Many people carry a smartwatch and a smartphone separately. But that may not be necessary in the future. A smartwatch wrapped around the wrist could unfold into a foldable phone. Motorola recently filed a patent for technology that can be worn on the wrist like a smartwatch and, when a larger screen is needed, transforms into a device similar to a regular smartphone.
Overseas blog BumpPlane and IT tipster "xleaks7" recently said Motorola filed such a patent at the end of last month. The patent they shared is for a wearable device designed with a fully flexible display.
When worn in smartwatch form, the device curves around the wrist with the screen facing outward. Instead of a separate strap like a conventional wristwatch, it takes the form of a bracelet covered by a display. The product appears to use magnets that lock both ends so users can adjust it to fit their wrists.
But once the device comes off the wrist, an interesting change appears. Separating and unfolding each section can create a much larger, flatter, smartphone-like form. The magnet consolidation could once again play a key role in keeping everything aligned.
Bending part of the flexible structure into an "L" shape can also act as a built-in stand. That lets the device serve as a small desktop display to watch videos, take calls, or check information while working. The hardware (battery, processor, wireless module) appears to be built into the ends of the band.
The patent is an intriguing design attempt by Motorola. However, filing a patent does not mean a related product will arrive right away. Other manufacturers have experimented with wearable phones for years, but none have released them as mainstream products.
For the patent to become reality, thickness and weight will be important considerations to ensure comfort when worn on the wrist. Camera placement could also be a particular issue. Hardware on the inner surface may touch the wearer's skin, while placing a camera on the display side makes it difficult to achieve a seamless screen concept. Durability is another major concern, given the product will frequently bend, unfold, and change shape.
Motorola's continued push for innovation in the foldable market also reflects its ambition to recapture the glory of the feature phone "Razr," which led the company's heyday. After its 2004 release, the Razr became the best-selling cell phone in U.S. history, but it was pushed aside a few years later as the smartphone era began.
Even so, the patent offers intriguing insight into how the future of smartphones could unfold. Rather than simply asking how many times a smartphone screen can fold, Motorola is exploring whether the smartphone itself can change into something truly wearable. If the technology reaches the level of Motorola's patent, smartwatches and smartphones may no longer need to remain two separate devices.