Nokia’s new Morph concept phone would use nanotechnology to give it a flexible body with a transparent display that could be re-shaped depending on the user’s needs, a far cry from today’s solid and chunky devices. Even the electronics inside it would be transparent and flexible, so the whole phone may be twisted and stretched into bracelet shapes or tablet form, and nanotech cleverness means it would even clean itself. Developed in cooperation with Cambridge University, this glimpse of a distant future is now on display at the MoMA in New York. Jump for video and yadda-yadda press release.
Nokia and University of Cambridge launch the Morph – a nanotechnology concept device
New York, US and Espoo, Finland — Morph, a joint nanotechnology concept, developed by Nokia Research Center (NRC) and the University of Cambridge (UK) – was launched today alongside the “Design and the Elastic Mind” exhibition, on view from February 24 to May 12, 2008, at The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York. Morph features in both the exhibition catalog and on MoMA’s official website.
Morph is a concept that demonstrates how future mobile devices might be stretchable and flexible, allowing the user to transform their mobile device into radically different shapes. It demonstrates the ultimate functionality that nanotechnology might be capable of delivering: flexible materials, transparent electronics and self-cleaning surfaces.
Dr. Tapani Ryhanen, Head of the NRC Cambridge UK laboratory, Nokia, commented: “We hope that this combination of art and science will showcase the potential of nanoscience to a wider audience. The techniques we are developing might one day mean new possibilities in terms of the design and function of mobile devices. The research we are carrying out is fundamental to this as we seek a safe and controlled way to develop and use new materials.”
Professor Mark Welland, Head of the Department of Engineering’s Nanoscience Group at the University of Cambridge and University Director of Nokia-Cambridge collaboration added “Developing the Morph concept with Nokia has provided us with a focus that is both artistically inspirational but, more importantly, sets the technology agenda for our joint nanoscience research that will stimulate our future work together.”
The partnership between Nokia and the University of Cambridge was announced in March, 2007 – an agreement to work together on an extensive and long term programme of joint research projects. NRC has established a research facility at the University’s West Cambridge site and collaborates with several departments – initially the Nanoscience Center and Electrical Division of the Engineering Department – on projects that, to begin with, are centered on nanotechnology.
Elements of Morph might be available to integrate into handheld devices within 7 years, though initially only at the high-end. However, nanotechnology may one day lead to low cost manufacturing solutions, and offers the possibility of integrating complex functionality at a low price.
Julian Robinson
March 8, 2008 at 7:15 AM
Wen is dis nokia morph going to be on sale in america
Report Permalinkjack
March 13, 2008 at 4:58 AM
The morph sounds like a very good idea and if it was
Report Permalinkput into production i would defently buy one.
Lorelay
April 3, 2008 at 7:47 AM
what can I say!? CONGRATULATIONS for this combination of art and science!!!It looks very well and I think it’s very practical!
Report PermalinkKatrina Stow
April 25, 2008 at 4:10 AM
I want one..Nokia you seriously need to start making them..
Report Permalinkjak
July 22, 2008 at 12:57 AM
Oh my god what’s next?
Report Permalinkif this is ever ade i’m buying it!
i honestly hope nokia go for it.
Optimus Prime
August 21, 2008 at 4:46 AM
It won’t show up anytime soon people
Report PermalinkKeep in mind that this phone is equiped with “nanotechnology,” which is very high tech to put in a phone. If I could guesstimate, I would say that the phone won’t probably see the light of day maybe until 2015 or 2020 if not later than that. This is some serious stuff, I would buy it if Nokia can pull it off sooner, but like I said. This phone won’t see the light of day for a long time. So everyone has to be patient.
marzi
October 25, 2009 at 8:29 PM
Its awsome I wanna buy it when its gonna b out?common nkoia go for it v r waiting
Report PermalinkBrandon
January 31, 2010 at 2:47 PM
Like everyone said this phone is absolutely amazing. i would by four of them to give to everyone in my house. as much as i love our environment we need something on the market like the morph. i’m a gadget fanatic and i would love to tell people about this. the amount of money nokia can are billions i think.
Report PermalinkMohamed
July 16, 2010 at 5:33 AM
when will this phone be for sale??!!!!!
Report Permalinkits amazing i would buy 2 for me and my bro
Brandon
November 18, 2010 at 7:17 AM
Nokia please make this asap. I seriously want this phone. I mean I could die in the next 10 years. We are a hundred years a way from being a type 1 civilization. That means we should only be about 2 years a way from this. Plus I sell phones & i know i could make alot of money off this phone.
Report PermalinkKhuram Mughal
October 19, 2011 at 6:14 PM
Really this is a very good concept.
Report Permalinkput into production i would defently buy one