We need this phone with rounded corners in our lives

In a literal interpretation of the “rectangles with rounded corners” trope, Sharp’s new “Free Form” display for smartphones makes for a very attractive design.

The 5.2-inch concept, dubbed Corner R, is exhibited by the Japanese company at the CEATEC trade show in Tokyo. Built on the IGZO process, the display is 1920 x 1080, for a pixel density of 425 ppi. Corner R is an implementation of Sharp’s Free Form technology, which embeds driver circuits in the active area of the display, instead of the conventional approach, which is to put them in the bezels.

Sharp Free Form displays can be cut in just about any shape, including this rounded rectangle, and, because the driver circuits are built in its surface, they don’t require bezels at all.

It’s not the first time Sharp is experimenting with bezel-less designs – its Aquos Crystal smartphone was even sold in the States, though its striking appearance was held back by less than striking specifications.

Of course, removing bezels and literally cutting corners creates some problems (say, where do you put the front camera?), but with smartphone design hitting a plateau, bold new ideas like this are more than welcome.

So, Android phone makers, pick up the phone and call Sharp. You can thank us later.

What do you think?