(MENAFN- NewsBytes) From patents to software: Yes, Google's working on foldables
17 Jul 2019
While Samsung and Huawei have already showcased their foldable phones, they aren't the only companies to be working on foldable technology.
From patents to software developments, several clues have come our way over the past few months to suggest that Google is also working on a foldable device.
Here's everything we know so far.
Firstly, let's talk about patents
Clue #1
Last December, a tipster shared some glyphs to claim that Google is working on a foldable phone.
The tip-off hinted at an out-folding device that'll offer a tablet-like interface in open state and a candy bar shape in the folded state, like Samsung's Galaxy Fold.
And earlier this month, we saw another patent detailing a more complex book-like foldable device with multiple display pages.
Google's top executive has also confirmed prototyping foldable technology
Fact
Further, in an interview with CNET in May this year, Mario Queiroz, Google's lead for the development of Pixel phones, said that the company is "definitely prototyping the (foldable) technology" and that it has "been doing it for a long time."
Google has already added support for foldable phones
Another clue
Separately, just last November Google had announced that it would add support in Android for foldable devices. Since then we've seen the Galaxy Fold and Mate X with new UI features.
And now, over the last couple of weeks, the company has teased how Android Q will support more foldable shapes (vertically foldable included) and how the new OS is powering future foldable phones.
So, when will Google announce its foldable phone?
Not anytime soon
We can surely say Google is working on a foldable device. But when will it release it? Definitely, not in 2019!
While foldable devices offer new possibilities, concerns related to their durability are evident and grave.
Hence, Google will continue to improve the durability of foldable devices and might even wait for Corning to launch its foldable glass before unveiling its first-ever foldable phone.
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