Yes, you read that right. A dual-SCREEN phone. Why on earth would anyone need a dual-screen phone and who would be crazy enough to design one? Apparently, the Russian dudes at YotaDevices are more than crazy. Not only have they conceptualized one, they have gone on to produce it. Meet Yotaphone, the coolest high-end dual-screen Android phone ever. It is available only in Russia, Austria, France, Spain and Germany for now but they are looking to extend sales to the international market starting next year.
In the specs department, the Yotaphone could easily pass for a regular Android device; a 4.3-inch 720p HD screen, quad-core processor, 2GB RAM…. the usual suspects. But one thing differentiates the Yotaphone from others; flipping it around reveals a classic kindle-like eInk back screen. The idea is that you can send anything – images, calendars, eBooks, whatever – from the front screen to the back. Since the back screen runs on eInk technology (and is not touchscreen), it will consume far less battery. And even when the battery goes flat, the most recent information sent to the back screen will stay on, practically forever.Really interesting stuff
Still doubting the relevance of this device? Here are 5 reasons why you might want to reconsider:
Battery life will be phenomenal
The Yotaphone has a considerably small battery capacity for a high-end device at 18000 mAh. But I can see why this is so. If you use the device ideally, the way it was designed to be used, you will find yourself using the back screen a lot more often than not. As I pointed out earlier, the back screen is powered by eInk technology and if experiences with classic Kindle devices is anything to go by, battery life will be really good on the Yotahpone.
Change skins like a chameleon
If you’re into flashy skins and cases, you’d probably never have to spend a kobo again to satisfy your taste. Just send the image or design from the front screen to the back. You can change skins as often as you want, depending on your mood. And the image stays there for as long as you need it, with near-zero impact on battery life.
A digital list that will stay on
A lot of us use our phones for making lists. Imagine you were in a meeting, the agenda is on your phone and you’re having to make constant reference to it throughout the course of the meeting. You’d most likely lose count of how many times you would have to unlock your phone’s screen. With the Yotaphone, you can just send it to the back screen. It stays on for as long as you need it and all you’re required to do is look, not touch.
A smartphone and eReader in one
If you’re a bookworm who does a lot of reading on your phone, the Yotaphone might be just what you need. Viewing angles on traditional phone screens aren’t always the best, especially under direct sunlight. Reading books on your phone can also take a toll on your battery. The Yotaphone’s backscreen uses eInk technology which works just like ink on real paper. Not only are viewing angles perfect under direct sunlight, you also get the best out of your battery.
Be cooler than your friends
Remember what if felt like when you got your first coloured-screen or polyphonic phone? Especially if you were the only one in your circle of friends who had one? In this new world of 41 megapixel camera phones, tablets that you can practically use to fan yourself and every other conceivable gimmicky devices, the Yotaphone offers enough novelty to make you stand out.
Photo Credit: Omar Amassine via Compfight cc
