Google patent shows a foldable ‘smart book’ with multiple screens

A patent Google filed back in 2018 was recently discovered and it takes on the idea of foldable devices in a different direction. Instead of having just one internal screen, this patent toys with the idea of having multiple screens, making it look like a “smart book.” Perhaps, it’s trying to re-define the idea of an e-reader or giving you different screens for different tasks. For now, there isn’t any indication Google is developing this concept into a concrete product. But it’s interesting to see what a multi-screen device could look like.

When folded up, it would have solid, non-flexible screens for both the cover and the back to make it more rigid. The tech relies heavily on the hinge with it both anchoring the screens to the device and helping it move as well as having essential components hidden within it. The patent shows thick internal panels for the screens with these set very close together. Distances between the screens range from 1mm to only 0.005mm between each screen. However, this won’t be ideal to head into production, the weight alone would be prohibitive right from the start. Again, for now, this remains a concept. But with how foldable screen technology has been progressing, we won’t be surprised if this becomes an actual product. And we won’t be surprised if Google leads the charge.

Source: Digital Trends