Smartphones
Xiaomi is working on a rotating pop-up camera concept
It’s a patent for now
What would the smartphone industry be without creative smartphone experiments? For years, smartphone companies, especially Chinese ones, have experimented with different form factors. Most especially, these experiments are trying different ways to implement cameras and notches. For example, Xiaomi has persistently conceptualized different ways to implement twisting cameras through patents. Now, the company is doing it again with a rotating pop-up camera concept.
According to a patent obtained by LetsGoDigital, the patent depicts a smartphones with a pop-up camera. The camera extends from the top using a rail mechanism. It’s not a concept we haven’t heard of before. In fact, Xiaomi has already created consumer-ready devices with pop-up cameras. However, the new patent introduces a twist: a rotating mechanism.
Instead of just popping up, the camera can also rotate to face the front, essentially turning it into an all-in-one camera setup. With no need for a front-facing selfie camera setup, the eventual smartphone can skip a notch. Though the patent focuses primarily on a triple rear camera + flash combination, the mechanism can also fit a quad rear camera setup (which LetsGoDigital has imagined through a sketch).
As always, since we’re still in the patent stage, no one when or if the concept will make it to reality. If anything, the rotating pop-up camera is fairly believable, especially considering other patent experiments in the past.
SEE ALSO: Xiaomi patents a slide-display phone
The newly-launched Samsung Galaxy Z8 series is now available via Smart Postpaid and Smart Infinity. Pre-orders for Samsung’s latest foldables are available from July 22 to August 13.
Pre-ordering will allow customers to get exclusive storage upgrades, trade-in savings, and flexible payment options. Plus, they can get three months of complimentary Samsung Care+.
Moreover, customers can maximize their devices with Smart’s All-New Postpaid Plans+, which come with UNLI App Bundles, UNLI 5G for 12 months (in select areas), Open-Access Data, and high priority on the Smart network.
With Smart Postpaid Plans+ 1999, subscribers can get the following devices through straight payment or 24-month, zero-interest installment using participating credit cards (Metrobank, Security Bank, BPI, UnionBank, HSBC, and RCBC):
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra (512GB): PhP P101,600 or PhP 5,021/month
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 (512GB): PhP 91,100 or PhP 4,500/month
- Samsung Galaxy Z Flip8 (512GB): PhP 65,100 or PhP 3,217/month
Customers can pre-order the latest Samsung Galaxy Z8 Series via smart.com.ph/galaxypreorder or at the nearest Smart Store.
In addition, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Series is also available through Infinity Plan 5000 and Infinity Plan 8000.
These packages come with unlimited data, calls, and texts, roaming-ready connectivity, and exclusive Infinity privileges.
Through the Samsung Trade-In Program, customers can also reserve their preferred Galaxy Z8 Series device and complete their trade-in at participating stores once the devices officially launch.
Eligible smartphones can be traded in for up to PhP 14,000 off.
New Samsung Galaxy Watches also available
Lastly, Smart Postpaid and Smart Infinity are offering the new Samsung Galaxy Watch9 and Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra2.
Compatible smartwatch users can also add on Smart Device Link, which enables their smartwatch and phone to share one mobile number and plan inclusions.
First-time subscribers can enjoy the service free for six months, when they activate until September 30.
With the Smart Postpaid Plans, subscribers can save up to 20% compared with the suggested retail price when they bundle a Samsung Galaxy Watch with their new Samsung Galaxy Z8 Series device.
OPPO has confirmed that the Reno16 Series 5G is coming soon to the Philippines.
The upcoming smartphone series will introduce the company’s new Pocket Studio imaging experience alongside OPPO Bubble with Camera Remote View. The launch also continues OPPO’s partnership with K-pop girl group BABYMONSTER, the brand’s global ambassadors.
Pocket Studio puts the focus on photography
OPPO positions the Reno16 Series 5G as a camera-first smartphone. The series features a 200MP main camera, a 50MP ultra-wide selfie camera, and Dual View Video for capturing photos and videos from multiple perspectives.
The company says these upgrades are designed to make mobile photography and content creation more versatile. Users can capture wide group selfies, detailed portraits, and creative videos without carrying dedicated camera gear.
OPPO Bubble brings remote camera controls
A standout feature is OPPO Bubble with Camera Remote View.
The new feature lets users pair the Reno16 Series 5G with compatible OPPO devices. From there, they can preview the camera feed remotely and trigger the shutter wirelessly.
This also allows users to frame selfies and group photos using the phone’s rear cameras while viewing the composition from another device. OPPO says the feature makes it easier to capture everyone in the frame without relying on timers.
Coming soon
The OPPO Reno16 Series 5G will arrive in the Philippines soon.
OPPO has yet to announce the official launch date, pricing, and local availability. More details are expected in the coming weeks.
Hands-On
Hands-on: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8, Flip8, Ultra
Samsung’s freshest foldables come out of the oven
Three foldables. Three very different people.
Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra — the productivity maximizer. Heritage form factor, everything cranked to the max.
The Galaxy Z Flip8, pure style. The smallest, loudest, most you one of the bunch.
And finally, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 — the new beginning.
Built for the way most of us actually use our phones: watching, reading, scrolling. The one I keep reaching for and have a feeling THE Michael Josh will be using a lot.
Same family. Three ways to experience it.
Head over to our hands-on video on the latest and greatest Galaxy Z8 family for you to know your best bet.
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