Motorola’s Rizr, the captivating concept smartphone unveiled at Mobile World Congress (MWC) earlier this year, is steadily inching towards becoming a reality. A newly filed patent, submitted in November to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, delves into the intricate details of a groundbreaking innovation: fingerprint sensor technology meticulously designed to accommodate the Rizr’s unique rollable screen.
The Rizr, a captivating evolution of Motorola’s iconic Razr folding smartphones, boasts a motorized rollable screen that effortlessly retracts and extends, transforming the device from a compact pocket-friendly companion to a spacious multimedia powerhouse. But this innovative design poses an interesting challenge: how does one unlock the phone with a fingerprint sensor when the screen is in motion?
This is where Motorola’s ingenuity shines. Their patent showcases an ingenious solution to this dilemma. Instead of relying on a single, fixed-position in-display fingerprint sensor, Motorola proposes a multi-pronged approach. Imagine a scenario where the screen is fully extended, revealing a conventional fingerprint sensor at the bottom of the display. As the screen gracefully retracts, a second fingerprint sensor seamlessly emerges on the front, providing a secure unlock option in this minimized state.
But the brilliance of this concept doesn’t stop there. Motorola takes things a step further by incorporating fingerprint sensor technology on the back of the phone when the screen is retracted. Similar to the Google Pixel 4a, the rear-mounted sensor seamlessly blends into the device’s aesthetic, enabling you to unlock the phone from the back, even with the screen tucked away. However, in a fascinating twist, Motorola appears to have expanded the sensor’s recognition area, making it more intuitive and accessible even though it’s hidden from view.
The patent sketches also reveal an intriguing additional feature: a dedicated area just above the sensor, which could potentially house a range of functionalities. From intuitive swiping gestures to informative ticker-style displays, this extra element promises to enhance the user experience.
While the patent doesn’t explicitly mention the Rizr smartphone by name, the design details clearly align with the concept device shown off by Motorola. This futuristic device boasts a 5-inch touchscreen that can gracefully extend to a generous 6.5 inches, offering a refreshing alternative to the traditional compact folding smartphone designs like the Motorola Razr 2024 and the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6.
During the Rizr’s initial unveiling, Motorola acknowledged that the device was still in its developmental stages. This patent reiterates that dedication to refinement, showcasing Motorola’s commitment to creating a user-friendly and practical device for the everyday consumer. While the patent doesn’t guarantee a swift launch of the Rizr, it’s a testament to the company’s passion for innovation and their dedication to making the rollable screen phone a reality. We eagerly await the day when this futuristic concept gracefully transitions from the drawing board to the palms of our hands.
