The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 is one of the company’s latest foldable smartphone. It adopts a flip phone styled clamshell folding design and features a small cover display. But unlike the large secondary screen on the more expensive Galaxy Z Fold3, this one doesn’t offer complete functionality. Or does it?

According to an AndroidPolice report, a developer has undertook the task of making the small cover screen, which is usually used to display notifications and other basic information, into a full fledged phone display. In other words, you can use it as the primary screen when the device is in its folded state. The mod was made by developer jagan2 and is currently is available on the XDA forums.

This new solution is dubbed the CoverScreen OS and allows users to access a full app drawer, open apps, and even take actions from notifications right from the cover display. Without the mod, one would have to open up the flip phone and take actions via the larger primary panel. Notably, users can also flip the orientation to portrait to make certain app easier to use.

Looking at the images on the forum, CoverScreen OS does not appear as intuitive to use as the primary display. Meaning, it won’t be replacing the larger screen, however, its still a welcomed addition that expands the functionality of the small cover panel. So for those interested, you can click on the link above and try it out yourself.

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Smartphone makers are trying to come up with new and unique designs or features to stand apart from the crowd. Recently, foldable smartphones became mainstream and we have also seen devices with more than one display.

Now, the popular leakster ‘Digital Chat Station’ claims that there will be at least two smartphones getting launched this year which will feature a secondary display on the phone’s back panel.

Recently, Xiaomi’s upcoming Mi 11 Ultra was leaked online and the image revealed that there is a smaller secondary screen beside the camera sensors on the phone’s back panel, housed inside the horizontal rectangular slab.

We’ve seen a few smartphones in the past that feature a small secondary screen that showcases information such as notifications, time, weather, etc. A few years ago, Meizu had launched its Meizu Pro 7 that had a secondary screen on the back panel, along with the camera module.

It will be interesting to see what Xiaomi has planned for the secondary screen on the upcoming Mi 11 Ultra smartphone. It also remains to be seen if any other smartphone brand follows with similar offerings. The Mi 11 Ultra is expected to get launched next year, so we’ll have to wait a few more weeks to know more about it.

Last year, Huawei had also patented a smartphone design that features a secondary screen on the phone’s back, along with the camera module. But it is not yet known if the company has any plans of making such a smartphone anytime soon.

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A new patent that has recently surfaced has suggested that the Samsung Galaxy Fold 2 may feature a secondary display on the outside and will even be water resistant. The patent has been published by WIPO from Samsung Electronics and was first reported by LetsGoDigital.

Looking at the patent images, the Samsung foldable smartphone depicted bears a resemblance to the original Galaxy Fold. This device also folds inwards and has a camera system on the outside. However, a notable new inclusion is undoubtedly the secondary long notification display on the rear. The narrow display is likely to have its own unique functionality that allows readers to access notifications without unfolding their Galaxy Fold 2.

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The patent was listed as “ELECTRONIC DEVICE INCLUDING WATERPROOF STRUCTURE,” which also hints at its water resistant nature. According to the patent,  the design structure of the device is made to be waterproof to protect its internal components. Although how the smartphone manages to achieve this feature is still unknown. Other details regarding the patented handset include a dual camera setup on the front and back alongside necessary sensors.

Foldable smartphones have generally been considered too expensive to mass produce, with OEMs generally facing losses even when sold in limited quantities. Thus, an addition of a secondary display and water resistance protection might make things more difficult. But, it may still be possible in the near future and Samsung is probably capable of developing such a smartphone.

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(Via)

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Huawei has yet to launch its flagship series for 2020. Looking at its traditional release cycle, the Mate 40 series and P40 series should be announced later this year. While various leaks and rumors are already making rounds online, the latest one seems to reveal an interesting feature. The Mate 40 could arrive with a special ring sharped touch display on the back.

Last week, Huawei Technologies’ design patent was finally approved by the WIPO (World Intellectual Property Office). The patent was initially applied for back in 2019 and was granted on 20th March 2020. The patent contains schematics for nearly 15 products, which includes the unique rear ring touch display. It also arrives with a short description as well. Since the Mate 30 had featured a circular camera module on the back Mate 40 is more likely to receive the technology over the P40.

The small circular touch display on the back can also be seen to display the user interface. Its description showcases different functions like touches, clicks, sliding gestures and more to receive calls, display the name of the caller amongst other functions. The patent images also showcase the ring displays the ability to display notifications from messages as well.

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Furthermore, users can touch the display on the back to zoom in and when capturing images and videos. Volume controls are also accessible as well as alarm functions through the smaller secondary display. So in other words, the ring display offers various functionalities and quick access to different features. Although, the added vulnerability for scratches on the back is a drawback worth considering.

The extensive documentation found in the patent suggests that Huawei is already developing the technology behind it. Thus, Huawei Mate 40 and Mate 40 Pro may feature such a multifunctional display. However, this has yet to be confirmed officially, so there is no guarantee. But since the launch period of the series is around September/October, it makes for an interesting predicition which may come true.

