There's an obvious issue with the "folding" phone concepts: the folded version is smaller than what most people's normal phone screen size would be, and the unfolded version isn't really a tablet sized screen. It's easy to see that it's not an improvement on the current large screen sizes for phones.
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Xiaomi Reveals Dual-Folding Flexible Phone in Teaser Video
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It’s a prototype bro...this isn’t reality.
The thing likely didn’t do anything other than what was in the teaser video. It might not have even had a proper processor, storage, camera, etc. It was likely just a screen.
Short answer: Possibly cool, but not ready for prime time (indicated by prototype stage) and tons of challenges to overcome. Probably no headphone jack either.
If you’re still mad about the headphone jack, get an Android. Oh wait, many of those removed the headphone jack too.
Amidst increasing hype about foldable displays, Xiaomi has revealed that it is also working on its own flexible phone.
The Chinese mobile maker broke the news with a teaser video posted on Weibo that shows Xiaomi president and co-founder Lin Bin using what at first looks like a normal tablet device, until he folds back both sides of the display so that it resembles a distinctly phone-like form factor.
The physical power button is side-mounted on the device when in landscape orientation, which places it in a top-center location when in phone mode. In a neat touch, the size and orientation of the user interface also automatically adjusts in order to conform to the new dimensions of the display.
In a message accompanying the post, Bin wrote that the device is the result of the company overcoming technical challenges relating to folding displays, foldable hinges, flexible covers, and UI adaptation.
Bin admitted that what he hopes will become "the world's first dual-folding phone" is still just a prototype at this stage, but said that the company will consider mass producing it if the response from consumers is positive. Bin floated two possible names for the phone - the Mi Dual Flex and the Mi MIX Flex - although he said Xiaomi is open to suggestions from the public.
Last year, Samsung showed off its new Infinity Flex display technology in a device that features a 7.3-inch flexible display that can be folded in half. The company said it had developed an advanced composite polymer that's "flexible and tough" to replace the glass that's usually used as a display cover in smartphones.
Samsung is expected to formally announce its first commercially available foldable phone during its Galaxy S10 event on February 20 in San Francisco, California.
Rumors that Apple is developing an iPhone with a foldable display stretch back to December 2016, when it was reported that LG's display division would begin mass-producing foldable displays for smartphones as early as 2018. Apple was said to have chosen to work with LG Display and not Samsung out of fears that Samsung could get ahold of the sensitive tech.
LG is said to have created a dedicated task force to start developing a foldable OLED display for a future iPhone, while its siser company LG Innotek has a team developing a rigid flexible printed circuit board or (RFPCB) to go along with it.
LG has shown off several foldable display prototypes over recent years, including one that folds over like a book and a second that rolls up much like a newspaper.
Article Link: Xiaomi Reveals Dual-Folding Flexible Phone in Teaser Video
If Apple can’t design a durable laptop hinge using flex cables, why should I believe Apple will design a phone with a durable flex display?
I don't see it the same. OLED and wireless charging were definitely good advances, not gimmicky at all, but OLED's early on had issues (I'd imagine we can agree here, right?). Only in recent years have they been almost perfect. I think that's where Apple and their customers stand with most of this stuff. It's definitely good tech and a useful addition, but we are content waiting until the tech is a little more ready for prime time. Wireless charging was definitely an area Apple was late to the game, but it's not enough of a feature to warrant a change of platform. Similarly with this bendable screen tech - it's cool and the future use cases make sense, but it's just not really ready for the masses. I don't mind others coming out with it as we have to start somewhere, but I also don't mind waiting as I don't see the value. Hardware and software just aren't to a point where I need to drop my current gear for it.
When I read your post, The Below is exactly what came to mind... AND....
Two folds.. That would be cooler like how the phones in Westworld work:
I want this.
though I get we're probably not quite there.
It isn't covered in it, that's what the screen is made of.
