Qualcomm tech would change UI based on folds

A Qualcomm patent filing published today hints that the company is considering a foldable touchscreen tablet. The device on show would combine three touch displays into a single device whose interface changes depending on the context. When fully folded, it would behave like a cellphone; as it unpacks, it could fit alternate roles depending on the position of each individual screen.

Among the suggestions are a simple clock, a fully-flat media player and a notebook-style interface with one panel as a keyboard.

The USPTO application won't necessarily translate to a finished product but suggests Qualcomm is exploring different form factors for smartphones or for smartbooks, either of which could use the collapsible design to provide a smaller shape. The patent's dependence on three separate screens might depend on OLED as the thinner and more power-efficient screens would better support a folding, multi-screen design. [via GoRumors]

By Electronista Staff