Earlier this week, a patent application that Apple had previously applied for had been granted. The patent was for a new foldable device which features a unique hinge mechanism that allows the flaps to move, preventing the device’s display from creasing or getting damaged when folding.

The patent was published by the US Patent and Trademark Office and provides a description of the new hinge mechanism. According to the Apple patent, the hinge is capable of providing separation between the two halves of the display from the middle, allowing for the flap to converge when unfolded and separate when being folded inward.

The new hinge mechanism is being implemented to tackle a fundamental issue that plagues smartphones with a foldable display, i.e creasing. Examples of this would be Samsung Galaxy Fold and Huawei Mate X. These handsets are successful in implementing the display but still suffer from the crease problem. However, the new hinge mechanism detailed by Apple seeks to prevent this altogether.

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From the images, it can be observed that the hinge is not a centralized and singular mechanism. The images detail its functioning and movement that cojoins both halves of the display via a twin movable mechanism.

Foldable smartphones target a niche market of smartphone enthusiasts. As it stands right now, the handsets are not commercially viable for a broader audience and market. But, innovation and further development could lead to a few unique and affordable designs being adopted in the future. Apple seems to be looking into the design as well, considering this isn’t its first foldable smartphone patent.

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(Via)

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Are you surprised with the Samsung Galaxy Fold or Huawei Mate X? Then you need to have a look at the new Sharp clamshell foldable prototype device, and it will surely amaze you with its artistic design. According to a video by OLED-info, the new clamshell prototype looks quite minimal with a display notch on the top.

The phone uses flexible OLED technology as like of some other players in the foldable market. Its inward folding will protect the display from scratches and fades away chances of any screen damage from sudden falls. According to Japan’s Mainichi outlet, the screen has passed 300000 folding tests. It is somewhat 100K more than the Samsung’s claims for Galaxy Fold.

In the era when Samsung has unveiled its Galaxy Fold, and Huawei announced Mate X foldable smartphone, Sharp is still aiming to bring the first commercial product “in a few years’ time.” We hope the Japanese display manufacturer might have planned something else. Otherwise, it would be a risky move for Sharp to wait for a couple of years.

• Read More: Patent reveals Samsung’s foldable phone with a clamshell design

To improve its screen manufacturing business, Sharp started developing OLED display for a mobile device in October 2018. Earlier the company was limited to LCD panel manufacturing.

Sharp is not alone in the race – ZTE, Samsung, and Lenovo are also developing foldable clamshell devices.

(via)

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Well, how many Samsung fanboys have witnessed something different in the new profile picture of Samsung Mobile’s twitter handle? If you haven’t then, it seems you’re not a fanboy anymore. In the latest development, Samsung has posted a new profile picture on Samsung Mobile’s twitter handle with a folding effect on ‘S’ letter and flipping the ‘Samsung’ text from midway. So, it means the Korean giant is directly teasing its upcoming foldable smartphone.

Samsung is in news from past several years regarding its foldable device but this time it seems like Samsung will actually launch the Foldable smartphone very soon. We have been listening about the Youm display, flexible batteries and many other things regarding Samsung Foldable device for past several years. Now, it is quite interesting that finally, Samsung is coming with the foldable device.

The Foldable device is expected to be showcased at the Samsung’s Developer Conference this month in San Francisco. If the latest rumors are to be believed, then it would mark debut by early next year.

Additionally, Samsung’s Foldable smartphone will be called by the name of Galaxy F bearing model number of  SM-F900U. As per the report, it is said that the new device is being tested on a firmware build F900USQU0ARJ5. Even though the Korean giant has partnered with Google to make a customized and more curated version of Android UI, especially for its foldable device.

It is expected to be made available globally, even in the European and Asian markets as the model numbers SM-F900F and SM-F900N have been leaked recently. These two devices are aimed at different markets around the globe.

Additionally, Samsung Foldable smartphone will comprise an OLED screen with 3000 mAh battery. It will fold to make a 4.6 inch OLED screen can be used as a regular smartphone, though you can even use it as a tablet by unfolding it to form a 7.29-inch display.

• Read More: Samsung’s foldable smartphone is coming this year, will lead to increase in demand for flexible OLED displays

It’s hardware specifications are not out, but we have managed to know about Intel chip usage along with a 512 GB internal storage. But, it can’t be confirmed as of now, as Samsung has put a tight hold on its hardware related leaks. Also, it will be much thicker than the usual smartphones, and its battery consumption will also be higher due to its extra large display.

Samsung is expected to start mass producing the Galaxy F devices this month and will produce around 100,000 units per month. It might launch at the MWC 2019, next year with a hefty price tag.

Well, how many of you’re waiting for it?

(Source)

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LG has received a patent for a foldable phone-tablet hybrid. It is likely to release in the second half of this year.

Samsung is reportedly working on a foldable device that can fold outwards and convert into a 7-inch tablet. LG has also received a patent for a “Mobile Phone” in the previous week for a new foldable design. This shows that even LG is keen on releasing a foldable phone.

LG’s patent (US D776,074 S) at USPTO  (United States Patent and Trademark Office) for a foldable device was filed on Jan. 7, 2015 and it was approved on Jan. 10, 2017. The patent details show that the device can be folded vertically. When unfolded, the device can be used a tablet. The device can be also used in a tent mode.

Related: Samsung Gear 4 to Have Foldable Display? Company Files Two New Smartwatch Patents

The device that uses this patent will have a touchscreen on the front and back. When unfolded, it will show a bar in the middle that will contain all the notifications. Alongside the additional display on its rear, it can have features like a camera along with LED, a fingerprint reader, and a rear-facing power button.

Recently, Microsoft was also granted for a foldable device. Speculations are rife that the much-awaited Surface Phone may arrive as a 2-in-1 foldable device that can function as a smartphone as well as a tablet. In the last week, Nokia’s patent for a foldable device was also approved which indicates even it is prepping up to enter foldable smartphone race.

Apple had also filed for a foldable iPhone in 2014. The flexible iPhone patent was approved in 2016. Samsung’ upcoming foldable devices are allegedly named as Galaxy X and Galaxy X1 Plus. Speculations are rife that Samsung may announce its foldable devices as early as in the second half of 2017. However, other speculations indicate that the device will be launched in first half of 2018.

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