Galaxy Note 4 Edge: Samsung experiments with bend display
Lakshmi Rajan
Alongside unveiling the expected Galaxy Note 4, Samsung threw a surprise with an bold and bend(ifull), Galaxy Note Edge. Remember Samsung’s YOUM project experimenting with a wrap around curved display? Note Edge is the commercial start of the R&D.
Note Edge’s internals are more or less identical to the Note 4 we outlined in the previous post, sharing the same chipset, technical prowess and software enhancements but this one has little more tricks up its sleeves thanks to the second display. Though the main display at 5.6 inch is tad smaller than the Note 4 but there is a secondary display wrapped to the right side edge. The display is the same stunning QHD but there is an extra row of 160 pixels for the edge display.
On the lines of Note 4, the Galaxy Note Edge is powered by a 2.7GHz quad-core CPU. Depending on the market, the Note 4 could be equipped with 2.7GHz quad-core processor or 1.9GHz octa-core processor. Then we have 3GB of RAM, 32GB of internal storage and an expandable microSDXC card slot that can accommodate a further 64GB. The S-Pen and its functionality remains the same as well.
The introduction of an extra curved display opens up windows of new possibilities and functionality and Samsung has worked upon a revolving UX to make good use of it. The edge display can display the notifications and messages and also depending on the apps can stage the shortcuts and settings. For eg, if you are using the camera, the shortcuts can get positioned on the edge display or say if you are watching a video, the controls can rest there so as to keep the main display obstruction-free. You can also lists shortcuts to various apps on the side panel for quick access.
One of a simple usage is clock face. When the main display is dark or in lock screen, the edge display reveals a watch face which is great as a bedside clock or table clock when the phone is idle. Samsung would be open the SDK for developers so there is a possibility of new apps taking advantage of this innovative display.
One main concern of course would be the durability, as the side panel would be prone to damage. Samsung has not revealed the pricing yet but expect a premium for the product but it is sure to attract many eye-balls when you carry it.]]>
