Samsung patent suggests company is working on smartphone 'stretchable display'

We've seen what Samsung has done with a foldable display, but a newly discovered patent suggests the company is exploring the idea of stretchable displays. The diagrams seen on the patent filed by Samsung with the US Patent and Trademark Office show the screen can be increased at will thanks to a moveable backside plate. The smartphone seems to sport narrow sides and a wider chin.

The patent describes a sensor capable of recognizing any change in touch input so the phone can calculate how much to increase or decrease the screen size. If Samsung decides to make this into an actual product, it can be useful for media consumption or gaming, among other uses.

Source: GizChina

Leaked Pixel 4a renders show hole-punch display

For those who don't like the Google Pixel 4's design, you might find these leaked renders of the Pixel 4a more amenable. Steve Hemmerstoffer (@OnLeaks on Twitter) and 91mobiles released the rumoured design of the Pixel 4a. The entry-level Pixel gets rid of the intrusive top bezel and replaces it with a punch-hole cutout for the selfie camera. The phone looks to have a flat display that's either 5.7 or 5.8-inches. What this design tells us is that it's ditching Project Soli-based Motion Sense gesture control as well as face unlock.

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New Facebook Messenger users can't use the app without a Facebook account

Facebook used to allow anyone to use the Facebook Messenger app without needing a Facebook account. But now, the company will require new users to have one if they want to use the messaging app. A spokesperson for the company confirmed that this change would only affect new users. Those who already use Messenger won't need to do anything. But VentureBeat reported that some users are experiencing some issues with them being restricted from using the service. The change might be due to Facebook's plans to make its different messaging apps (including WhatsApp and Instagram) interoperable.

LG tipped to unveil V60 at MWC 2020

While the LG V50 with its dual-screen attachment didn't make its way here, we're hoping the rumoured LG V60 will be available here. The phone is reportedly going to be debuted at the upcoming Mobile World Congress in Barcelona this next February. The V50 successor will reportedly support 5G and have a new dual-screen attachment with a hinge that allows it to stop at any angle. Nothing else is known about the phone so far, but MWC is just around the corner, so we'll be waiting for the announcement then.

Source: Android Central