Xiaomi Unveils New Concept Phone With 'Waterfall' Display on All Four Sides
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As with many such things, this looks really cool in a video and I cannot think of a single possible practical or even fun use for it (super gimmicky game?), and a bunch of reasons it would go right past useless and into actively making things worse.
Without significant software modification it would be an active nuisance in just about any app--imagine the UI mess if the app thought it could actually use that space without knowing it was on the edges. Forget that it instantly becomes a normal phone with a case on--if there somehow was a thing that actually used it, now it's actively hidden from view.
My favorite part, though, is that it precludes using a case, and then adds a screen on exactly the parts you're most likely to drop the phone on, so it not only increases fragility but makes sure you can't do anything about it.
I'm sure there are use cases for a multi-direction curved screen, this just isn't one of them. At all. If they were going to make a gadget to show off the tech, why use a phone instead of something that doesn't go aggressively against how the device is supposed to be used.
Without significant software modification it would be an active nuisance in just about any app--imagine the UI mess if the app thought it could actually use that space without knowing it was on the edges. Forget that it instantly becomes a normal phone with a case on--if there somehow was a thing that actually used it, now it's actively hidden from view.
My favorite part, though, is that it precludes using a case, and then adds a screen on exactly the parts you're most likely to drop the phone on, so it not only increases fragility but makes sure you can't do anything about it.
I'm sure there are use cases for a multi-direction curved screen, this just isn't one of them. At all. If they were going to make a gadget to show off the tech, why use a phone instead of something that doesn't go aggressively against how the device is supposed to be used.
reyesmac
macrumors 6502a
is this supposed to compete with old Samsung phones? If they want to compete with Apple just have things they will never offer. Upgradable camera modules, user replaceable batteries and screens, upgradable storage. And if you can’t make unique apps for it, partner with companies that do and offer free licenses for great apps. All are compelling reasons to use that phone over ones we are used to using.
Digital Dude
macrumors 65816
This is hardly an innovation, just another copy-cat incarnation of existing designs. I have no doubt that if Apple were to build something like this, they would maximize the 'Edge' waterfall effect. While I was waiting for the 12-Max to arrive, I was tempted to go for the Motorola 'Edge'.
Back when the whole cell phone industry began, I was on the forefront with Motorola as they were the Apple of cell phones, albeit their build quality was similar to a Panasonic Toughbook. The model 8000 was built like a tank. I vividly recall a sales meeting where the presenter took a Motorola 8000 and literally threw it across the conference room against a wall. Not so much as a scratch, although the battery did pop off; it snapped right back on like new. Okay, so much for nostalgia~
Back when the whole cell phone industry began, I was on the forefront with Motorola as they were the Apple of cell phones, albeit their build quality was similar to a Panasonic Toughbook. The model 8000 was built like a tank. I vividly recall a sales meeting where the presenter took a Motorola 8000 and literally threw it across the conference room against a wall. Not so much as a scratch, although the battery did pop off; it snapped right back on like new. Okay, so much for nostalgia~
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patent10021
macrumors 68040
no point. going to be covered by a case.
UndefinedxJoker
macrumors member
The main functionality of a phone like this is that it is beautiful. I would love for Apple to make a phone like this which essentially has zero bezels.
windywalks
macrumors 6502a
Why though? Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should.
I’m sure any serious smartphone manufacturer consider this as an option, prototyped it and said ”Hey, this is utterly impractical.” It’s been years and I still can’t get over how long it took Samsung to let go of the silly curved displays that served no purpose whatsoever and only introduced a fatally fragile point of failure in case of dropping the device.
We’ll probably get Musk’s pig neural implants sooner, than we get durable curved or foldable/rollable displays.
I’m sure any serious smartphone manufacturer consider this as an option, prototyped it and said ”Hey, this is utterly impractical.” It’s been years and I still can’t get over how long it took Samsung to let go of the silly curved displays that served no purpose whatsoever and only introduced a fatally fragile point of failure in case of dropping the device.
We’ll probably get Musk’s pig neural implants sooner, than we get durable curved or foldable/rollable displays.
I imagine it'll shatter like crackers if you accidentally dropped it lol
MisterMillz
macrumors 6502a
That’s ugly. I don’t mind a little bezel for holding purposes.
Steve would've recognized this for what it is — form without function, though he did give us the hockey puck iMac mouse.
So funny! Tim's much too busy managing the development and roll-out of meaningful tech and innovation, such as Apple Silicon CPUs, and new/upcoming Apple products that use the them.
I can see people who own Honda and other autos with colorful aftermarket "ground effects LED lighting" snapping up Xiaomi's new phone! A match made in heaven!
This is the stupidest thing I’ve ever seen.
I love it.
I love it.
shapesinaframe
macrumors 6502
meh
Can you provide a source for your claim. Maybe this works. Maybe it doesn’t. Time will tell. I think what you meant to say was you hate curved screens.
Just like any other glass phone
Nuno Lopes
macrumors 65816
Absolutely. This is the first true bezeless design to a much improved immersive effect. It even works with a case (Better without one). Meanwhile Apple is still going on circles with the notch. They used to lead display technology on smartphones (well back in 2014 or so). Heck even the iMac ...
U call this innovation, amazing technology? Please learn proper grammar, unless your name is Tim, then I am wrong.
FYI if you are referring to Tim Cook in some weird way, he is ceo, not product development. Do you understand his role in company, probably not.
Someone doesn’t get it. Chance and expectation? Pretty sure apple can’t do any better. Check out their earnings last year.
Tim is doing his job, thankfully people like you don’t matter.