Google has used its Nexus device program in past years to showcase its Android mobile operating system. Recent major releases of Android have all been accompanied with Nexus devices. Assuming that the Nexus program lives on, we could see a wider range of Nexus devices in the future as Android spreads from smartphones and tablets to other form factors, smartwatches being one of the latest. But even as Android is changing, so is the hardware. Flexible displays continue to tease us with the promise of form factors that go well beyond the traditional slab designs we have today. Enter the Google Nexus 360, a device that would not only showcase Android but also new flexible hardware technologies.
The Google Nexus 360 as envisioned by 91mobiles is a “futuristic wearable smartphone that’s truly ‘smart’.” It combines two very different devices and form factors into a single one. Offering all the functionality of a modern smartphone (and more), it can also transform into a wearable smartwatch.
With the flood of mobile computing devices, more and more users prefer carrying a single device that can take on multiple roles and adapt as per needs. The popularity of phablets is a good example. Yet another usability issue is that shooting impromptu and share-worthy images using their smartphones is still a hassle for many. It’s said that the best camera is the one with you, but one on your wrist could be even better. Next, wearable technology is evolving rapidly, but compelling devices that appeal to the masses are few and far between. Health monitoring is a key aspect of wearables but the approach is still very fragmented since it requires the use of accessories that can’t be used standalone. Their use is dependent upon paired smartphones and companion apps for setting up, capturing data and analysing it. The same issues plague smartwatches too. The idea then, is to come up with a single device that can tackle all these issues in one shot.
In terms of specifications, the Google Nexus 360 is not so farfetched:
- Processor: 2.5GHz quad-core
- Operating system: Google Android
- Cellular connectivity: 4G/LTE
- Other connectivity: Dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, NFC
- Display: 5-inch OLED and side e-ink notification bar
- RAM: 3GB
- Internal storage: 32GB/64GB/128GB
- External storage: None
- Rear-facing camera: Rotating 16MP AF with flash and 4K video capture
- Front-facing camera: None
- Sensors: Fingerprint scanner, heart rate monitor
- Colours: White
- Other: Detachable Bluetooth headset
Even the technologies making the Google Nexus 360 bendable are based on existing ones from companies such as Dai Nippon Printing and LG Display. With further advances being made very quickly, it may not be too long before we see such flexible devices on the market.
It remains to be seen if we will want to wear a full smartphone on our wrist though. Would the promise of a single wearable device offering all the functionality you need offset the weight and size of such a device? Let us know below.
Sources : mobile91 // Yanko Design