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(Source)

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Meizu released the Pro 7 and Pro 7 Plus last week. One special feature present in both phones is a secondary AMOLED display on the back. It is a first of its kind in terms of design and type of display used, but not the first phones to have a second display at the back.

A new leak has revealed that we may be getting another Meizu phone with a secondary display in the near future. The leak is a set of images of a phone said to be the Meizu X2; and unlike the Pro 7 and Pro 7 Plus with rectangular secondary displays, this one has a circular display.

One of the images show the secondary screen showing the date and the other shows a charging icon. Although the authenticity of the images haven’t been confirmed yet as it kind of looks like a poor attempt at photoshop, but we can all agree this is an interesting take on dual displays.

There are circular AMOLED displays used for smartwatches and I am sure some display companies have units laying around. It won’t be a far-fetched idea for a phone manufacturing company to pick up some of those displays and use it in its phones.

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The implementation is the important part. The images above show basic usage similar to what we already see on smartphones when you apply a flip case (those with a circular cut-out in front). For this to work it must offer more than these basic features as additional features that take advantage of a circular display are key to its success. We are looking forward to what Meizu comes up with.

There isn’t any other info about the Meizu X2 with respect to specifications. The images show it has a single rear camera though.

(via)

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Meizu released a teaser poster on the Charm Blue official Weibo page which also came along with a short message. The short teasing message is suggestive the teaser is likely referring to the Pro 7. The message apparent refers to phone users who mute all forms of message notification but can’t stop looking at the phone every now and then to see if there is a new message.

If you’re still wondering how this relates to the Meizu Pro 7, here is your answer. The Pro 7 is expected to feature a secondary display at the back which would show date, time, weather information, calls and message notification. The secondary display has appeared in several leaked renders, including that of the phone’s casing or shell. A supposed spy shot even revealed how the secondary display will pan out on the Pro 7. The secondary display is expected made from electronic ink (e-ink) and would remain on always, thus reducing the urge to always switch on the main display. This could, in turn, enhance the battery life.

Read More: Meizu Pro 7 Real Back Shell Leaks: Similar To Recent Renders

Apart from the innovative design, the Meizu Pro 7 is expected to be the first device that would feature MediTek’s latest deca-core Helio X30 processor and is tipped to also pack a 12MP Sony IMX386 + 12MP Sony IMX286  dual camera setup. An earlier rumour also says Meizu will unveil the Pro 7 in July. Could this teaser be the first of several teasers that will culminate in the Pro 7’s launch? We are not ruling out the possibility that the teaser may be referring to an entirely different product but we’ll find out soon.

(source)

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Meizu Pro 7 is now enjoying the front seat in the media as more and more leaks of the device emerge. Meizu is known for its quality phones and the Pro 7 seems set to take the bar even higher if the leaks we are getting are anything to go by. Recently, a couple of leaked renders of the Pro 7  surfaced, suggesting that the device will not only have a front display but will also feature a secondary display.

Another real live image of the Pro 7 which shows the design has appeared in a new leak. The leaked photo shows the rear cover of the device where the secondary display will sit. The rear casing is captured in two images showing the external and internal view of the device. The secondary display will be at the left corner and its function may be to display time and date, reminders, WeChat message notification and others. The display may likely be made from e-ink which would make it less energy consuming. 

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Despite the innovative design, we are still at a loss as to why a smartphone will come packing a rear display but then, there may be more to it than we know presently. Apart from the secondary display, the Meizu Pro 7 is also expected to come with an innovative design which includes an ultra-thin frame and Meizu’s mBack. The device is also tipped as packing a MediaTek Helio X30 chip, a 5.2-inch 1080p display up front and a dual Sony IMX386 + IMX286 dual camera etc.

(source)

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Huawei P9 turned out to be quite the success for the Chinese tech giant, which means next year, it needs to launch an even better version of the current generation model. Huawei focused on the dual cameras certified by Leica this year and the collaboration is said to continue in the upcoming models as well, including the Huawei P10. While there’s still a few months for the release of the P10 model (since P9 was released in April 2016), a few renders of the upcoming flagship have made its way on Weibo, revealing an interesting design.

The alleged Huawei P10 renders reveal that the phone will have a bezel-less display. So, it won’t be curved like the Huawei Mate 9 Pro, rather, the design seems to be similar to the Xiaomi Mi Mix. One of the renders even reveals that the phone will be quite thick, unlike the current generation Huawei P9 models which are just 7mm slim. Leica branded dual cameras are also seen on the back and there seems to be dual LED flash as well as Laser Focus on board. We can see a fingerprint sensor as well.

But what really sets these renders apart from the other ones that emerged lately is the secondary display on the side. It looks like the Huawei P10 could sport a small display strip on the left side to reveal essential data such as connectivity details, time and maybe even notifications. With bezel-less front and a secondary side display, the P10 could really be a great flagship for tech lovers.

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However, we would like to note that these images come from Weibo and there’s no evidence that they are indeed of the Huawei P10. The images could be the work of photoshop by a Huawei fan, so better take it with a pinch of salt. But to be honest, the design looks quite interesting and we would hope something like this materializes on the P10.

(Source)

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