Scientists at Queen's University's Human Media Laboratory have created a prototype for a touchscreen device that is neither a smartphone nor a tablet, but features both. The MagicScroll is inspired by ancient scrolls (made of papyrus, paper or parchment) and has a roll-up cylindrical form factor - with a flexible 7.5-inch touchscreen housed in the case.
The new 3D-printed form factor means the device can be used like the old Rolodex (remember this one?) To quickly switch screen contacts by rotating a physical wheel built into the edge of the device. (One such at each end).
Then, when more information or a deeper dive is required, the user can unfold the screen and expand the displayed display. The prototype's flexible screen has a 2K resolution. So at this stage it will be a mid-range mobile phone, not a Retina iPhone of course.
Scroll phone: in memory of the ancient Egyptians?
Scientists also believe that the rollout form factor offers a pleasant ergonomic option for making real-life phone calls, because the rolled roll can fit snugly against the face.
While they admit that the prototype is quite large at this stage, it is pleasant to hold in your hand, reminiscent of the massive mobile phones of the 1980s. Sort of like the classic Motorola 8000X Dynatac from 1984.
Promotional video:
Despite the bulkiness of the prototype, the team argues that the cylindrical flexible form factor has its advantages: it is easier to hold with one hand than any iPad. And if you fold it, it will take off into your pocket (albeit a large one).
They also believe that this device can be used for dictation or directions, not just as a voice phone. The prototype has a built-in camera that allows you to control the device using gestures similar to the Nintendo Wiimote gesture system.
Robotic drives were also added to the spinning wheels so that the screen could rotate on its own if needed.
The team has made a video showing the prototype in action (below) and will be showing it at the MobileHCI conference in Barcelona next month.
While any mobile device that resembles MagicScroll is not even close to large-scale release and commercialization, it's worth noting that Samsung has been working on a smartphone with a folding screen for several years. And, possibly, it will release a working product next year. Or it won't.
But will Samsung's definition of "foldable" be anything like the flexible and foldable MagicScroll prototype? Unlikely. The clamshell design - when two flat screens fold out and form one - seems much more appropriate. Don't forget that the clamshell form factor will have to withstand daily use.
It also seems unlikely that users would welcome such prototypes en masse. Sophisticated (and therefore inconvenient) devices are likely to end up with a small list of niche uses, but that's about it.
Ilya Khel
