Last week, Gizmochina reported that Sharp is working
on a couple of tablet-like game consoles with magnetically attachable physical
controls. Now, the company has patented a wide variety of foldable smartphones
which once launched would take on the likes of the Samsung Galaxy Fold, Huawei
Mate X and Royole Flexpai. The patent set includes five different devices, each
of which, at least has one distinguishing feature.
The first device in the list has a clamshell design
with negligible bezels. Dissimilar to the foldable smartphone that Sharp
showcased earlier this year, this device lacks any obstruction causing notch
which will provide for an immersive viewing experience. The hinge on the
smartphone is present right in the middle which will allow it to shrink into a
considerably smaller package. While the device lacks any camera sensors, it is
expected to undergo some design changes ahead of its launch.
The second device looks very similar to the first
one, however, it features a wide notch up top that accommodates the earpiece
receiver. Unfortunately, the patent is not thoroughly detailed, therefore, it
is hard to divulge whether the notch will be present on the front or rear side
of such a smartphone.
The third device is clearly the most distinctive out
of the bunch. It features a wide slot to insert a debit/credit card,
accordingly, this handset could double up as a payment terminal. Even though
this illustration seems similar to the first one accrediting to an edge-to-edge
display, it is not the case. Unlike the first device, this one could fold both
ways i.e inside and outside.
At number four is a device that looks like a
combination of a fitness band and smartphone. Due to its form factor, the user
would be able to strap it around their wrist which seems to have a similar
approach to previously launched Nubia Alpha. Besides, like the number two
device, this handset also has a wide earpiece receiver up top. Going by the
illustrations, the width of the band seems quite thick and Sharp will have to
chisel some of its thickness before such a device could turn into a reality.
Lastly, Sharp has patented two other foldable
smartphones that seem to have a focus on gaming. Both of the said devices look
identical with a hinge that allows them to be folded into half. The first
device has square corners, in contrast, the second one has rounded. The device
looks identical to a Sony PSP or similar game consoles with a landscape display
that is flanked by controls on either side. But, in this case, the controls are
on-screen rather than physical buttons.
To wrap things up, Sharp with the investment it has
received from Foxconn seems to be working towards diversifying its portfolio of
products, beyond manufacturing display panels for TVs and Smartphones. Having
said that, we cannot predict if any of these devices will see the light of the
day or not. Let’s keep our fingers crossed and hope Sharp brings at least one
of these devices to life.
