Google’s foldable prototype ‘Jumbojack’ listed on the market on-line

Abstract

• Google’s foldable prototype “Jumbojack” has appeared on the market on-line, showcasing the corporate’s early efforts in foldable expertise.
• The prototype options {hardware} from the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 and runs on Android 12L, Google’s software program for foldables.
• This isn’t the primary time a prototype has surfaced on the market on-line, because it has occurred with different units just like the Google Pixel 7 and prototypes from Important.

In terms of new technological philosophies, comparable to foldable smartphones, it’s integral to create a proof of idea system to not solely pin down easy-to-spot bugs and fixes, however to point out to potential companions within the trade. In any case, there’s no sense in manufacturing hundreds of thousands of items earlier than creating one — or a number of — prototypes. As soon as mentioned units are prepared on the market, although, prototypes grow to be nothing greater than an costly piece of historical past to point out the trail taken in the direction of the tip end result. Generally, these prototypes find yourself within the unsuitable (or, relying in your perspective, the proper) individual’s fingers and find yourself on the market on-line. That’s precisely what simply occurred with “Jumbojack,” the prototype that Google created to check its foldable expertise.

Android Police senior contributor Mishaal Rahman shared footage on X from a web based itemizing of what’s allegedly the Jumbojack prototype. The photographs present huge bezels with an odd-looking selfie digital camera cutout, however each look like simulated. Curiously, the cellphone within the itemizing runs on Android 12L, Google’s half-step launch for foldables and large-screen units, and it is sporting the very same {hardware} because the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2. On condition that it’s a prototype, it’s not prefer it was meant to finish up within the on-line commerce world.

Again in 2021, we reported on leaks that Jumbojack was the working identify for Google’s experimental foldable system. Even then, rumors had it pegged that it was a Galaxy Z Fold system that Google is likely to be utilizing to check software program. Beforehand, there was one other foldable system named “Passport” in inner paperwork, however that by no means noticed the sunshine of day.

Clearly, Google’s first foldable cellphone, the Google Pixel Fold, got here out in 2023, two years after the Jumbojack data was leaked. Though it was spectacular, it reeked of a first-generation product. We’re already via the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5’s launch and bracing for its sixth era, and the rumor mill for a possible Pixel Fold 2 has began to warmth up of late.

Prototypes seem on the market on-line surprisingly typically, and it occurs at seemingly random occasions. Months earlier than the Google Pixel 7 was launched in 2022, somebody listed a prototype model of it on eBay. It will definitely was taken down. One of many coolest prototype units that made its method on-line was one of many first-ever Android-based telephones to be internally produced, codenamed “Sooner.” It was by no means formally launched, however we received our fingers on one and explored a world unknown by trendy life. Don’t even get us began with the a number of prototypes that shored up on-line from Important, an organization fashioned by Android co-founder Andy Rubin that abruptly shut down in 2020. There was a sensible speaker, and there was additionally a cellphone dock. Jumbojack will not be the primary and positively gained’t be the final prototype to make its method on-line.