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(Pocket-lint) – Newly published patents have revealed how Google might intend to build its own foldable phone – as has been rumored for some time – and the methods by which it might build a hinge and incorporate a camera in the bezel of the large internal screen.
Two patents in particular – WO2022177607 and WO2022177596 – were submitted by Google to WIPO, and have now been published by the organization. These two patents are respectively entitled “Integration of a hinge on a foldable device” and “Foldable device with bezel located camera”.
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The first of these patents shows a device capable of full folding, where part of the flexible screen curves inside the hinge of the phone, like the Moto Razr and Oppo Find N. This method usually means less of creases defined and visible on the screen.
As for the other patent – first submitted in 2021 – the phone takes a slightly different approach to the Galaxy Fold when it comes to selfie camera placement. Rather than hiding it under the screen or having it cut out in the shape of a hole, it seems that Google has considered placing it within the frame of the screen.
It’s worth noting that, as with any patent, this rarely means we’ll actually see a device on the market exactly like what’s shown in the sketches. It’s more about ideas on how to build specific parts of these phones and patent them to protect the manufacturer’s ideas.
Claims have previously suggested Google’s foldable phone is in the works and will take a Galaxy Fold-like approach, with a large internal display that folds like a book.
Speculation was that we would see it launched now, but the device hasn’t materialized so far. If and when it finally launches, we might see the foldable display method similar to the patents, but it would be surprising if it made those bulky camera-equipped bezels a reality given how thin they are.
Written by Cam Bunton.