STACK #239 September 2024

FEATURE TECH

Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold

FLIPPING OUT Flip and foldable phones are back big time, not that they ever really went away.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6

The classic clamshell Motorola Razr V3 was the fashionable phone of 2004, and now flip and foldable models are back with a contemporary makeover, as more and more of the major brands look to bring a foldable phone to the market. These compact, trendsetting devices have redefined

different angles (tent, prop, or use the phone like a tripod), as well as a dual display – a cover screen for quick access to notifications, apps, and a larger main screen for multitasking across multiple windows and apps, gaming, and entertainment on a bigger display.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6

Moreover, dual screens make live language translation even easier, where supported – the real time transcription is visible on both the cover screen and main screen, so both speakers can view and keep up with the conversation. Practical, fashionable, and

portability – and increased screen real estate. But it’s not just the convenience of a smaller and more comfortable fit in your hand and pocket that’s made flip and foldable phones popular, particularly with younger users and content creators.

fun, this lightweight clamshell and foldable form factor is certain to turn heads when opened to take a photo or a call.

Their design offers the flexibility of hands-free photography and video calls from a variety of

FUN FEATURES AI-powered phones might be hogging all the attention, but look beyond them and the major brands and you’ll find some cool and quirky features on alternative, highly affordable models – things that you may not know a phone could do.

Hands-free selfies Pack up the selfie stick! HMD Pulse, Pulse Pro, and Skyline

phones include an innovative, hands free function that enables you to snap selfies without needing to touch the phone. This gesture

The Glyph Interface Nothing phones have brought a sense of fun back to the device we use daily and often take for granted. Where most phones have a featureless back, the Nothing Phone 2 and 2a have a unique point of difference, the Glyph Interface. This is a customisable light configuration that can be set to

based function uses advanced motion detection tech to recognise specific hand movements. You simply frame the shot and then perform a designated gesture, such as a

peace sign, thumbs up or finger-heart to trigger a three-second countdown… and snap! It’s particularly handy for perfecting

display different patterns to indicate when notifications from apps or contacts come in, so you get the latest updates without the distraction of looking at the screen. The Glyph Interface can also be tailored for music visualisation – sync the light patterns to the beat of your favourite tunes, or use it as a visual representation of the volume level – and as a visual countdown for a timer. It can even double as a ring light!

your pose, taking group selfies, and

capturing those spontaneous moments while on the go, without any self-timer delays and awkward fumbling for the shutter button.

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