Samsung filed a patent for this avian-looking smartphone concept: Two spring-loaded half-keyboards burst from the sides of the phone, which in theory provides both a larger keyboard and more screen space, since hands are out of the way. In theory.
It’s a half-baked idea, of course, which is why we’re only seeing it in a patent and not in actual hardware. Unless the half-keyboards were incredibly strong, the whole device would feel like it’s itching to break into pieces, and wouldn’t it have to be twice as thick as standard QWERTY sliders to accommodate double the amount of hardware? So it’s just a patent, and it’ll almost certainly stay that way. But at least somebody’s trying to figure out a way to keep hardware keyboards alive. [Reg Hardware]
Kif
Thursday, July 9, 2009 at 3:42 PMhehe.. smartphone. Know what would be really smart? Making a phone call. Saves on typing so much that you won’t care what type of keyboard you have.
Brett Chapman
Thursday, July 9, 2009 at 7:12 PMThat ranks as ridiculous as the old swivel out Siemens Blackberry handsets
Hans
Friday, July 10, 2009 at 2:48 AM@ Brett Chapman
Actually, I’m still using my Siemens SK65 since 2005. It’s one of the best QWERTY phones around. I’ve used other QWERTYs as well, like the Plam Centro or Blackberry Bold. But I still prefer the comfort of the SK65.
This patent, however, seems ridiculous as it might be hard to hold the phone with both hands.
Kieran Cummings
Friday, July 10, 2009 at 7:14 AMYeh, I had one of them, was one of the most painful keyboards to use. I think I’ll stick to my iPhone for now.
Blacky
Thursday, July 9, 2009 at 9:05 PMits a smart phone that flies….looks like a paper areoplane….perfect for when i get frustrated and throw it!