Skip to main content

Nokia Kinetic Device flexes its muscle with a new twist on the traditional smartphone

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Along with the long-awaited Lumia 800 and 710, Nokia unveiled a unique OLED smartphone this week at Nokia World 2011 in London. Dubbed the Kinetic Device, the twisty and flexible device’s was shown off at Nokia’s Future Technology booth and features a UI that is wholly dependent on the way in which users interact with it, specifically by bending and twisting it to navigate its various functions.

The Kinetic Device is extremely flexible, and is comprised completely of durable and strong plastic, which includes an AMOLED display. In its current form, the Kinetic device simply contains the hardware required to power it, with none of the traditional functionality enjoyed in the current host of smartphones on the market. There is no GPS, camera, or capacitive touchscreen — with the tech demo focusing mainly on scrolling through photos and music albums.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

As mentioned, the UI is quite simple and intuitive. Zooming in on pictures is done by bending the phone’s side back and bringing the center towards you, while changing the volume on the device is done with a twisting maneuver.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Of course the Kinetic Device is still in its infancy, and Nokia refused to outline or delve into the technology behind the flexible device. No doubt though the possibilities and applications with such are unique and ambitious, but time will tell whether Nokia will truly be able to transform this from a mere tech demo into something marketable and successful.

Take a look below for the Kinetic Device in action.

[Images Courtesy of The Verge]

Amir Iliaifar
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Associate Automotive Section Editor for Digital Trends, Amir Iliaifar covers the ever increasing cross-section between tech…
The Google Pixel 8a’s 6 biggest upgrades over the Pixel 7a
Pixel 7a back.

The Google Pixel 8a has just launched, and it comes with many upgrades that Pixel fans have been hoping for. These include some attractive new design flourishes, beefed-up hardware, a longer-lasting battery, and a higher-end display. You also get all the software features that make the Pixel series so appealing, including seven years of OS and security updates and Gemini Nano for more AI features.

But how does all of this compare to the already great Pixel 7a? Here’s a breakdown of the Google Pixel 8a’s six biggest upgrades over the Pixel 7a. For a closer look at all of the differences between the two phones, see our Pixel 8a vs. Pixel 7a comparison.
The Tensor G3 chip

Read more
How to make AirPods and AirPods Pro louder and adjust volume settings
On-screen volume adjustment for AirPods using Spotify.

AirPods have become the top choice for wireless earbuds among most people because of their unmatched sound quality and innovative features such as Spatial Audio, which provides an immersive audio experience. And, of course, Apple’s marketing has also played a significant role in promoting their popularity.

If you’re looking for ways to adjust the volume on your AirPods or AirPods Pro, there are several options available. You can use your favorite apps that support AirPods, ask Siri to do it, or use the buttons and features on your devices and the AirPods themselves. Any of the options will help to ensure you get the best out of your AirPods.

Read more
iPad Pro (2024) vs. iPad Air (2024): the difference is clear
Comparing the iPad Pro (2024) and iPad Air (2024)

The iPad Pro (left) and iPad Air Bryan M. Wolfe / Digital Trends

During its "Let Loose" event on May 7, Apple added four new iPad models to its tablet lineup. The latest models include an 11-inch and all-new 13-inch iPad Air and next-generation 11-inch and 13-inch iPad Pro models. Despite sharing similar dimensions, there's a significant price gap between the least expensive iPad Air and iPad Pro tablets, indicating notable differences between the two lineups.

Read more