What is the Nokia Morph about?
This device concept showcases some revolutionary leaps in technology
that will open up an entirely new spectrum of possibilities. We believe
nanotechnology could provide enhanced usability, and enable far more intelligent
devices. Consumers will want this because it adapts to the context of the user,
is easy to use and transformable (such as wrapping it around the wrist). It
will give us a new kind of connectivity to our surroundings, allowing us to
connect in ways never thought of before through our mobile devices and so will
give us new types of services like never before
Some of its highlights will be:
• Flexible & Changing Design: Nanotechnology enables
materials and components that are flexible, stretchable, transparent and
remarkably strong. Fibril proteins are woven into a three dimensional mesh that
reinforces thin elastic structures. Using the same principle behind spider
silk, this elasticity enables the device to literally change shapes and
configure itself to adapt to the task at hand.
A folded design would fit easily in a pocket and could lend itself
ergonomically to being used as a traditional handset. An unfolded larger design
could display more detailed information, and incorporate input devices such as
keyboards and touch pads. Even integrated electronics, from interconnects to
sensors, could share these flexible properties. Further, utilization of
biodegradable materials might make production and recycling of devices easier
and ecologically friendly.
• Self-Cleaning: Nanotechnology also can be leveraged
to create self-cleaning surfaces on mobile devices, ultimately reducing
corrosion, wear and improving longevity. Nanostructured surfaces, such as
“Nanoflowers" naturally repel water, dirt, and even fingerprints utilizing
effects also seen in natural systems.
• Advanced Power Sources: Nanotechnology holds out the
possibility that the surface of a device will become a natural source of energy
via a covering of “Nanograss" structures that harvest solar power. At the
same time new high energy density storage materials allow batteries to become
smaller and thinner, while also quicker to recharge and able to endure more
charging cycles.
How feasible is the technology?
In addition to the above mentioned advantages, the integrated
electronics shown in the Morph concept could cost less and include more
functionality in a much smaller space, even as interfaces are simplified and
usability is enhanced. All of these new capabilities will unleash new applications
and services that will allow us to communicate and interact in unprecedented
ways.
Do you think this phone will be out in the market any time soon?
Elements of Morph might be available in the market to integrate into
handheld devices within 7 years, though initially only at the high-end.
However, nanotechnology may one day lead to low cost manufacturing solutions,
and offers the possibility of integrating complex functionality at a low price.
Is Nokia working on more such phones/technology?
Nokia Research Center is working on technology up to seven years in the
future and creating concepts that challenge conventional practices and spark
new innovations.
What, in your opinion, would mobile phones look like in the future?
Nanotechnology is just one key future research area for NRC, but an
important one that will give us the freedom to design materials by manipulating
atoms and molecules at the nanometer level. It hence has the potential of being
both evolutionary and revolutionary when applied to mobile technology. A few
years from now, phones will have new and innovative features different to the
ones that are widely used today.
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