Apple is looking into building a rollable iPhone

For those eagerly anticipating a foldable iPhone, Apple might have a different surprise in store – a rollable iPhone. The tech giant has recently been granted a patent for a smartphone featuring a rollable display, according to Patently Apple. The patent, filed in November 2022 and published recently, describes an electronic device with a display that can transition between an unrolled, planar state and a rolled state for storage.

To ensure the functionality of this innovative display, the patent suggests using a “locally thinned” glass layer in the rollable portion. Additionally, the display is configured to handle the compressive stress on the outwardly facing glass surface, protecting it from damage when the display is bent during the rolling process.

Building a rollable iPhone

Although the patent broadly refers to electronic devices with displays, it specifically mentions portable devices like smartphones, raising excitement among Apple enthusiasts about the prospect of a rollable iPhone. Rollable displays have been demonstrated as viable technology, with LG leading the way through their rollable OLED TV and a rollable phone prototype that came close to launch but was eventually shelved. Other companies like Motorola and Oppo have also showcased rollable phone concepts, but none have made their way to widespread consumer availability.

As for Apple, the company tends to be cautious when integrating new technologies into its mainstream products. While the patent suggests Apple is exploring rollable display possibilities, it doesn’t guarantee an immediate launch of a rollable iPhone or iPad. Apple’s approach to introducing cutting-edge features is methodical, and they may take their time to ensure the technology meets their high standards before introducing it to the market.

The patent, however, offers a glimmer of hope to those dreaming of a more flexible and adaptable iPhone in the future. As technology advances and companies explore innovative design concepts, the possibility of a rollable iPhone becoming a reality in the years to come remains an exciting prospect. While we may need to exercise patience, Apple’s ongoing exploration of this technology underscores the company’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of innovation in the smartphone industry.

Tiktok Owner Fires Intern Over Incident Linked to AI Project

How to Use Your iPhone 16 Camera Control as a Second Action Button

Best Time to Eat Dinner: Expert Insights

Amazon Employees Air Frustrations About Company Culture on LinkedIn

Mobile

iPhone SE 4: A major redesign with a new chassis, camera bump, and biometrics

by George Mensah 2023-10-01

The iPhone SE 4, codenamed Ghost, is expected to receive a major redesign with a new chassis, camera bump, and biometrics.

Chassis

The iPhone SE 4 will use a modified version of the iPhone 14 chassis, with two major changes:

Action button: A new multi-purpose button that replaces the mute switch on newer iPhone models. It can be configured to perform a variety of actions, depending on the user’s preference.
USB-C port: In order to comply with upcoming European Union regulations, the iPhone SE 4 will switch to a USB-C port instead of Lightning.

Camera bump

The camera bump on the iPhone SE 4 will be redesigned, with Apple reportedly developing at least five different designs. The exact design of the camera bump is still unclear, but it is expected to be similar to the third-generation iPhone SE in terms of size and placement.

Camera

Preliminary information suggests that the iPhone SE 4 may feature a 48-megapixel rear camera, which would be a significant upgrade from the current model’s 12-megapixel camera.

Biometrics

The iPhone SE 4 will not have a Touch ID home button, but will instead use Face ID for biometric identification. This is likely due to the fact that the new chassis is based on the iPhone 14, which also does not have a Touch ID home button.

In-house 5G modem

Apple is also working on an in-house 5G modem, codenamed Sinope. The iPhone SE 4 is being used to test the new modem, which is expected to debut with the iPhone 16 lineup. However, it is possible that the new modem could be released earlier, as it is currently being tested on the iPhone SE 4 and a derivative of the iPhone 15 Pro Max.

Mass production

It is still early in the development process, so it is possible that the iPhone SE 4 may not make it to mass production. However, the amount of effort that Apple is putting into the design of the device suggests that it is serious about releasing it.

Overall

The iPhone SE 4 is shaping up to be a major upgrade from the current model. The new chassis, camera bump, and biometrics are all expected to be significant improvements. Additionally, the possibility of an in-house 5G modem could make the iPhone SE 4 even more attractive to consumers.

It is important to note that this information is preliminary and subject to change. However, it gives us a good idea of what to expect from the iPhone SE 4 when it is finally released.

Mobile

Google Launches Earthquake Alert System for Android Devices in India

by George Mensah 2023-09-27

Google has announced the launch of its earthquake alert system for Android devices in India. The system uses smartphone sensors such as accelerometers, which can act as small seismometers to detect tremors.

The system, developed in consultation with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and the National Seismology Center (NSC), will provide early earthquake alerts for Android users in an area that’s likely to be impacted. These alerts will be available in local Indian languages supported by Android.

Google sends two types of alerts: Be Aware and Take Action.

Be Aware: These alerts are sent to users experiencing MMI 3 & 4 shaking during an earthquake of magnitude 4.5 or greater. They show an alert on the screen but don’t play any sound if the phone is on Do Not Disturb mode or in silent mode.
Take Action: These alerts are sent to users experiencing MMI 5+ shaking during an earthquake of 4.5 magnitude. They bypass the system’s notification settings, including Do No Disturb, and play a loud sound. The alert also suggests to users what action — such as taking cover under a table — they can take for safety.

Google detects a potential earthquake through many Android phones noting seismic activity in an area. The company claims that alerts often reach many seconds before shaking.

How to enable earthquake alerts on your Android device

To get earthquake alerts, you must:

Be using a phone with Android 5 or later and have Wi-Fi or cellular data connectivity.
Have the location settings enabled on your device.

To enable earthquake alerts:

Go to Settings > Safety & emergency and then Earthquake alerts.
Toggle on Get alerts.

Alternatively, you can also enable earthquake alerts through:

Go to Settings > Location > Advanced > Earthquake alerts.
Toggle on Get alerts.

Google’s AI-powered flood alerts

Google already issues AI-powered flood alerts to all Indian regions. The company began the flood alert pilot in Patna, the capital of the Indian state of Bihar, in 2018. Later, it expanded flood alerts to all of India in 2020.

Google’s earthquake alert system is a valuable addition to its disaster relief and safety efforts in India. It can help people stay safe and informed during earthquakes, which can be devastating.

Load More Posts