Leak unfolds Google's plan for a foldable Pixel smartphone
What's the story
Alongside the 5G technology, foldable smartphones will be one of the main trends of 2019.
Several tech giants including Samsung, Huawei, LG, Microsoft, and Xiaomi are working on their foldable phones that may be launched this year itself.
And now, a tipster has claimed that Google is also developing its own foldable phone under the Pixel lineup.
Here's everything we know.
Twitter Post
Tipster posts patent images to reveal Google's alleged foldable phone
New Rumors .. #Google Working on foldable smartphone #GoogleFoldablePhone pic.twitter.com/lbx8VxHfBz
— duggtech@gmail.com (@TechNavvi) December 27, 2018
In the works
Google's foldable phone looks a lot like Samsung's model
If his claims are anything to go by, we can expect Google's foldable phone to be similar to Samsung's.
As per the images, the phone can fold-out to form a tablet and fold-in to take the shape of a regular candy bar phone.
Recently, Google also filed a few patents to improve the durability of foldable devices, suggesting its interest in 'foldable' technology.
Connecting the dots
Last year, a Russian blogger had leaked Google's smartphone portfolio
Interestingly, in 2018, a Russian blogger Eldar Murtazin, who had leaked the Pixel 3 XL flagship, claimed that Google was developing as many as seven smartphones including the Pixel 3 flagships and a smartphone with a "flexible display".
Hence, this further lends credibility to the new leak which claims that Google is working on a foldable smartphone.
"Foldables"
Google has already added support for foldable phones
To recall, back in July'18, the tech giant had optimized Android to bring support for display cutouts. And in October, Google showcased the Pixel 3 XL with a prominent notch.
Meanwhile, last year in November, Google had announced that Android would natively support foldable devices to help developers create apps for the foldable hardware.
Going by that logic, perhaps, the launch of Google's foldable phone is imminent.
"Not" coming soon
So, when will Google announce its foldable phone?
While we have major hints and tips that Google is working on a foldable smartphone, it is unlikely that the phone would launch it this year.
This is because we already have a barrage of foldable devices lined up for 2019.
Hence, Google might want to wait and see how these OEMs find success with their foldable handsets.