Motorola is developing an innovative solution for its next folding smartphones

Over the past few years, the folding smartphone market has quietly evolved. Concerning the clamshell models, the main visual evolution is theincreasing external screen size. We can also note a less and less present fold, thus gradually erasing the major flaw of this type of device.

We can also note a gain in waterproofing, with in particular the IP48 certification on the Galaxy Z Flip 6made possible thanks to the new hinge used by Samsung. For its part, Motorola guarantees dust protection (IPX8), but would consider other solutions to innovate.

A recent patent from the company published on September 26, 2024 by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) indeed reveals a motorized hinge system. Thanks to the latter, the smartphone could automatically realign the front camera or rear sensors to track the face during a video call or to capture selfie or group photos.

“According to the patent, a motorized hinge could enable much more reliable subject tracking than software solutions, which often rely on part of an ultra-wide-angle camera's field of view, but do not perform optimally if the user is too close or too far from the camera,” explains NotebookCheck.

The patent details two solutions considered by Motorola: a first with a motor integrated directly into the hinge, and a second with a motor to clip on the ends, which would be sold as an accessory.

We now have to wait to find out if Motorola will market a Razr folding smartphone with this type of technology, or if all this will remain in the field of intellectual protection.