A phone with a screen on each side? You better believe this is coming! At the 2013 CES, the very first prototype of the Russian Yotaphone was unveiled. Now, as the phone is hitting shelves just in time for Christmas, the handset is making headlines due to its two screens; being the very first of its kind. As we know, the smartphone niche is heavily dominated by US and Asian manufacturers, but things could change once the Yotaphone becomes recognized. Engineered by a newly established Russian tech company, Yota Devices, the firm is aiming for smart device production to snap back in the European market. The Yotaphone has some very unique qualities in its dual-screen self.

Powered by our friendly Android operating system, this smartphone went in a totally different direction by featuring two screens instead of one. They did this for a variety of reasons. The biggest being the chance of having over 50 hours of battery life, another is the combination of a phone and e-reader in-one for those who love reading on-the-go. The company's hope is to enhance the way consumers view mobile technology by streaming what they want without the worry of battery constraint. While the front display is a 4.3 inch 720x1280 HD LCD, the second screen is unlike the LED and AMOLED used in most phones. Rather, it features a 360x640 e-ink black-and-white paper display on the back, similar to those used on the Nook and the Kindle. It displays information such as time, date, maps, social media and messages.

With this dual display, information can be moved from the front to the back screen with a simple swiping motion. This provides one of two things: a chance to save battery life by prioritizing information on the e-ink side, as well as having the option of two entities of streaming content. For example, the user can check their email on the front display, then perhaps move something that isn't needed to appear crystal clear (such as a text or directions) to the black-and-white display. Additionally, the e-ink screen allows any image to be shown constantly; only using battery power when the user changes the image. The company explains that using just the e-ink screen alone would provide the user with up to 68 hours of power; and the image even remains in place if the battery dies. Another perk, (yes there are many) noted by the start-up CEO, says that “Yotaphone helps solve the problem of the 'always dark' screen that current smartphones suffer from when in sleep mode”. Statistically, the average user activates their device more than 150 times daily, all due to worry that messages and notifications are being hidden behind that black screen.



I find this design to be a genuine opportunity for consumers to re-think how their smart devices can be used (as well as what the devices can give back to them). The more the better, correct? Yet, Yota Devices remain virtually unknown due to their limitations in the worldwide industry. Plus, the hoops they will need to jump through include obvious industry giants like Apple and Samsung. The manufacturer is currently launching in Russia, Austria, France, Spain and Germany before Christmas 2013, with intent to hit 15 other countries by the end of 2014.