Microsoft Research has shared its work on a new kind of smartphone cover that adds a secondary e-ink display to smartphones. Demoed using a Lumia 640, the integrated display cover provides users with a second display for content, increasing screen real-estate on existing phones without too much bulk.
The project sees research teams try to provide another solution to user-demand for more display. Instead of making smartphones bigger, what if you could add a secondary screen in the form of a cover? Microsoft Research describes the following:
Our prototype uses a pre-existing flexible e-ink display module. For expediency we didn't integrate a touch overlay; instead we incorporated five touch 'buttons' at the bottom of the display. The touch buttons and display connect to interface circuitry added to the rear of the phone – a Lumia 640 – via flat-flex cables which run through the flip cover 'hinge' along with a bend sensor. The cover itself consists of a bezel of soft-touch fabric which is heat-bonded to the display and to the rear surface of Alcantara using custom-made heated tooling.
While working prototypes did not include a touch-layer, Microsoft Research also envisioned scenarios in which the cover did support touch, providing additional functionality such as using the secondary screen as a keyboard, or as extra screen space for apps like Word to expand into. The secondary display could also be used for pinning important information such as tickets to a concert, the latest happenings within Cortana, and more.
This research project is an interesting insight into how Microsoft is thinking about expanding the mobile form-factor. While most Microsoft Research projects never turn into real products, we do know Microsoft is already hard at work on "Andromeda," a mobile device that runs Windows Core OS with two-screens that's pocketable with telephony capabilities. Andromeda and this e-ink display cover share few similarities, but both focus on using extra screen real-estate for enhanced productivity.
What are your thoughts on this research project? Let us know below!
Spotted by @h0x0d on Twitter!
We may earn a commission for purchases using our links. Learn more.
Halo Infinite equipment guide: Every equipment piece and how to use them
Halo Infinite's equipment pieces can completely change the flow of a multiplayer match if you use them wisely. Here's a complete list of every Halo Infinite equipment piece, as well as how they work and how you should use them.
Rainbow Six Siege and toxicity: Why censorship is not the solution
Over the past few years, the word "toxicity" has been thrown around when people want to dismiss groups they have no interest in hearing from. However, dismissing others has transformed into silencing them, which has had serious side effects.
Can't decide which AMD Radeon RX 6000 GPU to buy? We can help.
AMD has five new RX 6000 graphics cards that have been released or are set to release soon, and you might be wondering which one is going to be the best fit for your build.
Prepare for your next trip with the best travel routers
If you're going on a trip, you need a portable travel router that not only provides a fast connection, but offers a few more uses as well. Here's the travel routers that will make dealing with Wi-Fi on your tip a breeze.
