Nokia showcases transforming phones

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By Stuart Turton

Posted on 25 Feb 2008 at 17:13

Nokia and the University of Cambridge have laid out their vision for the future of mobile phones, with a concept video showing a nanotechnology-based device called Morph.

The concept video shows a device which can fold up to be the size of a phone, unfold to the size of a tablet or even wrap around the wrist like a watch.

Nokia says the video shows what nanotechnology-based technology might be able to deliver in the future, and as well as its flexibility the Morph has a self-cleaning surface, range of environmental sensors and transparent electronics.

While a device such as Morph is clearly decades away, Nokia claims that elements of the design could be integrated into its high-end handsets within the next seven years. The company also envisages Morph harvesting solar energy to power itself.

"Developing the Morph concept with Nokia has provided us with a focus that is both artistically inspirational but, more importantly, sets the technology agenda for our joint nanoscience research that will stimulate our future work together," says Professor Mark Welland, head of the Department of Engineering's Nanoscience Group at the University of Cambridge.