Very cool. I'm not sure what the use case is for a smart phone, but I like where they're going. The flex is more robust than I had predicted that's for sure.
One thought about where this could be going: Apple's rumored to going for more durability by manufacturing a lot of relatively expensive sapphire for screens. But cheap materials combined with technical tricks like bendable batteries and screens is another approach, and possibly one you can push down into cheaper handsets as well once you've sorted out the tech.
If the entire phone was as flexible as the display, that would be cool. You could finally stick those massive-area phones in your trouser's back pocket again, without worrying about breaking them as you sit down!
Very interesting concept. BTW, Brian, was there an update on the Nexus 5 review? You guys are normally the authority on mobile devices reviews in my opinion, so I'm kind of surprised and concerned not to see a review yet. Figured there was some sort of issue you're working with Google on before publishing it?
You must be confusing 4.4 on other devices with 4.4 on the Nexus 5. Even then though I believe the issues other supported devices were experiencing with 4.4 have long since been fixed with an update.
Thanks for the update! I'm really interested in full in-depth review. Please don't forget to mention all the problems you've met doing this review and the issues that lead to this delays! I guess Google has something to do with!
Personally, I have 3 different android devices, two of them with KitKat and one with Android 4.3 - all of them, after "Google Search" update tend to drain battery, entirely due to the new "Location" mode setting "Battery saving", which basically can be renamed to "Battery drainer". The only viable mode is "Device only".
I hope you'll have some news that will enlighten us about the problem!
Flexible screen might be useful on big TV's. I just dont see how this will play out on smaller screen smartphones. The design is more susceptible to damage compared to the flat ones...unless the phone itself is flexible.
We’ve updated our terms. By continuing to use the site and/or by logging into your account, you agree to the Site’s updated Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Facebook
Twitter
RSS
23 Comments
Back to Article
djscrew - Wednesday, December 4, 2013 - link
Very cool. I'm not sure what the use case is for a smart phone, but I like where they're going. The flex is more robust than I had predicted that's for sure.twotwotwo - Wednesday, December 4, 2013 - link
One thought about where this could be going: Apple's rumored to going for more durability by manufacturing a lot of relatively expensive sapphire for screens. But cheap materials combined with technical tricks like bendable batteries and screens is another approach, and possibly one you can push down into cheaper handsets as well once you've sorted out the tech.thejaredhuang - Wednesday, December 4, 2013 - link
Hard and brittle isn't the answer for cracked screens. Manufacturers need to find a balance between flexibility and hardness.colinstalter - Saturday, December 14, 2013 - link
Apple recently filed a patent for a thin sapphire coating that is applied to a more flexible glass substrate .MrSpadge - Wednesday, December 4, 2013 - link
If the entire phone was as flexible as the display, that would be cool. You could finally stick those massive-area phones in your trouser's back pocket again, without worrying about breaking them as you sit down!djscrew - Wednesday, December 4, 2013 - link
that would be sweetltfields - Wednesday, December 4, 2013 - link
Very interesting concept. BTW, Brian, was there an update on the Nexus 5 review? You guys are normally the authority on mobile devices reviews in my opinion, so I'm kind of surprised and concerned not to see a review yet. Figured there was some sort of issue you're working with Google on before publishing it?vastac13 - Wednesday, December 4, 2013 - link
They probably waiting or 4.4.1 updatevastac13 - Wednesday, December 4, 2013 - link
*forklmccaughey - Wednesday, December 4, 2013 - link
Yea, 4.4 is a mess - multiple bugs and some show stoppers.Tetracycloide - Wednesday, December 4, 2013 - link
You must be confusing 4.4 on other devices with 4.4 on the Nexus 5. Even then though I believe the issues other supported devices were experiencing with 4.4 have long since been fixed with an update.Brian Klug - Wednesday, December 4, 2013 - link
Don't worry, not much longer on Nexus 5 :P-Brian
vastac13 - Wednesday, December 4, 2013 - link
Oh yes thank god!! :Dltfields - Wednesday, December 4, 2013 - link
W00t!themossie - Wednesday, December 4, 2013 - link
Awesome! Waiting on your review for my next upgrade (unless a QWERTY slides out of the woodworks, heh)julandorid - Thursday, December 5, 2013 - link
Thanks for the update! I'm really interested in full in-depth review. Please don't forget to mention all the problems you've met doing this review and the issues that lead to this delays! I guess Google has something to do with!Personally, I have 3 different android devices, two of them with KitKat and one with Android 4.3 - all of them, after "Google Search" update tend to drain battery, entirely due to the new "Location" mode setting "Battery saving", which basically can be renamed to "Battery drainer". The only viable mode is "Device only".
I hope you'll have some news that will enlighten us about the problem!
vastac13 - Wednesday, December 4, 2013 - link
They probably waiting or 4.4.1 updatetoyotabedzrock - Wednesday, December 4, 2013 - link
I'm still waiting for a device like what they had in the movie Red Planet.toyotabedzrock - Wednesday, December 4, 2013 - link
I wonder what kind of chemicals will be leached out by this self healing coating.flyingpants1 - Wednesday, December 4, 2013 - link
The main benefit here is the screen is essentially a lot less breakable.Too bad it doesn't matter, because you can't easily replace the curved flex-glass.. Bet you LG still wants $100-200 for repairs.
powchie - Wednesday, December 4, 2013 - link
Flexible screen might be useful on big TV's. I just dont see how this will play out on smaller screen smartphones. The design is more susceptible to damage compared to the flat ones...unless the phone itself is flexible.Tehk17 - Thursday, December 5, 2013 - link
"...unless the phone itself is flexible."It is. It can be bent flat with no damage.
nik mok - Friday, May 1, 2015 - link
Hi!A one question are using a special cable extender for this display or just usual one.
Thanks in Advance for help.
Best regards,
Nikolai