ZTE-owned Nubia is showing off a concept for a smartwatch that’s more phone than watch.. The nubia–α concept has a flexible display that wraps around a portion of the wristband, giving you plenty of space to interact with apps, contacts, and other menu items.
It’s unclear if or when the nubia-a will ever see the light of day. But the technology isn’t exactly science fiction: Samsung, LG, Huawei, and other companies are expected to launch smartphones with flexible displays in the coming year. Why not make one that wraps around your wrist?
The concept video shows a watch with what appears to be a metal wrist strap and a long flexible display that wraps around the front (or top, I guess).
There’s also a camera and microphone to the side of the screen, which would allow you to make video calls or snap pictures. And there are buttons on the left and right sides and pogo pins for charging on the back.
Apps shown in the video include:
- Music player
- Phone dialer
- Contacts
- Find my phone
- Step counter/activity tracker
- Time and weather widget
There are no details about the hardware powering the device or what kind of software it will run. Nor is there any information about the potential release date or price.
Update: Nubia is showing off an actual prototype at IFA in Berlin. Engadget got a look (but not touch).
via GizmoChina and GSM Arena
L8 keypad in vrist vatch : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gzrTcUwPNOs
keypad : https://www.youtube.com/user/g77k77
Yeah, it’s versatile but far from fast.
Also, it could have been good to include a small screen near the clasp (so it could be used as a viewfinder when taking a picture that’s not a selfie).
I like the concept. The “frame”is a bit much (I would have preferred a reverse notch for just the camera) but I’m guessing it might be to fit all the electronics and maybe a bit of extra battery.
A few things for this kind of device:
It must run cool. Having a burning wrist band wouldn’t be fun (so obviously demanding games are out while being worn).
Battery life would be crucial as is the case for smart watches (thigh as long as it lasts the day it should be fine).
Wireless headphones would obviously be a major boon (having to take off your watch to take a call discreetly would be too much of a hassle.
It the watch band is stiff/probable it would work better. You could do things like take it off and use the band to prop it up on a desk for an extended video phone call.
Spreading of the strap, sizing would be another major issue, especially if they have any electronics in the band (this includes battery).
Waterproofing. It won’t be in your pocket, you’re gonna wash your hands, etc.
I how they’re going with the unbreakable screens, my wrist tends to be more excised to the hazards of the real world than my pocket.
But if it works well and all, I could see myself using it as my primary phone (I have a tablet for videos and whatnot). My main concern with regards to general usability would be text input.
Be just like [classic] Dicky Tracy! (Replete with racial stereotypes, Asian and Mexican.)
“Calling Joe Jitsu …”
Be a patriot and buy ZTE (the corporation that helped the regimes in Pyongyang and Teheran) products to help President Trump save Chinese jobs!
Whoa, check out the bezels on that thing. Speaking of camera bump…
Interesting concept, but I’m not sure why they would want to keep the watch silhouette.