Foldable smartphones like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 (€ 1,929.00 *) may solve the space problem when unfolded, but they’re still bulky devices that require a bag. A newly revealed patent from Motorola now takes a different approach to making smartphones more compact. Instead of simply folding the device down to a smaller size, the idea is to transform it completely into a smartwatch. You wouldn’t need a pants pocket anymore.
How the hybrid mechanism is supposed to work
The patent was discovered by the sources Burnplate and the leaker @xleaks7. It describes a device with a fully foldable display. Users should be able to use it as either a smartphone or a smartwatch, depending on their needs. In watch mode, the bendable display comes into play. The display is designed to conform to the wrist, while magnets hold the two ends of the “strap” together.
According to the patent, these magnets can even be used to adjust the size of the band, allowing for different fits. To turn the smartwatch back into a smartphone, the device simply needs to be removed from the wrist and bent straight. For a more classic smartphone aspect ratio, the two halves of the device can also be separated and reassembled side by side.
Concept Rather Than Product
The idea may be exciting, but it’s also extremely unusual. Accordingly, a finished product is likely still a long way off. Given the current state of foldable display technology, the device in smartwatch mode would probably be significantly thicker and heavier than today’s wearables.
Operating the smartphone display—which is composed of multiple panels—might also prove uncomfortable in practice. As is typical with patent applications, the document initially only indicates the direction of Motorola’s internal research. Whether and when this will actually become a mass-produced product remains to be seen. Motorola itself has not yet commented on the patent.
Motorola’s Foldable Strategy
With its Razr series, Motorola is already one of the established manufacturers of flip phones and, with the Razr Fold (€ 1,527.99 *), the company has recently added a larger “book-style” foldable to its portfolio. A hybrid of a smartphone and a smartwatch would represent a significantly more radical step for the manufacturer than its previous form factor experiments and would open up an entirely new device category should the patent actually lead to a product.
Sources
Burnplate, @xleaks7 (X), Notebookcheck
