IBM patent details a smartwatch with eight fold-out displays that can turn into a tablet

The patent shows off some designs of a rectangular shaped smartwatch, with what seems like a thick casing beneath the display. The smartwatch is said to feature a rectangular, bezel-less display that houses seven additional screens underneath. The device is said to have space for four compartments, each of which can house a maximum of two display panels. Sliding out four screen panels are said to readjust the display’s orientation to resemble a smartphone, which means bigger icons and larger images. However, if one still requires a bigger display, they can slide four more screens out to get a display that is as big as a tablet. 

The bezels around the display are said to be minimal so that there’s no interference while viewing a video or an image. The patent is said to not describe if the displays fold out automatically or whether it will be a manual process. However, the device’s longevity will certainly be affected if the process is automated. Each display module that folds out could be 2 × 3-inch in size and when folded out to work as a smartphone, it could sport a 4 × 6-inch screen. In tablet mode, it is said to resemble a screen size of 8 × 12-inch. However, it seems like the height was incorrectly mentioned in the patent since a display length of 12 inches is definitely questionable. 

The smartwatch by IBM could also come equipped with at least one speaker and is touted to work with a mouse and physical keyboard. However, one shouldn’t get their hopes high for a device like this, since it is only a patent, for now. The company may or may not manufacture such a gadget.