Motorola and Microsoft file patents for foldable smartphones
What's the story
In the race to develop a foldable smartphone, Lenovo-owned Motorola and Microsoft have filed separate patents to register their innovation.
The two tech giants join the industry heavyweights such as Apple, Samsung, and Huawei which are also working to develop the next big thing- a foldable smartphone.
Here's more on this development.
Future is foldable
Here's what Lenovo-owned Motorola is working on
The World Intellectual Property Organization has reportedly approved Motorola's patent for a foldable device.
As per the schematics, Motorola is working on a wide tablet-like rectangular display that can fold into a smartphone-like device and vice-versa.
The patent mentions that the flexible screen can wrap around a hinge and its cover can support the device as a stand while also allowing for wireless charging.
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Lenovo CEO had earlier hinted at a foldable Razr phone
"With the new technology, particularly foldable screens, I think you will see more and more innovation on our smartphone design. So hopefully what you just described [the Motorola Razr brand] will be developed or realized very soon," said Lenovo CEO Yang Yuanqing at MWC 2018.
Details
Microsoft joins the bandwagon, files patent for foldable device
Microsoft's patent shows a tablet-like device that has two primary displays, which can be folded on both sides and a third display at the hinge.
Further, the third screen's display depends on the position of the hinge.
The patent says that what one would see on this third screen is dependent on whether the device is in a tablet mode, "tent-mode," or in book-shape.
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Microsoft had filed its patent back in November 2016
Notably, Microsoft had filed the patent back in November 2016. And last year, the tech giant was reportedly working on a foldable device, which was expected to be announced in 2018. However, nothing credible has surfaced regarding this development so far.