TCL Communication, manufacturer of the BlackBerry and Alcatel smartphone brands, has showcased prototype devices based on its new DragonHinge flexible screen technology, at MWC 2019 in Barcelona this week. The patented DragonHinge technology is a durable multi-gear hinge that TCL Communication will use to build bendable and foldable screens for its tablets and smartphones in the years to come.
Combined with custom, flexible AMOLED displays from TCL sister company CSOT, the DragonHinge technology can be used in a range of different device types, from a smartphone that can be folded down to smartwatch size to wear on the wrist to a smartphone that can be bent out into a tablet.
Now that TCL has created a hardware solution to serve as a foundation for a robust and affordable family of foldable products, the company says, it will be focusing on creating software experiences and ecosystem to support the launch of its first consumer-ready foldable devices by early 2020.
TCL also manufacturers the Vodafone Smart Kicka phones for the entry-level market, so the new hinge may see more affordable foldable phones arrive next year.
TCL Communication is showcasing the first DragonHinge concept products this week at Mobile World Congress 2019.
Click here to watch the Gadget exclusive Huawei Mate X demo, recorded by Arthur Goldstuck.
* For more information about TCL Communication and the company’s lineup of mobility devices, please visit www.tclcom.com, www.alcatelmobile.com, www.blackberrymobile.com.
