LG's New Patent Shows They Are Developing A New Type Of Foldable Phone

Considering the foldable phone’s progress and development this year, it is likely that several foldable devices will be released soon. Last week, LG Electronics acquired a patent from the World Intellectual Property Organization, which describes the device as a “Curlable Mobile Terminal”, the technical description of a smartphone. This device will include an adjustable touchscreen, which can be folded. The foldable phone also features several cameras, a stylus, and an additional screen.

The device shown in the patent looks like a curling smartphone, featuring a case surrounding both sides of its adjustable display. When the full display is used, users can run three pages or applications simultaneously. When turning the display to two sides, the screen will automatically adjust correspondingly. By pressing the bottom, the stylus included in the case will be pulled out easily. The second touchscreen is located on the left side of the case. The case’s right side features mechanical control components and can also function as a roller. A rear button is located on the left side of the case, it can function as a volume button, on/off button or fingerprint scanner.

LG’s foldable phones feature matrix configuration (camera array), multiple cameras and a stereo camera which can be used to capture 3D photos. Early this month, a patent for 3D smartphone cameras was also issued to Korean manufacturers. If LG decides to use this camera model, it will be located on the device’s front and rear, the device also contains a laser sensor. The manufacturers seem to consider folding smartphone as the next trend and want to follow it as soon as possible. Additionally, two user accounts with different permission settings can be supported on the foldable phone.

According to recent reports, other big players have also been in the process of developing their own folding smartphone models. The Chinese company – Huawei, is preparing to release its foldable phone in 2019, while Samsung plans to announce their flexible smartphone in the Consumer Electronics Show held in January 2019 before the launch of Galaxy S10 at the Mobile World Congress.