Open a magazine/book out all the way... notice how the cover isn't completely flat and requires a bit of give to account for that motion... This is an inherent problem all of these folding devices have.
Thanks but no thanks it’s UGLY and too fragile.
I’m not willing to pay for a trash product like that.
Foldable garbage
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So if the screen is made from a flexible material then I guess we'll soon be seeing the end of broken/cracked smartphone screens?
Hmm, on second thoughts .... we may not see cracked glass screens but we may see problems with the flexible displays.
Ahhh, I guess we'll never win.
Hmm, on second thoughts .... we may not see cracked glass screens but we may see problems with the flexible displays.
Ahhh, I guess we'll never win.
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Haha, and hence why I returned mine. Wasn't waiting for it to get worse or cause issues. It would explain why screen protectors caused the screen to behave erratically on it. Apple's history speaks for itself. When an issues arises they wait for a majority of their users to abandon the device and move onto a new one, and once the lawsuits start flying offer some sort of half-assed solution.
Oh the bravery in working on a demo! LOL. Please, every one of the major tech companies is exploring this technology. Apple is spending over a billion a month on R and D, but if their version of foldable phones is anything like this, thank goodness Apple doesn't do these "hey, here's what we're maybe going to do," as I would be embarrassed for them. Consumers aren't going to be interested in carrying an ugly, thick phone just to get a square plastic screen. Objectively, what would you be able to do with that screen when folded out completely, that you can't do with the current max size iPhones, Pixels, etc;, much less put up with the ugliness and thickness.
Well, since the screen isn't made of glass anymore, I doubt you'll really need one. If we're dreaming of the future, why not do it without cases?
The screen looks so exposed when folded, especially as the user will be gripping on the fold when using the small mode.
It seems a better solution would be to have the screen inside when folded, with a secondary smaller screen outside.
It seems a better solution would be to have the screen inside when folded, with a secondary smaller screen outside.
I'm really excited to see this tech start rolling out more. I know it's still in early stages but it's exciting for the potential. If Apple really views as the iPad Pro as a real laptop replacement, why not utilize this tech so that you're always carrying a phone and tablet in one?
We need quality hardware and software for a product to add value. We aren't there yet.
Yeah, because being first to the market with the first generation of a VERY new technology is always smart! /s
Netflix is a services company, apple is a dongle company. Apple makes more profit with dongles then Netflix with the whole movie business, that’s, where YOUR service Fantasie, falls apart. To explain, I am a great visionary, therefore I can see, i wish You would follow!
Services don’t generate the profit apple wishes, apple can do NOTHING better then Netflix or Spotify. They only have their hw, and an insane strong brand, still.
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Love You, for that perfect rant!
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That’s the narrative the fakenews tries to push, too. The world has not changed that much as many people want to tell us. Most people just want plain, simple, awesome tech, not the whole good man story companies try to push nowadays.
No one cares about anything, everyone just whines and dines, more trucks then ever, more flights, more of everything, more surveillance, less Security, less personal rights.
Go check the facts! Don’t follow Tim’s advertising!
“Being first” isn’t possible for Apple anymore - or at least not like it used to be. The global market has changed and China even more; no longer are they just manufacturers of products. They are more than capable of producing high end products and have the internet to show it. New technology doesn’t have to be refined to software/UI or cross platform integration. Prototypes and demos can be shown as innovation when in actuality it’s far from being a finished product.
Luckily Apple saw this long ago and started focusing on additional areas and features: cross platform integration, software/UI, health, human rights, personal security, sustainability and renewable energy.
Brilliant and crucial for continued success and staying ahead of the competition. It’s no longer possible to only compete with hardware features and “gimmicks”.
Luckily Apple saw this long ago and started focusing on additional areas and features: cross platform integration, software/UI, health, human rights, personal security, sustainability and renewable energy.
Brilliant and crucial for continued success and staying ahead of the competition. It’s no longer possible to only compete with hardware features and “gimmicks”.
