New Sony Technology Could Change the Future of Handheld Gaming
Jun 12, 2006 @ 10:59am

Summary:
Sony is working on technology that hardens/softens handheld devices for portability

Full Text:

According to New Scientist, Sony labs in Tokyo are hard at work on new technology that could have huge implications on portable gaming. The idea is to create handheld devices that become soft and can be folded up when not in use, but become firm when turned on.[remind you of anything? ]

    ...a user could fold the device for portability when not in use."

Sony has filed an official patent called, "Electric viscous fluid device and electronic equipment." Here's how it works: the body and screen of a handheld device would be made from a flexible polymer with rubber struts that hold a gel-like material inside. When current from the battery passes through the gel, it slows down the particles and hardens the gel in milliseconds, making it hard enough for use.

Conceivably, a user could fold the device for portability when not in use. Sony claims it takes little power to harden the gel, meaning it won't suck up much battery life.

While Sony has no official plans for the new technology, if successful, it could have grand implications for cell phones and portable computers, too.

You can check out the official patent here

i guess they'll use "floppy" disc

i thought there's already got the foldable handphone in the making?

"hardens the gel in milliseconds"...that was dangerous...imagine like when u put in the pocket...u suddenly trigger the switch...the thing hardened in ur pocket and tear ur shirt....how about that?

better stick with NDS Lite...the best lah!