How would you like a smartphone that can bend over backwards at your command?
Chongqing Graphene Tech Co., a Chinese startup company more commonly known as Moxi Group, is launching the world's first bendable smartphone this year. The price alone is enough to make you flip over.
These bendable smartphones cost $765 apiece and Moxi Group is rolling out only 100,000 units this year and with only two color choices.
Moxi's Executive Vice President Chongsheng Yu said white and black smartphones are easier to manufacture. The company is planning to sell these bendable smartphones in China. However, Yu said that they will also look into any overseas demands for the new products.
The bendable screen utilizes the graphene technology, wherein the carbon atoms are specifically arranged in a pattern that allows them to be more resilient.
The smartphone's components such as processor and battery are jammed on one end of the device. This new location enables it to have a flexible, bendable screen that can go full circle - just like a very big wrist watch.
While that's all awesome and dandy, the question now is how good the screen resolution will be and some experts already gave it a thumbs down.
Human Media Lab Director Roel Vertegaal from Queen's University in Canada said if the device will use e-ink, then the technology will be "a real loser."
Vertegaal said the screen's contrast and colors will be of poor quality and the device won't be able to play video.
Yu said that while the device will use the same e-ink technology, like the ones in Amazon.com Inc.'s Kindle devices, Moxi's is more advanced than previously used e-inks. Yu added that the bendable smartphones will have advanced touchscreen features.
The debut of these bendable smartphones is being fueled by cravings for new hit products in the market. According to graphene researcher Aravind Vijayaraghavan from the Manchester University, a working, bendable phone could have "a massive market."
"If they're going to release it commercially this year I'd be thoroughly impressed. If you have a low-resolution black and white screen that is not terribly reliable, then that's not a commercial prospect," added Vijayaraghavan.
