14 DAY TRIAL // Smartphone makers incorporate new technology in their phones, but some take things even further. South Korea recently published a patent application for a Samsung flip cover that has a secondary display with electronic ink incorporated.
Samsung filed a patent application over a year ago for a new flip-cover design that has an incorporated e-ink display, according to GalaxyClub. The application was filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office and it shows the e-ink display having touch sensitivity which can be turned off for saving battery.
The application carries the name “A hybrid secondary screen smart cover with e-ink” and the new product will allow users to interact with the cover. This appears to be the first Samsung flip cover with a secondary display on board.
The new flip cover would have a second e-ink display
The patent image shows that the accessory has a Flip Cover cutout which reveals content found on the primary display. A slightly larger window is shown below it, revealing the e-ink display. This new feature would allow users to check out contents of their phone, without having to actually turn on the display on the device.
The new accessory wouldn’t take up too much battery, so users shouldn’t worry about that. As with all patent applications, it’s uncertain if Samsung will actually develop the new accessory and make it available later this year, perhaps with the Galaxy S8. In the meantime, Samsung Galaxy users can enjoy their Always on Display feature which allows them to read through the latest notifications on their phones, without having to turn on the screen.
Battery consumption isn’t alarmingly high with the Always on Display feature enabled, but we must say that the new flip-cover design would bring added functionality to Galaxy phones, assuming that it will be limited only to such devices and not included in other low and mid-range smartphone series by Samsung.
