a tablet (for big screen tasks) is compromised. Of course, I’d also rather have dedicated devices for specific functions, I feel like that often works better than convergence devices. I even carry an old MiniDisc player when I travel to spare battery on my phone, reduce the temptation to bury my nose in my phone’s screen.

 

[JosephAW]

When you fold

We've seen a Xiaomi phone try this. Ignoring the software / company for this comment and only specifically looking at the tech:

Okay. When it’s folded it should look like this. Only need one side with cameras for selfies and FaceTime.

 

[icolove]

there's absolutely no need for foldables. they're just awkward.

At no point have I thought of my foldable as "awkward", YMMV, but these general statements about foldable just don't seem rooted in the reality of the products.

As for grit.... the Z Fold 2 came with factory-applied screen protectors (In Canada anyway), I have replaced the screen protectors once in 9 months and all 3 screens are mint.

It's the assumption of issues that don't exist that bug me a bit... why not try to look at things from a positive standpoint, we have enough negativity in this world.

 

[bobcomer]

Still, I feel like a folding phone is a compromise in screen size, kinda like the iPad mini. It’s large enough that its utility as a phone is compromised (especially if you can’t make calls while it is folded or easily perform other small screen tasks), but it’s small enough that its utility as a tablet (for big screen tasks) is compromised. Of course, I’d also rather have dedicated devices for specific functions, I feel like that often works better than convergence devices. I even carry an old MiniDisc player when I travel to spare battery on my phone, reduce the temptation to bury my nose in my phone’s screen.

I don't like to carry extra devices! When I can use one device for everything I need, I'll pay a lot of money for that device. In this discussion just understand that there are a lot of people like me, maybe a majority, maybe not, I don't have the data on that, around here I'm in the minority, but I do exist. I will be first in line to purchase a flip iPhone, and maybe even a fold.

 

[6lack_excellence]

I like my gadgets and new tech from any brand, but this has to be the worst design flop ever.

Who even needs a folding phone?

except:
pass

Have you tried one? What was your experience?

Or have you never used one and just don't know the benefits?

🙄

 

[6lack_excellence]

Not sure what the fascination with folding screens, a scrolling screen would be much better.

They are great.

iPhone users said the same thing about big screens, now you guys love them.

Just wait for Apple to tell you that they are good then you will see the benefits, until then sit back and watch us enjoy our folding screens 😎

 

[6lack_excellence]

My mom has a Z Flip and loves it too!

Apple users just can't see past Apple. They only see the benefits of something when Apple does it

i.e Google Lense, look around in maps, smart assistant etc

 

[6lack_excellence]

Or maybe it’s that Apple waits until they find a way to do it well.

Explain Siri then 🧐

 

[6lack_excellence]

Yes, we understand that the foldable phone that you owned was awkward to use and didn't provide any beneifits.

😂

 

[6lack_excellence]

At no point have I thought of my foldable as "awkward", YMMV, but these general statements about foldable just don't seem rooted in the reality of the products.

As for grit.... the Z Fold 2 came with factory-applied screen protectors (In Canada anyway), I have replaced the screen protectors once in 9 months and all 3 screens are mint.

It's the assumption of issues that don't exist that bug me a bit... why not try to look at things from a positive standpoint, we have enough negativity in this world.

Apple users are quick to judge something they never used

 

[kc9hzn]

I don't like to carry extra devices! When I can use one device for everything I need, I'll pay a lot of money for that device. In this discussion just understand that there are a lot of people like me, maybe a majority, maybe not, I don't have the data on that, around here I'm in the minority, but I do exist. I will be first in line to purchase a flip iPhone, and maybe even a fold.

I tweak my gear for what I need. I’d rather have an ebook reader than read on my phone screen, for a variety of reasons. If you want a convergence device, fine, go for it, but I’d prefer having multiple devices that do a job better (and carrying what I’ll need) than using a convergence device (which feels like a jack of all trades but master of none situation).

Granted, I also always travel with a shoulder bag. Whether it has something like important paper materials, a book I’m currently reading, an eBook reader, or something more outlandish, like a knitting project, I find having a bag handy to be very useful. I carry around enough stuff that this modern idea of just carrying a phone seems alien to me. I get minimalism, but there’s a point where minimalism infringes on comfort and even productivity. I need a wallet, including some contents that can’t be digitized yet, keys, a keychain accessory or two that’s part of my EDC kit and that can never go digital, AirPods, pen and paper, phone, and that’s just my pockets. And, if I’m going to carry a bag, well, I might as well use a tablet over a folding phone.

 

[The Game 161]

They are great.

iPhone users said the same thing about big screens, now you guys love them.

Just wait for Apple to tell you that they are good then you will see the benefits, until then sit back and watch us enjoy our folding screens 😎

No doubt when apple foldable is here it will sell like crazy

 

[AresinUAE]

At no point have I thought of my foldable as "awkward", YMMV, but these general statements about foldable just don't seem rooted in the reality of the products.

As for grit.... the Z Fold 2 came with factory-applied screen protectors (In Canada anyway), I have replaced the screen protectors once in 9 months and all 3 screens are mint.

