Motorola Patents a Wearable that Could Transform From Watch to Phone
Motorola patented a smartwatch that could one day transform into a phone. See how it works, who might use it, and what could keep it from reaching stores. The post Motorola Patents a Wearable that Could Transform From Watch to Phone appeared first on TechRepublic .
Motorola has secured a U.S. patent for a smartwatch that could transform from a wristband to a handheld phone on demand. The flexible display sections would form a band around the user's wrist, then pivot into a wider rectangular device for phone use. Position sensors would recognize each arrangement and reorganize onscreen content automatically.
Motorola's patent filing describes the device's ability to switch between smartwatch and smartphone modes, but leaves the final dimensions and specifications open. The company has previously explored similar shape-changing screen concepts, such as its Adaptive Display concept and coiled wearable screens. The potential target audience for this watch-phone includes frequent travelers, field workers, and LTE smartwatch users who regularly use mobile devices for directions, boarding passes, messages, and logins.
However, serving this user group well would require seamless app transitions between screen layouts and legible controls during transitions. Battery life, water resistance, repair pricing, and comfort over extended wear also pose concerns. While Motorola has not announced a commercial device or release schedule, the company's recent Razr Fold announcement suggests a broader effort to fit larger screens into portable devices. Readers should consider this patent a possibility rather than an imminent purchase.
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