Submitted via IRC for AndyTheAbsurd
Instead of maximizing pixel density to fit more info on a smartwatch's tiny screen, IBM has patented a radically different approach that promises to change how we think about wrist wearables completely. But given the trouble companies have had with rolling out expanding screen smartphones, it's hard to imagine this wearable ever being technically feasible.
[...] the patent describes a unique expanding screen system using sliding panels hidden beneath the wearable's main housing. The panels can be removed and connected to expand the wearable's screen real estate into something closer to what a smartphone affords through a four-by-four array, allowing you to display more widgets or to open more capable applications. But why stop there? IBM's patent suggests the modular screen could be expanded with up to eight connected panels, resulting in a display as large as a phone or small tablet awkwardly perched on your wrist.
Source: https://gizmodo.com/ibm-patents-a-smartwatch-that-transforms-into-a-giant-a-1836211325
(Score: 2) by c0lo on Wednesday July 10 2019, @07:20AM (6 children)
I wouldn't mind a wide cuff or even vambrace [wikipedia.org] form tablet though. I suspect it would be easier to achieve than a truly foldable form, and one could even fit a physical keyboard - slide out or not.
Granted, should be rugged enough - thicker gorilla glass (leading to thicker gorilla arm).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aoFiw2jMy-0 https://soylentnews.org/~MichaelDavidCrawford
(Score: 2) by takyon on Wednesday July 10 2019, @07:35AM (5 children)
How about a full powered exoskeleton suit, with a display covering the entire body, allowing it to display texts, video, optical camouflage, etc.
[SIG] 10/28/2017: Soylent Upgrade v14 [soylentnews.org]
(Score: 2) by c0lo on Wednesday July 10 2019, @07:50AM (4 children)
I'm waiting for the P-5000 power loader for ages and it should be simpler than what you describe. Glad I haven't held my breath.
Besides, a "wide cuff format" for a wearable-tablet is not even a jump ahead of today's technology, so I don't get why your sarcasm (as diluted as it may be).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aoFiw2jMy-0 https://soylentnews.org/~MichaelDavidCrawford
(Score: 2) by takyon on Wednesday July 10 2019, @08:00AM (1 child)
Sarcasm? You want that suit.
Cuff things have been around:
https://www.theverge.com/circuitbreaker/2019/2/25/18240370/nubia-alpha-release-date-price-features-wearable-smartwatch-flexible-display-mwc-2019 [theverge.com]
https://www.flexenable.com/newsroom/press-release-flexenable-showcases-first-wrist-worn-conformable-olcd-for-wearable-applications-at-m/ [flexenable.com]
https://walyou.com/snaplet-e-ink-bracelet/ [walyou.com]
Could be made wider.
[SIG] 10/28/2017: Soylent Upgrade v14 [soylentnews.org]
(Score: 2) by c0lo on Wednesday July 10 2019, @08:13AM
No, I actually don't.
Flexenable example seems about right - except they are a provider of OLEDs, with no intention of getting themselves into any end product.
Snaplet - seemed on a good path, maybe they were ahead of their times (2011) so they got nowhere.
Nubia - bleagh - idiotic choice to my mind.
4 inches in landscape would have made a lot of difference in usability. Make it wider, add a slide-out keyboard and we may be getting somewhere.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aoFiw2jMy-0 https://soylentnews.org/~MichaelDavidCrawford
(Score: 3, Informative) by NPC-131072 on Wednesday July 10 2019, @10:21AM (1 child)
Would cost an arm and a leg. Here's an arm. [youtube.com]
(Score: 2) by c0lo on Wednesday July 10 2019, @11:37AM
A thing I promised myself I'll tackle when I get to retirement.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aoFiw2jMy-0 https://soylentnews.org/~MichaelDavidCrawford