VIVO

Brand patents stretchable smartphone screen

While folding smartphones with flexible screens are gaining in popularity, manufacturers are constantly working on new formats that allow the devices to be even more compact without restricting users in the usable display area. Today resource 91mobiles published a patent from the Chinese company Vivo, which describes a smartphone with an “extendable” screen.

The patent application was filed by Vivo with the World Intellectual Property Organization in May 2021 and was approved only on December 2nd. Images posted in the document show that Vivo is working on a smartphone with a screen that can almost double in size. The device will be equipped with a motor that, when activated, automatically extends the display. In this case, screen magnification can be initiated by the user, or it can take place automatically, for example, when the camera is started.

Vivo is not the first company to work on the concept of a smartphone with a retractable screen. Earlier this year, Oppo unveiled a concept device with a similar screen design, called the Oppo X. It's important to note that there are no smartphones with “elastic” screens on the market yet, and it remains to be seen when the first devices produced in mass in this form factor will appear.

AVnews