Samsung has recently submitted a patent for wearable technology that will offer a lot more functionality, and is aimed at broadening the applications of its smartwatches by adding flexible screens and a camera.
The patent by Samsung was filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) along with a design for reference, which indicates a wristband containing a screen which is not only flexible, but also holds shortcuts to the watch’s various apps such as an email client, a music player, a photo gallery and settings. If implemented, we could also expect the finished watch based on the patent to also feature a heart-monitor and music player too.
According to Android Headlines, the patent is reminiscent of what the first generation of Gear smart watches were like, featuring cameras. The patent features a singular screen on the top as is common with most smart watches as well as a secondary flexible screen that runs along the wrist band, which will offer similar functionality as seen with the Edge displays on numerous Samsung flagship phones that we are used to seeing. Another feature that the company has patented claims to be a kind of roll-able screen that is wrapped around the sides and can be opened, although it has not been emphasized upon much in the patent. It is about time that Samsung started utilizing its stretch-able displays as the company has been at the forefront of the technology from the past few years.
The company may even be thinking of creating a completely digital strap instead of a material band in the future. Going by the designs referred to in the patent, it seems like the camera’s positioning will be right in the middle of the screen on the front of the watch, meaning that the screen itself will be a kind of cylindrical shape to accommodate for the cavity containing the camera.
Samsung is currently showcasing its prowess in flexible displays at the on-going SID (Society for Information Display) show being held in LA. There are, however, accessories made by aftermarket brands such as Rifft CT Band which also features a secondary display found along the wrist-band. Considering that there are numerous patents that companies like Samsung like to roll out, it does not always necessarily mean that they have to make their way to a finish product. We may end up not seeing a device carrying this patent by Samsung after all, since the company may only be playing around with the idea for now.
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