Nokia files for multi-hinged device patent

The world's biggest cellphone maker, Finland's Nokia, has applied for a patent that could eventually result in a phone or other portable electronic device that folds in four. According to the concept illustrations, two of the folding panels might be dedicated to the screen, while the other pair might form a large QWERTY keyboard, allowing for a notebook-like interface. It is not known whether the device will indeed be a smartphone, a UMPC or something in-between.

If and when the device goes into production, it is unknown whether or not it will use a flexible display, like the OLED panel recently shown off in a Samsung concept device, or two separate screens placed side-by-side. The former may be the most likely, however. [via UberGizmo]