It's the assumption of issues that don't exist that bug me a bit... why not try to look at things from a positive standpoint, we have enough negativity in this world.

I agree, i am loving my Fold 2, it is by far the most useful device i have used in a long time (my only wish was that it has better cameras).

The phone is durable enough and after months of usage, the screen still looks almost the same as when i got it, no scratches, no dents. It definitely is tougher that how people is imagining it. I think its also the reason why the other companies are now trusting samsung in using UTG in their future foldables.

 

[spinedoc77]

Still, I feel like a folding phone is a compromise in screen size, kinda like the iPad mini. It’s large enough that its utility as a phone is compromised (especially if you can’t make calls while it is folded or easily perform other small screen tasks), but it’s small enough that its utility as a tablet (for big screen tasks) is compromised. Of course, I’d also rather have dedicated devices for specific functions, I feel like that often works better than convergence devices. I even carry an old MiniDisc player when I travel to spare battery on my phone, reduce the temptation to bury my nose in my phone’s screen.

But you can easily make calls when the Fold2 is closed. The outer screen is plenty big enough, we've just been spoiled with huge screens on smartphones for a long time now. It's still a 6.26" screen, but with a narrower aspect ratio. If I had to guess (someone do the math plz!) I'd say it's probably closer to a 5.7" or so screen if it had the same aspect ratio as current smartphones. Don't forget it wasn't that long ago that we had 4.7" screen sizes (IP6), and 4" screen sizes (IP5). We still have the SE and the mini, I'd say the Fold 2's external screen, if adjusted for aspect ratio, is probably somewhere between those 2. Personally I have zero issues with the external screen, the only complaint I have is typing is a bit more difficult, but I have only my fat fingers to blame.

Now I'm not saying it's not a trade off, it is, but I guess that's for each consumer to decide for themselves. You are right in that having an iPhone and an iPad Mini are superior in most ways, but again the issue of portability, charging, syncing, etc are also mitigating factors in the other direction. The Fold 2 even has some novel uses that you wouldn't get with the 2 device combination like its "Flex" mode where you only fold it half way down, sort of like a laptop. You can do interesting stuff like use the bottom as a keyboard laptop style, or you can take selfies/pictures without having to hold prop the phone up, same with video calls, or watch netflix and use the bottom half for media control, and so on.

 

[spinedoc77]

I tweak my gear for what I need. I’d rather have an ebook reader than read on my phone screen, for a variety of reasons. If you want a convergence device, fine, go for it, but I’d prefer having multiple devices that do a job better (and carrying what I’ll need) than using a convergence device (which feels like a jack of all trades but master of none situation).

Granted, I also always travel with a shoulder bag. Whether it has something like important paper materials, a book I’m currently reading, an eBook reader, or something more outlandish, like a knitting project, I find having a bag handy to be very useful. I carry around enough stuff that this modern idea of just carrying a phone seems alien to me. I get minimalism, but there’s a point where minimalism infringes on comfort and even productivity. I need a wallet, including some contents that can’t be digitized yet, keys, a keychain accessory or two that’s part of my EDC kit and that can never go digital, AirPods, pen and paper, phone, and that’s just my pockets. And, if I’m going to carry a bag, well, I might as well use a tablet over a folding phone.

See I can respect your opinion because you lay out why a convergence device doesn't make sense for you. I read a lot, but would never dream of getting a separate ebook reader as I feel that's a big step down from a smartphone (especially my Fold 2) but that still doesn't mean that there isn't a market for separate ebook readers and that tons of them aren't sold every year.

I also used to travel a lot with a shoulder bag, I kind of miss those days. I could have my ipad mini, my surface pro and my iphone all at the same time. But then of course I'd need 3 chargers and 3 outlets, the surface keyboard, etc. Airport travel was annoying having to remove all my devices, power them on for security and then put them in a separate bin to be scanned. I still do the same routine occasionally, but at least have been able to get rid of the ipad mini and 1 charger.

 

[bobcomer]

I tweak my gear for what I need. I’d rather have an ebook reader than read on my phone screen, for a variety of reasons. If you want a convergence device, fine, go for it, but I’d prefer having multiple devices that do a job better (and carrying what I’ll need) than using a convergence device (which feels like a jack of all trades but master of none situation).

I have an ebook reader at home, but travel with it, no. I try to go as light and plugless as possible. I usually bring a laptop and an ipad as a backup. (I, of course, carry my phone too.)

A jack of all trades is basically my job when it comes to computers, I'm an IT Manger, so that fits my personality.

 

[5105973]

But how do you know it wouldn't survive? Many are making assumptions not based on experience. I have had my Fold 2 for months, if I'm not using it it's always in my pocket with tons of lint and other stuff that gets stuffed in there. There is zero damage to it. I'm not saying you in particular, but I hear this all the time on how fragile it is, but from people who have never even laid a finger on one, much less used it as a daily driver for months. These phones are far from fragile. No they aren't as sturdy as a regular smartphone, and no I would not put it into my pocket if the larger screen were exposed, but if you think about it the larger screen is actually safer because it is folded closed.

My current phones are always caked in lint from Kleenexes. (I’ve got allergies). It just wouldn’t be very pleasant unless I can rinse off the phone.