The smartphone market is slowly becoming more flexible, as more companies are investing in flexible screen phones. Samsung filed a patent for a device with, not one, but two secondary sliding displays. This device, called the Galaxy Z Fold Dual Slide, was spotted by Let’s Go Digital.
The Galaxy Z Fold Dual Slide will have two sliding displays
Like most flexible screen phones on the market, they have the footprint of a regular smartphone, but they expand to create a larger canvas. The Galaxy Z Fold Dual Screen is much the same way. It looks to be a regular smartphone with Galaxy Note proportions, but it will slide to expand.
It won’t only slide once, however. Firstly, the display will slide out horizontally extending the display a few inches. Then, the display will extend vertically, also. This will create an odd-looking device straight out of science fiction.
Looking at the patent images, we see the device in several different orientations. It looks like you’ll be able to extend the screen from both the left and right and from the top and bottom. This open up the device for several different use-case scenarios.
How could this device be used?
In the patent images, we see some of the possible uses for this dual sliding mechanism. Sliding out the horizontal panel will have the same effect as opening up a Galaxy Z Fold phone. It will be the size of a small tablet with approximately a 3:4 aspect ratio.
Pulling out the vertical panel can give you a miniature screen to interact with, maybe even to glance at your notifications. Pulling down could give you additional controls for media, much like with the LG Wing.
When it comes to photography, extending the horizontal screen can help you get a better view when using the camera. Having the vertical screen extended can display footage from the selfie camera at the same time.
Will we ever see this device?
It’s tough to say when (or if) we’ll see this device. A patent doesn’t exactly mean that Samsung is going to pursue this device. One of the main issues with a phone like this is the fact that a rollable display will be much more delicate than a foldable screen. It will be extremely vulnerable to scratches and other damage.
The first rollable display phones might go through the same trial-by-fire that foldable phones went through. As companies figure out how to properly secure those devices, we’re going to see a slew of failed devices, unrealized prototypes, and odd-looking patents like with the Galaxy Z Fold Dual Slide.
2021-12-17 15:07:09