Foldable smartphones are just starting to gain momentum even though none is yet to go commercial. However, we have seen several of them like Samsung’s Galaxy Fold, Huawei Mate X, Xiaomi’s and a few others. While we await the full rollout of foldable phones commercially, OPPO is already attempting to create a storm with a foldable smartwatch. The BBK subsidiary recently filed for a patent with the World Intellectual Property Office (WIPO) late last year. The patent entitled ‘Wearable electronic device’ was published in September 2018 and describes a smartwatch with a flexible screen.
As can be seen from the sketch, the patented Oppo smartwatch has a regular watch strap and a rectangular-shaped screen. A special feature of this smartwatch is that the display module is foldable so that the user has a larger screen area within no time if desired. The design will suit both those who prefer wearing their watch on the left or right hand. When worn on the right hand, the foldable screen extends into the wrist while the left hand extends into the back of the palm. Such a design will ensure the screen will get some base support and won’t be hanging in the air.
The smartwatch has two modes; a folded and unfolded mode. When unfolded, the screen area is increased by up to 200%, giving you up to three times more screen space. The user interface also changes depending on the mobile device being used. In the folded position the extra display part is stored in the watch case, under the main screen. The watch case has a recessed groove from which the screen can slide out. The folding process is fully automatic.
There is no information if OPPO has actually got a foldable smartwatch in development. The company has not yet released a foldable phone. So, we don’t see a foldable smartwatch coming out any time soon.
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