Patent Shows Amazon's Design for Two-Sided Tablet

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Amazon was awarded a patent for a tablet sporting a screen on both sides.

Mashable has uncovered a patent awarded to Amazon -- called Multi-Display Type Device Interactions -- that reveals a tablet design sporting a screen on each side. The patent suggests that one screen will be e-ink-based for static reading, while the other will be LCD-based and optimized for watching video. A camera will also be embedded on each side to determine which screen the user is currently using.

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Kevin Parrish
Kevin Parrish
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Kevin Parrish has over a decade of experience as a writer, editor, and product tester. His work focused on computer hardware, networking equipment, smartphones, tablets, gaming consoles, and other internet-connected devices. His work has appeared in Tom's Hardware, Tom's Guide, Maximum PC, Digital Trends, Android Authority, How-To Geek, Lifewire, and others.

24 Comments Comment from the forums
  • zoenphlux
    Its like a Paradox. No mater how or where you lay it, a screen is at risk.
    Reply
  • zoenphlux
    This just seems like a Customer Service nightmare. TWICE the chances to break it. TWICE as much time cleaning the screens. TWICE the chances to be letdown by android. lol jk on the last part.
    Reply
  • NuclearShadow
    It is just a bad idea with little practical use and no doubt going to cause a much higher price tag. Because of this it will also need a locking system that cannot be accidentally done on the other side which means it will be a annoying one when you actually do want to unlock it. Tablets should he handled as gently as a baby too, and with two screens for each side... I would never feel comfortable resting it anywhere.
    Reply
  • jaquith
    Idiotic idea.

    I could see a 'folding' tablet 'V' with screens on the right & left (or top & bottom), but this front & back will never see the light of day outside of a lab.
    Reply
  • waxdart
    Toggle screen button too good for them?
    Reply
  • kinggraves
    This is what happens when companies are afraid to do anything that looks anything like what could possibly be an Apple device. In b4 Android icons become triangles.

    Oh, and isn't it nice how vague patents can be? "Well maybe it can do this, and possibly it will look like that..." No, exact description of the product youre covering and that alone, bad patents office, no treat for you
    Reply
  • ihavenoid4u
    if you could get twice the amount of battery time then im sure it would be successful. who doesnt buy a case for their products anyways
    Reply
  • Jarmo
    At first glance, a totally idiotic idea. On a second thought... I might want one.
    E-ink is a lot better for reading ebooks and the battery lasts forever compared to LCD. Pricing is a concern, but what does adding an additional screen cost, when all the rest is already in place? $20? $50?
    Add covers on both sides and it's a go. There's also weight and thickness to consider, but how much extra is that anyway?
    Reply
  • shafe88
    NuclearShadowIt is just a bad idea with little practical use. Well if it comes with at stand to set it straight up in landscape mode at least it's good for electronic battleship.
    Reply
  • elcentral
    the only cool use i can find in the concept is to get a holder with build in mirror to double the device screen without eny expensive devises.
    Reply