Home Technology Microsoft patent reveals a possible foldable Surface device

Microsoft patent reveals a possible foldable Surface device

1 min read
9

Foldable devices may seem like a fad that is plagued with problems given how the only examples we have seen this from Samsung and Huawei have either been catastrophic failures or ones beset with delays. Still, it’s a fad that even Microsoft appears to want in on as a new patent, discovered by WindowsUnited, reveals that Microsoft is working on a foldable Surface device of their own.

According to the patent, Microsoft’s new foldable device uses a special hinge that utilises a liquid to reduce the stress on flexible and foldable displays, something which is different from the methods applied by Samsung and Huawei as far as we know. Based on the designs, the liquid can be filled inside cavities around the flexible display to help it bend and move into different positions with relative ease without causing damage to the screen itself.

Microsoft has already revealed plans for a dual-screen Windows device which appears to be the inspiration for this particular device, though this idea has the device form one big screen rather than two separate ones. Though I’m pretty sure the ability to split the screen into two halves is something Microsoft is probably considering.

Perhaps of bigger interest is how the patent has been filed by “Microsoft technology licensing,” which indicates that that the company could also be planned to license this technology out to other companies, as it does with some other PC manufacturers who utilise some of Microsoft’s technology in their designs.

Given this is just a patent, its unlikely we will be seeing anything from Microsoft in this regard in the near future. While the company does have a big Surface event next month, that will likely focus on the next iteration of Surface devices we already know of and possibly their much-touted dual-screen and Windows Lite. Could be a good thing for Microsoft as it lets its competitors test out the market appetite for foldable devices before going too headstrong into it.

Last Updated: September 16, 2019

9 Comments

  1. Yahtzee

    September 16, 2019 at 09:19

    Remember that time you wanted to get on a plane and fold your tablet so you can put it in the seat pouch?

    …yea me neither

    Reply

    • Admiral Chief

      September 16, 2019 at 09:28

      …ugh, flying….people, siesa

      Reply

      • Yahtzee

        September 16, 2019 at 09:35

        There is a bug in the seat system that makes you sit alone in an isle. I have not sat next to anyone in over 7 flights xD

        Reply

        • Admiral Chief

          September 16, 2019 at 09:42

          TEACH ME

          Reply

          • Pariah

            September 16, 2019 at 09:42

            Just don’t shower, like @monstercheddar:disqus – it’s a natural deterrent. Though I suspect with you being married that might be a little complicated.

            Maybe buy her a gas mask for Christmas and then go for it?

          • Admiral Chief

            September 16, 2019 at 09:52

            Oh, I thought just being @monstercheddar:disqus WAS the deterrent?

          • Pariah

            September 16, 2019 at 10:00

            He strikes me as the type to do it anyway. 😛

          • Admiral Chief

            September 16, 2019 at 10:25

            Well, I’ve had a few beers with him, he didn’t smell TOO funky, so it MUSK be something else

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Check Also

Microsoft and Ninja Theory Announce a New Update to Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice

Games developer, Ninja Theory, originally made a name for themselves with the development …