Microsoft It could not achieve the success it expected with its Android-supported model Surface Duo series smart phones. The company discontinued the series after Duo 2. But that doesn’t mean the company has given up trying.
a new patent application The application, filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office on February 29, reveals that the company is working on another foldable or dual-screen mobile device. The patent application describes the company’s take on a foldable smartphone concept with single hinge technology called “spine cover plate”.
Next Microsoft smartphones may have a Galaxy Z Fold-like design
According to the patent application, the phone may have a “flexible screen” in a book-style design similar to the Galaxy Z Fold models. But all the focus is on the back cover plate mechanism, which aims to protect the device’s single hinge system by covering the structural element.
The factor that makes the difference between the normal hinge and Microsoft’s design is that the back cover automatically adjusts when opening and closing the phone, preventing unnecessary gaps around the hinge and protecting the phone from dust and water. Currently, Samsung’s design offers an IPX8 rating, which makes the foldable devices only water resistant.
The patent also states that the new hinge mechanism could allow Microsoft to eliminate hinge creases that are less visible than commercially available options.
Moreover, Microsoft also talked about techniques that could reduce the overall thickness of a foldable smartphone by allowing the back cover plate to come closer to the hinge of the device when folded.
“By retracting the back cover plate towards the central spine while the frame supporting the first display and the frame supporting the second display are rotated in a face-to-face orientation, the width of the folded computing device is reduced, resulting in easier and more convenient use. Microsoft stated in the patent that it makes the device more comfortable to use with one hand.” .
An interesting idea, but its practicality is a question mark
The entire smartphone market is looking for a way to eliminate the foldable crease in their smartphones. Some brands have already implemented the water drop folding mechanism to reduce this, but there is nothing on the market that can be folded without crease. Apart from this, considering all the moving parts these phones have, the durability coefficient of foldability is also important.
However, despite the added benefits and durability Microsoft describes in its patent application, adding another layer or moving part on top of the entire foldable mechanism doesn’t seem like a smart move.
a new patent application The application, filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office on February 29, reveals that the company is working on another foldable or dual-screen mobile device. The patent application describes the company’s take on a foldable smartphone concept with single hinge technology called “spine cover plate”.
Next Microsoft smartphones may have a Galaxy Z Fold-like design
According to the patent application, the phone may have a “flexible screen” in a book-style design similar to the Galaxy Z Fold models. But all the focus is on the back cover plate mechanism, which aims to protect the device’s single hinge system by covering the structural element.
The factor that makes the difference between the normal hinge and Microsoft’s design is that the back cover automatically adjusts when opening and closing the phone, preventing unnecessary gaps around the hinge and protecting the phone from dust and water. Currently, Samsung’s design offers an IPX8 rating, which makes the foldable devices only water resistant.
The patent also states that the new hinge mechanism could allow Microsoft to eliminate hinge creases that are less visible than commercially available options.
Moreover, Microsoft also talked about techniques that could reduce the overall thickness of a foldable smartphone by allowing the back cover plate to come closer to the hinge of the device when folded.
“By retracting the back cover plate towards the central spine while the frame supporting the first display and the frame supporting the second display are rotated in a face-to-face orientation, the width of the folded computing device is reduced, resulting in easier and more convenient use. Microsoft stated in the patent that it makes the device more comfortable to use with one hand.” .
An interesting idea, but its practicality is a question mark
The entire smartphone market is looking for a way to eliminate the foldable crease in their smartphones. Some brands have already implemented the water drop folding mechanism to reduce this, but there is nothing on the market that can be folded without crease. Apart from this, considering all the moving parts these phones have, the durability coefficient of foldability is also important.
However, despite the added benefits and durability Microsoft describes in its patent application, adding another layer or moving part on top of the entire foldable mechanism doesn’t seem like a smart move.
