LG’s Rollable Smartphone: Development Continues Despite Previous Discontinuation
Remember LG's exit from the smartphone market back in 2021? Well, it seems the tech giant isn't quite ready to roll over just yet.
A recently published patent suggests LG's innovative spirit is still alive and kicking, particularly when it comes to foldable screen technology.
The Patent That's Turning Heads
LG's latest patent showcases a device with a sliding screen that can transform a compact phone into a tablet.
While this might not signal LG's grand return to the smartphone arena, it does hint at something equally exciting: LG could be gearing up to supply cutting-edge displays to other manufacturers like Huawei, HONOR, OPPO, and Motorola.
A Blast from the Past: The LG Rollable
Cast your mind back to 2022. A video surfaced online showcasing the LG Rollable – a device that seemed to belong more to the realm of science fiction than reality. Here's what made it stand out:
- An OLED display that expanded from 6.8 to 7.4 inches
- A motorized mechanism for screen expansion
- A rear notification screen
- Snapdragon 888 processor
- 12 GB of RAM
- 4,500 mAh battery
Sounds impressive, right? But like many cutting-edge technologies, it wasn't without its flaws. The stretchable display faced issues with creases and durability – problems that this new patent seems designed to address.
Magnetic Solution to a Crease-y Problem
The patent describes an ingenious magnetic system to smooth out those pesky wrinkles:
- A magnetic sheet installed on the back of the display
- Magnets built into the frame
- Magnetic force to smooth out creases
- Faster return of the display to its original, smooth state
This clever use of magnets could be the key to making rollable screens a practical reality.
A Timeline of Persistence
Let's break down LG's journey with this technology:
- February 2021: LG halts development of the rollable device project
- September 2022: Video of the LG Rollable surfaces online
- October 2023: Patent application filed
- October 2024: Patent published
This timeline suggests that LG's commitment to foldable device technology hasn't wavered, despite their exit from the smartphone market. It's a testament to the company's innovative spirit and long-term vision.
What's Next for LG's Rollable Tech?
While it's unlikely we'll see an LG-branded rollable phone hitting the shelves anytime soon, this patent opens up exciting possibilities. LG could become a key player in the foldable display market, supplying screens to other manufacturers and shaping the future of smartphone design.
As the foldable phone market continues to grow, LG's technology could be at the forefront of the next big revolution in mobile devices.
Will this patent materialize into a real product? Only time will tell. But one thing's for sure – LG's innovative spirit is far from extinct. The tech world will be watching closely to see how this rollable technology unfolds in the coming years.
Source: MSPowerUser
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