As much as we all hope for a revival of consumer hardware in 2018, the reality is that it’s hard to predict which products will hit the market and which will flop. With I/O happening this week and WWDC next month, there’s a lot of opportunity for new hardware to be announced and released. Developers are already starting to tease upcoming projects on social media, so it’ll be interesting to see what catches our attention when these events unfold.
Rumors have been swirling for months now about a foldable phone from Google, and it seems like the time has finally come. The Pixel 7a is a budget-friendly option that looks like a slam dunk, while the long-threatened Pixel Tablet seems increasingly likely to make its debut at some stage time. If this rumor proves true, it would be an intriguing addition to Google’s lineup of devices.
The reason Samsung was so instrumental in Foldable Screen support back in 2018 is because, up until that point, the technology had been exclusively used by Google. What this meant for Android development was that other OEMs, like Samsung, would benefit from the ease and simplicity of incorporating foldable screens into their devices without too much difficulty.
As 2018 has progressed, so has the speculation about what company will release the first truly foldable phone. Leading up to MWC in March, there were a ton of foldable phone concepts and models on display. It was honestly amazing to see all the different designs and how far they’ve come in such a short period of time. While no one knows for sure who will be releasing the first true foldable, it’s clear that this technology is here to stay.
While Google’s hardware transformation was a success in terms of growth and establishing a strong position in the smartphone market, it remains far behind Apple and Samsung. The Pixel 6 is built with Google’s own silicon, ensuring that the devices are tailored to their needs and not those of third-party manufacturers. This strategic decision helps ensure that Google maintains tight control over its devices which can only be good for consumers.
There’s been a lot of talk about Google gearing up to release a new type of foldable phone, and it looks like the rumors are true: the company is planning to release a “Pixel Notepad”-style device within the next three weeks. While this form factor has been compared to Oppo’s recent foldable, in contrast with the narrower Samsung Fold variety, it also evokes Microsoft’s erstwhile Duo — though that system opted for a split rather than foldable screen. Rumor on the street is that Google is considering the “Pixel Notepad” name for this new device, which could hint at potential plans for a stylus component. We’ll have to wait and see what exactly this phone features before we pass final judgment, but whatever it turns out to be – be sure to let us know in the comments!
Despite its high price tag, the Galaxy Fold is expected to be a hit with consumers thanks to its innovative features and standout design. Some may be put off by the price tag, but those willing to sacrifice some comfort for a unique and cutting-edge device may find the Fold worth their investment.
