OPPO's new patent experiments with removable camera modules

Phone makers have been looking for ways to get rid of the selfie camera on phones. Some have resorted to hiding them under the display, flipping up the rear camera, or using pop-up cameras. OPPO is one of those manufacturers that has been doing its fair share of experimentation. Its latest exploration revolves around removable camera modules. A new patent from the company describes how you can pull out the module from the back and point it at your subject if you want to take a selfie or shoot more of a scene. 

The design shown in the patent has two cameras and options for USB-C, NFC, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. A lithium-ion battery will power the module while you line up your shot. What isn't know is if you can swap out camera modules, which could mean you might be able to upgrade a phone's camera without replacing the entire handset. Of course, this design is still just a patent. It isn't sure if OPPO plans to build a phone featuring this design. But, at least, we know the company is thinking about it.

Source: Engadget

LG patent turns dual-screen smartphone into a tablet

If this recently discovered patent is anything to go by, LG might be looking for other ways to expand its smartphone and turn it into a tablet. There won't just be an extra display on the case, but one you can attach to the other side and turn it into a tablet. That feature is lacking in the current implementation of LG's Dual Screen accessory. However, patents aren't always applied to actual products, so we may or may not see these make the light of day.

Source: MobileSyrup

Samsung patent suggests company is working on smartphone 'stretchable display'

We've seen what Samsung has done with a foldable display, but a newly discovered patent suggests the company is exploring the idea of stretchable displays. The diagrams seen on the patent filed by Samsung with the US Patent and Trademark Office show the screen can be increased at will thanks to a moveable backside plate. The smartphone seems to sport narrow sides and a wider chin.

The patent describes a sensor capable of recognizing any change in touch input so the phone can calculate how much to increase or decrease the screen size. If Samsung decides to make this into an actual product, it can be useful for media consumption or gaming, among other uses.

Source: GizChina

Motorola patent suggest Razr-style foldable device with touch-sensitive sides

Motorola's take on the foldable phone might be getting another upgrade if the recently discovered patent filing is anything to go by.

It shows a clamshell form factor with a secondary screen on the outside, very similar to the recently launched foldable. But this time, the sides feature eight touch sensors that can work as virtual buttons to be pressed and swiped for different features. It can work differently and perform various functions depending on whether the phone is open or closed. There's a possibility of enabling up to 20 different gestures and features.

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