Xiaomi to launch world's first dual-folding smartphone: Details here
Just days after we got our first look at Xiaomi's foldable device, the company has revealed its plans to launch, what could be, the world's first dual-foldable smartphone. Xiaomi President and co-founder Lin Bin has posted a teaser video on Weibo, detailing the futuristic-looking handset, and confirmed that the company's "dual-folding phone is coming". Here are the finer details.
Xiaomi's device will fold outwards to form a tablet
As seen in the video, the sides of the Xiaomi's device can be folded backward to switch from a tablet form factor into a compact phone. This is unlike other foldable devices we've seen from Samsung and Royole which fold from the center - much like a book. Interestingly, Xiaomi's 2-in-1 device appears to have a slim body, ultra-narrow bezels, and center-positioned power button.
Xiaomi has overcome several technological problems, says Lin Bin
According to the translation of Lin Bin's post (via Engadget), "After tackling flexible folding display, four-way folding hinge, flexible cover tech, MIUI adaptation, and other technical challenges, Xiaomi has made the first foldable phone, and should also be the world's first dual-folding phone." The video also highlights how the company has adapted its MIUI software to leverage the 2-in-1 form factor of the device.
Xiaomi calls its device both "practical and beautiful"
Talking about the folding mechanism and functionality of the device, Lin Bin says that the "symmetrically dual-outer-folding form factor perfectly merges the experience of a tablet and a phone," making it "both practical and beautiful." Surely, its the best foldable phone we've seen so far.
Though the device is a prototype, Xiaomi plans on mass-production
Bin noted that though the device is "still a prototype", the company "will consider mass producing it" following positive feedback and demands from the consumers. He further added that the company has a couple of names in mind for its 2-in-1 prototype -- Mi Dual Flex and Mi MIX Flex. However, Bin concluded by saying that Xiaomi would also welcome name suggestions from consumers.
