Google has already started promoting the Pixels 6 series with billboards and videos. But there is another Pixel model that Google is expected to release this year called the

Pixel fold. As you might have guessed, this is a foldable device that folds inward.

The rumored Pixel Fold strongly resembles the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3

Google obtains a patent for an innovative hinge for the Pixel Fold

LetsGo Digital also reports a patent granted to Google on September 23 by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). The patent title is “Multi-axis flexible hinge mechanism and foldable device having it“and it is designed for use with an inward foldable phone. With this hinge, when the phone is folded, only a small seam is created.

The patent states that “a hinge mechanism, in accordance with the implementations disclosed herein, maintains a desired contour or curvature of the foldable display portion in the folded configuration, and maintains a desired flatness of the foldable display portion. in the unfolded configuration “.

The patent adds that the hinge mechanism prevents damage to the screen caused by “excessive compression and / or stress exerted on the components of the foldable screen portion in response to the folding and unfolding of the foldable device.”

So it looks like this new hinge will not only help protect the screen from damage caused by opening and closing the device, but also help the display curve when the phone is closed and lay flat when the handset is open.

The Pixel Fold could come out with Android 12.1 pre-installed. This version of Android is expected to include some useful interface tools designed to work with foldable phones and tablets. This would include a taskbar showing icons of frequently used and recently used apps and allow the user to quickly select two apps to use with a split screen mode. The taskbar would display five icons at a time.