Skip to main content

What if phones were clear and had touchscreens on both sides? Samsung has a patent for that

The dual-screen smartphone took a leap forward recently with the introduction of the Yotaphone, which has a standard touchscreen on the front, and an e-paper display on the back. While this is an interesting innovation, Samsung has patented technology which will take it to the next level, as its has come up with a transparent screen with front and rear visibility and touch controls. We imagine it might look like the Polytron concept seen above.

Discovered in a patent by PatentBolt.com, the phone described would have a single screen, and therefore look similar to today’s phones, but the display would have a degree of transparency. You’d then be able to tap, swipe and control the phone using both sides of the screen, rather than only the front, without having to turn it over.

Samsung Transparent Screen Patent
Image used with permission by copyright holder

In a series of images, the possible benefits of this are illustrated. A tap behind a folder of apps would open it up, and icons could be dragged around without your finger obscuring their positions, or even move dedicated top and bottom display items around independently. Think of how many times fingers get in the way when playing a game, and then imagine controlling the game from the back of the display. A rear tap could also reveal hidden text and options.

Recommended Videos

Other possible uses show more complicated – and therefore more secure – ways of unlocking your phone, plus video controls being transferred to behind the movie itself. In a way, all this takes away the pain of learning gestures, while increasing the amount of control one has over an operating system or app.

Samsung’s patent isn’t the first time we’ve seen concept smartphones with see-through screens, but it is one of the few with dual-sided controls, and that details exactly how it can be used. Single-sided transparent displays have been a mainstay of tech shows for a few years (as they have been in sci-fi movies too), and Samsung has produced videos outlining how it expects the technology to integrate into products we can buy.

So when will that be? This phone patent was filed during the summer, and doesn’t have any dates attached, but we’re pretty sure it’s not going to be for a few years yet.

Andy Boxall
Andy is a Senior Writer at Digital Trends, where he concentrates on mobile technology, a subject he has written about for…
Baseus power banks are the best way to charge your phone after these discounts
A woman holding a phone with a Baseus Am41 Magnetic Power Bank attached to it.

One of the worst things about being a doomscroller isn't the information you're getting, it's the fear that your battery will die and the scrolling will have to end. This is especially true if you're stuck without power, waiting for the doctor or dentist to finally call your name, or have any other sort of emergency. But, Baseus has you covered with their excellent selection of on-the-go power banks made for your iPhone. Since they're small and fit directly to your phone's magnet charging area, you can think of them more as battery extenders than anything. Plus, if your phone's internal battery is starting to have battery trouble, a Baseus charger is a great way to avoid an annoying battery change session. The best news, however, is that they're all on sale. Here's what you can expect to see coming up:

Baseus Am31 Mini Power Bank — Was $70, Now $50

Read more
Nothing Phone 3: A unique phone that’s not a true flagship
The Nothing Phone 3 in white

As smartphones have become extremely homogenous, companies must find unique ways to stand out from the crowd. For London-based Nothing, this has meant a singular company focus on blending smartphone features with unique designs that allow their phones to stand out in a sea of sameness.

The Nothing Phone 3 is the latest addition to a line of Nothing phones that are unique and polarizing in their design. Earlier this year, Nothing launched the Phone 3a Pro with a unique camera array, and the Phone 3 builds on this while also evolving the Nothing design language.

Read more
Plaud Note, the professional-tier AI notetaker, is 20% off for Prime Day
Four colleagues have a conversation around a Plaud Note AI notetaker.

Lately, as I've been working through stressful hospital visits with family, I've encountered something I haven't in quite awhile. As I hear doctors, nurses, and family say things, I'll be completely unable to remember them moments later. There's just too much going on all at once. Early in my career I encountered the same issue. There were just so many new facets of what I was doing entering my head all at once, from many sources, that it was impossible to keep track of it all. If only there were AI notetaking tools that have helped me through this. AI notetaking tools like Plaud Note and Plaud NotePin, which are both 20% off for Prime Day (from $159 to $127 for either device, saving you $32) and available by tapping the button below.

PLAUD Note Voice Recorder

Read more