Smartwatches are bringing much of the functionality of our smartphones to our wrists, making it easier to check notifications and even perform a variety of actions. But they have their own disadvantages, including small displays and more limited functionality that often depends on a connected smartphone.A new concept seeks to address these limitations. Introducing the Portal 6, a weareable flexible smartphone from startup Arubixs.
The Portal 6 is in fact a smartphone with a flexible display and a custom dual-strap arm cradle. Strapping a 6-inch smartphone to your forearm may not be for everyone but there appears to be some interest for the concept nonetheless and an Indiegogo campaign to take this idea from concept to reality.
The Portal is a smartphone designed for tech enthusiasts, active individuals, and on-the-go professionals who are frustrated with bulky, cluttered, non-durable phones that constantly get in the way of their dynamic lifestyles. Our goal was to create a device that combines advanced smartphone technology with the convenience and mobility of smart watches and fitness trackers- a handheld phone when you need it, a wearable device when you want it. No longer will you need to carry and connect a smartwatch, fitness tracker and smartphone all at once. Portal offers you the best of those devices at the times you choose.
In terms of specifications, the Arubixs Portal 6 comes with a Kevlar construction, a 6-inch flexible OLED display, Android with a custom skin, a multi-core processor, 2GB of RAM, 64GB of onboard storage, LTE connectivity, Bluetooth an NFC, the usual array of sensors and a 3,200mAh battery. It is also both dustproof and waterproof.
Arubixs took its concept to Indiegogo but its crowdfunding project was delisted after being hit by a copyright violation from Germany’s OntoLab’s Christian Stroetmann. Before disappearing, a US$349 pledge would have ensured that you would have received one of the first Portal 6 wearable smartphones. Assuming the company can sort out this complaint and deliver on the promise of the Portal 6, it plans to release a smaller Portal 4 version as well.
Is it too good to be true? Let us know below what you think.