Qualcomm's multi-fold mobile device is the future we keep waiting for

Qualcomm isn't typically in the business of producing consumer-facing hardware -- the company prefers to just build the chips that make your devices go "vroom" -- but we've come across a patent application that details just such an idea. The multi-fold mobile device can be seen as either a foldable tablet or an expandable cellphone, but in either case its purpose is clearly to act as a hybrid device that performs both roles. With all least two displays on its three panels, this concept will also automatically reconfigure its UI based on a folding configuration sensor, and Qualcomm suggests you might also use it as a widescreen TV display, an alarm clock, a media player, or a web browser. Click past the break for a couple more suggested use diagrams, and feel free to write to Qualcomm with demands that this be put into production pronto.

[uHorndog Posted Mar 15th 2010 6:05AM]

Looks like something I colored in crayon to my parents when I was 5 lmao..

I think a 2 screen courier is good enough, 3 screens is just plain silly..

[Soothesayer Posted Mar 15th 2010 6:07AM]

I can't wait for the 47 screen model!

[uHorndog Posted Mar 15th 2010 6:09AM]

@Soothesayer
Oh, you mean that lego concept? I heard about that.. where you link together a few screens? niiice.

[emopoops Posted Mar 15th 2010 6:27AM]

@Soothesayer rediculous.

[Argote Posted Mar 15th 2010 6:11AM]

Umm, isn't this the same idea shown in the Microsoft future videos that made the rounds a couple of months ago?

[wrathkind Posted Mar 15th 2010 11:46PM]

@Argote

Reminds me a bit of the Nokia Morph concept from a while back.

http://www.nokia.com/about-nokia/research/demos/the-morph-concept

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IX-gTobCJHs

[Bobot Posted Mar 15th 2010 6:16AM]

I don't think that this is the future, but it has a potential...

[uHorndog Posted Mar 15th 2010 6:18AM]

Is it just me, or does this device have SERIOUS potential to be the best porn device EVER?

3 screens.. 3 times the action... all at.. the SAME TIME!! :o

[emopoops Posted Mar 15th 2010 6:28AM]

@uHorndog wow. where u like this when u figured out u can arange windows on one screen?

[N900 Posted Mar 15th 2010 6:23AM]

@Atkins at least it'll cost only 40 dollarpounds. xD

[KGB Posted Mar 15th 2010 6:24AM]

This will be perfect for unfolding Plaboys centerfold of the month.

[LAY Posted Mar 15th 2010 7:06AM]

@KGB

OR 21st century MAD fold-ins.

[emopoops Posted Mar 15th 2010 6:25AM]

@Atkins this is not what people are waiting for. the whole design is a bit TOO quirky and im sure that many will agree with me moreso the fact thatt three screens is pushing it. you had it at two oh dear e reader i saw on engadget a few weeks back! but three, well in this case good things do not come in threes. Im all open about stating my mere opinion that this thing is just a gimmick to let the consumers thing that they need three screens and that its unique so they have to buy it! let me tell you this, if i were to buy one of these things in an afterthought, and someone came up to me and asked, "what is that you got there" what would i say? i would tell them its a three screened computer. that, my friends is enough to make anyone crack up. in fact im sure these will be posted on failblog when they are avail more. can anyone say crapgadget?

[crowl Posted Mar 15th 2010 6:26AM]

Combine it with their mirasol screen technology and you could have a great device, fully open for videos, 2+1 when you need a keyboard and then fully folded for phone mode.

[derdevil Posted Mar 15th 2010 6:29AM]

Did they actually invent some technology to make bezels go away, or can you just invent the idea of arranging screens like that? Because then I had this idea like ages ago (and so will have millions of other kids).

[feelings Posted Mar 15th 2010 11:09AM]

@derdevil

This is exactly what I don't quite understand. Can you patent something without any actual ability or explanation to how it works? Because if that's the case, I'm going to just start filing patents for a living, and collecting royalty checks on things I can imagine but can't possibly be produced yet.

[Defcon zero Posted Mar 15th 2010 6:38AM]

How can they patent it without at least having a prototype? I'm going to patent the flying car and sit back watching the cash roll in.

[Khris Posted Mar 15th 2010 6:43AM]

@emopoops I think you're vastly underestimating how useful this device could be *IF* if ever makes it to market. Good things do come in three's!

[Kevin B Posted Mar 15th 2010 6:48AM]

I was thinking about getting a Courier, but now I'll have to wait and see. No one could accept the limitations of the Courier when THIS is around the next bend!

Meanwhile, I'll just use the iPad I pre-ordered.

[mikachu Posted Mar 15th 2010 6:51AM]

@emopoops
You are obviously too social person if you let friends laughter over ride the usefulness. I'm not saying this is useful and user friendly, but if it actually helps you do something better, faster or heck, even more comfortably I myself would use it even someone might laugh. I'd think to myself "well, it's their loss". ^^

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 15th 2010 7:38AM]

Fold out devices are coming...and possibly ones with one bendable screen (or a roll out screen).

[think before you react Posted Mar 15th 2010 9:17AM]

@Unverified User
I don't see fold out making sales or even bein made. I do however see bendable roll out screens (see through of course) rolling out of a tube about the thickness of a jumbo pencil (remember those fat pencils that were made when we were kids- lol. Why were those ever cool??) a 10in screen you can slip in and out o your pocket like a pen. Sweet!!

[Chickenatr Posted Mar 15th 2010 7:53AM]

Iron Man + Flowers

[astrath Posted Mar 15th 2010 8:10AM]

Funny had exactly the same thought with three folding screens back when the G1 came out. Phones with a sliding keyboard often have such a thin screen that I ifigured having two more screens shouldn't make the device that much thicker.
Would solve the screen estate problem with mobile devices. One screen mode for basic functions and three screens for videso/games/web.

Damnit, should have patented it.

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 15th 2010 8:30AM]

eRorschach triptych

[masochist Posted Mar 15th 2010 9:05AM]

@Atkins

[Wally Posted Mar 15th 2010 9:20AM]

Saw a similar device on the sci -fi program Caprica. Who knows where this tech go.

[onlymyrailgun Posted Mar 15th 2010 9:20AM]

The RAZR wins the patent war with prior art. It has been shown in an ad to unfold into an entire room (or rather, had an entire room fold into it).

[rutter9 Posted Mar 15th 2010 9:26AM]

Atleast in the initial diagram they show a fighter preparing himself to receive a Hadouken

[masochist Posted Mar 15th 2010 9:36AM]

Qualcomm: This device will be available this year for FREE.
Homer: Ok, how much does it cost?
Qualcomm: Free.
Homer: Ok.. When will it be available?
Qualcomm: This year.
Homer: Hurmm.. How much will I pay you for it?
Qualcomm: Free.
Homer: Ok, when can I buy it?
Qualcomm: This year. *sigh*

The dialogue goes on and on until someone makes it.

[htd Posted Mar 15th 2010 9:38AM]

@masochist
then it became at least $600 without contract or $300 on 2 year contract which has to be unlimited plan plus your pre-order will be delayed to next year

[VF34WRX Posted Mar 15th 2010 2:56PM]

is it me or does that look like line arts for Dragon Ball?

[kiddragonmd Posted Mar 15th 2010 3:01PM]

@VF34WRX
Nope not dragonball, it's ironman shooting here's the image
http://xbox360media.ign.com/xbox360/image/article/830/830401/iron-man-20071025032619185-000.jpg

[zangetsu2 Posted Mar 15th 2010 6:52PM]

@Atkins
The technology for these components is available now. So it will be just your kids buying this for you when they graduate (assuming that you don't currently have kids).