Post 3a - Lee's First Mobile Phone...The PaperPhone

Researchers from Arizona State University, Queen’s University, and E Ink Corporation have developed a flexible smartphone prototype called the PaperPhone.  Described as a “flexible iPhone” this device does everything a typical smartphone does, such as store books, play music or make phone calls.  However, the similarities end there…  The 9.5 cm diagonal bendable device is made of two layers: the e-ink display and a flexible printed circuit with five bend sensors.  Bend gestures are fed into a gesture-recognition engine trained to associate certain movements with certain instructions.  The interaction via bend gestures could be particularly useful to users with poor eyesight or other age-related ailments that prevent coordinated touch control.  Additionally, the flexible form of the display makes it much more portable than current mobile devices (it will actually contour to the shape of your pocket).  Further, the potential to store and interact with documents on larger versions of these light, flexible computers may lessen the need for office printers.    

There’s no mention of price point for this ingenious device.  However, I’m sure that this new technology will attract its share of customers.  In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if this is just the motivation needed by Lee W. to purchase his first mobile phone.  Welcome to the 21^st century!

Rick S.