The Oddball Gadget of 2013: Curved Smartphones

Smartphone technology arguably peaked in 2013, as different phones and operating systems became more alike than unlike, offering virtually interchangeable designs and feature sets. But just when you thought the mobile industry was becoming a single, oblong monolith made of glass and metal, something new emerged: the curved smartphone.

This fall both Samsung and LG unveiled smartphone designs with curved screens. The Samsung Galaxy Round has a display that curves horizontally so its 5.7-inch screen feels more comfortable when pressed against a leg in a pants pocket. The LG G Flex, on the other hand, has a 6-inch screen that curves vertically — all the better to match your face when using the device as an actual phone. Read more...