Samsung has already redefined what can be done with its Galaxy Z Fold and Flip series of smartphones. The company is not yet done, however. A newly published patent reveals that Samsung may be planning something remarkable: a design for a foldable laptop to redefine portable computing. Filing way back in 2020 but gaining light only some time ago, this patent talks of a laptop wherein its folding screen brings the rear cameras forefront to make a newly innovative take on the improvement of video calls and selfie capabilities in laptops. It is simply one aspect of broader strategies Samsung employs in pushing the frontier of foldable technology in a host of devices.
The top part of the laptop screen folds forward, as is the case with Samsung's Galaxy Z Flip phones. Apart from increasing the display area, forward folding brings cameras that were normally on the back to the front, there thus producing them into high-quality selfie or video conference cameras. This finally solves a chronic problem in laptops: most built-in webcams are mediocre at best, and their image quality is pretty subpar during video calls. With these lenses, Samsung can offer a much-needed upgrade as rear cameras are used from smartphones.
The folding mechanism only affects the top part of the screen, therefore it means that any remainder of the laptop is fully working and looks precisely like a regular machine if it's not folded. Once folded, however, the additional screen space and the new positions of the cameras give an otherwise more versatile machine suitable for work, media consumption, and professional video calls.
It's not its first foldable laptop, however. Samsung has been continuously pioneering the development of foldable screens beginning with the Galaxy Fold series and the more compact Galaxy Z Flip. In addition, Samsung attempted rollable displays and showcased these ideas through demos, such as those presented at CES 2022, the Flex G and Flex Note. Actually, the Flex Note gives a glimpse of what will probably occur with foldable laptops : bigger, more flexible screens and increased portability.
This latest patent splices parts together of those earlier patents, which implies that in the future, laptops may be even bendier. Whether it is folding the screen forward to add a bit of extra real estate or deploying rear cameras for better video quality, Samsung's design appears devoted to bringing the best-in-class hardware to everyday utility. A smartphone-like camera system mounted on a laptop should put an end to webcams on laptops forever going into the future.
In addition to a foldable laptop, Samsung has also filed patents for an extendable laptop. This design would let users extend the screen horizontally; that is, the laptop would almost transform into a curved monitor. An extendable screen could provide more immersive experiences, especially for creative professionals, gamers, or people who need extra space on the go.
Among other trends and developments happening in the tech world are foldable and extendable gadgets. The Flex Slidable is yet another concept feature at Samsung's CES 2022 display with its screen extending manually for increased display real estate. These all show that the company wants to lead the next wave of innovation in the laptop industry.
While exciting, it's worth reminding readers that patent does not equal a final product. Samsung is certainly no stranger to forward-thinking innovation, and the journey from patent to marketplace is usually long and arduous. Still, given the company's success with foldable phones, a foldable laptop likely will make an appearance in stores one day.
The line offers a premium segment of Windows devices with touchscreen capabilities, 360-degree flexibility, and stylus support. Perhaps Samsung will successfully integrate foldable designs into future Galaxy Book models, further expanding the product line to include flexible screens, multi-function cameras, and more portability.
While no date has been set or even mentioned, officially speaking, a patent does suggest that Samsung is certainly putting on some hard thinking to tap into foldable technology for its brand. Given the legacy of innovative products that Samsung has been peddling recently, it would be quite a surprised thing if we see foldable or extendable laptops in the coming years as another chapter in the history of breaks in tech by Samsung.
Samsung's latest patents show the commitment of the company in remaining one step ahead of the curve. Foldable and extendable laptops are not future copies for gadget-watching TVs; they have the potential to drastically shift our daily uses of devices. Imagine carrying an ultralight, compact laptop that transforms into an expanded screen to edit videos or create digital art. Or imagine you no longer need those external webcams attached to the top of your laptop because your rear laptop cameras can swivel forward for ultra-sharp video calls.
Overall, with the multiple options of work-from-home setups and remote communication, and because laptops which offer better functionality and performance will be paramount to all working professionals, creators, and even gamers, the solution will be found in Samsung's foldable and extendable laptops.
The Samsung foldable laptop patent serves as an example of how the company is trying to shape the technology industry of tomorrow. An unfolding screen that brings rear cameras to the front and extends the displays to give more screen real estate would dramatically redefine the entire laptop experience. Although it is not possible to say when and if these designs will ever make it to market, the patents give a very promising look at the future of portable computing. Whether you are an advocate for new gadgetry or just looking for a superior laptop for the workplace, Samsung's concepts are something to keep an eye on.
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