Attending Mobile World Congress isn’t just about catching the latest smartphone releases or getting a glimpse of the Galaxy Ring. A significant part of the excitement at these trade shows stems from the unveiling of concept devices. These innovative gadgets offer a sneak peek into the potential future of technology, showcasing ideas that might shape upcoming products. History has shown us the impact of such reveals; not too long ago, the idea of foldable phones was merely a concept displayed by Samsung, far from being accessible to the public.
Last year, Motorola captured the spotlight at MWC with the Moto Rizr, a concept phone featuring a rollable display that could extend from 5 inches to 6.5 inches with just a double tap. Having personally experienced the Rizr, and considering Motorola’s success with the previous Razr, there’s optimism that this technology could be integrated into new products in the near future. Therefore, when Motorola extended an invitation to showcase their latest adaptive display concept, which was initially introduced in October, it instantly became a must-see for me.
Introducing the bendable phone concept
The term “adaptive display concept” might not do justice to the innovation at hand, so let’s call it what it is: bendable. This concept takes its place alongside foldable and rollables as the next potential leap in smartphone technology. The idea of a device that can bend to become compact or even wrap around your wrist might not seem as straightforward or appealing as other form factors. My hands-on experience with Motorola’s concept did little to dispel these reservations.
In its default state, the bendable device resembles a modern smartphone, albeit with a sportier look. The front display, made of plastic, seems prone to damage, while the back features a ribbed fabric that offers a surprisingly pleasant grip, reminiscent of Google’s fabric cases. The device’s ability to flex inward, allowing the screen to curve outward or even stand on its own in a tent-like formation, is intriguing.
Revisiting long-standing idea
However, this bendable prototype by Motorola isn’t exactly a fresh revelation. The concept has been in development for nearly a decade, with an earlier version presented back in 2016. Knowing this, one might expect a comprehensive range of applications that fully exploit the bendable phone’s unique capabilities. Yet, the primary function Motorola promotes—apart from its standalone capability, which hardly surpasses the utility of a PopSocket—is its transformation into a makeshift smartwatch. The device, secured to the wrist with a magnetic band, proposes a smartwatch experience with the full functionality of a smartphone. Despite the initial appeal, the practicality and aesthetics of this application quickly come into question.
Sporting your smartphone on your wrist in such a manner is unlikely to complement most attire, standing out in a manner reminiscent of Google Glass. It’s conspicuous, potentially awkward, and might not find favor in everyday fashion or functionality. Rather than pursuing this wearable smartphone hybrid, it seems more prudent for Motorola to explore other avenues. Utilizing the bendable technology to create a genuine smartphone or a dedicated fitness band could offer a more feasible and appealing application of this innovative concept.
