Gadgets
| One of the most exciting recent innovations in smartphones is the curved screen. Are there real benefits for this feature, or is it just a gimmick? |
Smartphone technology is advancing so quickly, it can be hard to keep up. One of the most exciting recent innovations in this realm is a curved screen, which debuted in the United States with the LG Flex in January 2014. This is a relatively new innovation for smartphones, but could soon become commonplace. Read on to get the skinny on this new technology—are there real benefits, or is this another “awesome feature” gimmick?
Are there real benefits to smartphones with curved screens, or is it just a gimmick? |
For Your Viewing Pleasure
Years ago, in the beginning of the smartphone era, smartphones weren't used for streaming and watching videos as much as they are today. The curved screen technology changes the viewer’s experience by improving the visibility of the screen itself. The concave screen works like a magnifying mirror that provides a bigger, clearer picture than ever before.Readability and Battery Life
Reflected light on a smartphone screen makes it difficult to read, which means that users have to turn up the brightness on the screen--which has a negative effect on battery life. Curved screens naturally reflect less light, which means not only are they easier to read, but they won’t drain the battery as quickly.| Related articles |
Improved Durability
Because of the shape and the type of glass used, smartphones with curved screens are much less fragile than their flat screen counterparts. What's more, the Flex uses proprietary "self-healing technology," that means scratches to the screen fade over time. Many developers are using Gorilla Glass for curved devices—a glass that is obviously more durable and flexible.Ergonomic Advantage
Not only is the curved smartphone easier to hold in the hand, it also makes it easier to hear phone calls. When holding the phone up to the ear, the curved design lets the speaker (and the mouth) get closer than it does with a flat screen. The shape of the phone will allow for a clearer conversation, however the user’s network and connection will play a part as well.Jumping on the Curvy Bandwagon
In addition to manufacturing the LG Flex, which was the first curved screen on the market, Samsung also introduced two new curved screen options with the Galaxy Round and Galaxy Note 3. These phones were available in Asia in 2013 and were only recently release in the U.S. Rumor has it that Apple will be introducing curved phones with the iPhone 6, set to debut in the third quarter of 2014. This technology is quickly gaining ground in the smartphone world among retailers and designers.While there aren't necessarily any drawbacks to the curved screen, the main charge levied by critics is that LG and Samsung aren't doing anything truly innovative with the screen yet, especially based on the strong marketing of that feature. However, it does seem that the curved screen will be a wave of the future, so further innovation on uses of the technology may be still to come. Information for this article was provided by the technology experts of Apple Shark, a company that allows you to sell your iPhone 5 or iPhone 4 back, no matter what condition it is in.
| By Dixie Somers | Embed |
2 is expected to be faster, brighter, lighter and cheaper than its rival from Apple, so let’s see how the iPad 5 holds its own by once again using its badge as its main weapon. 
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