What’s Next in TVs and Phones – Curved Screens?

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Samsung claims its new Galaxy Round is the world’s first curved-display smartphone, according to CNET.

Maybe that’s meant as an exciting distinction. While it’s certainly a technical feat, as a feature it seems underwhelming and could create more practical problems than it solves.

“Phones will no longer sit normally on a table and tracing across a curved screen with your finger or typing on one becomes more challenging,” Forbes says. “The shape will be more challenging to fit into some purses and cases.” Not to mention the curvature could make it harder to look at from some angles.

In exchange for those inconveniences, what do you get? Well, apparently if you tap one side of the Galaxy Round to make it tip toward you while the display is off, it will turn on to show you a clock, missed calls, and battery life, CNET says. You can see the tipping action in the video below.

The phone will initially be available only in Korea, CNET says, so it’s hard to test whether this device makes more sense once it’s in your hand. LG is working on a similar smartphone called the G Flex. Despite the name, it’s not flexible, and neither is the Galaxy Round. Both companies already have curved TVs, too.

Personally, I’d rather see improvements in durability and battery life than seemingly gimmicky changes like this. What do you think about the idea of a curved phone or TV? Do you see any compelling reason to buy one? Let us know on Facebook.

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