Android co-creator working on super tall smartphone

MANILA -- Android co-founder Andy Rubin said Wednesday he was working on a new mobile device with a "radically different" form factor, a potential sequel to his startup Essential's first and only smartphone.

The device, which fits in the palm, is roughly the size of a digital voice recorder, based on photos posted on Twitter by Rubin and the official Essential page.

The unnamed device is in "early testing" and will "reframe your perspective on mobile," Essential said.

New UI for radically different formfactor pic.twitter.com/Es8hFrTuxx

— Andy Rubin (@Arubin) October 8, 2019

...still dialing in the colors pic.twitter.com/4gEpFU7mpZ

— Andy Rubin (@Arubin) October 8, 2019

We've been working on a new device to reframe your perspective on mobile. It's now in early testing with our team outside the lab. Look forward to sharing more in the near future! #ProjectGEM pic.twitter.com/BnVy7yM2Kj

— Essential (@essential) October 9, 2019

The Essential Phone has not seen a sequel 2 years since its 2017 release, but is always among the first to receive the latest Android updates, including Android 10.

• Android creator unveils 'Essential' phone

Smartphone makers are experimenting with new form factors as sales of brick-shaped handsets plateau. Samsung and Huawei both announced folding phones that have yet to be released commercially.

• Samsung to launch foldable smartphone after major delay
• Huawei's folding Mate X smartphone challenges Samsung Galaxy Fold