A recently filed patent reveals Microsoft is exploring innovative hinge designs for foldable devices. While the patent primarily focuses on smartphones, it also suggests potential applications for laptops, hinting at a revival of the Surface Duo or a new foldable computing device.
Is Microsoft secretly working on the return of its Surface Duo folding smartphone ? Possibly, as a recently filed patent shows it’s still coming up with ideas for hinges that are the key to making foldables work. The unusual design of the hinge, and the way it’s illustrated in the patent, makes it different to what we expect from Microsoft and foldables in general.
The majority of folding smartphones use a “water drop” style hinge, where the flexible screen forms a water drop shape at the point where it’s folded to improve durability and minimize any crease, but Microsoft’s patent doesn’t seem to include this familiar design. Instead, the hinge appears to use different “sub assembly” sections which slide and flex to facilitate the movement of a flexible screen. It’s a different approach to the Surface Duo and Surface Duo 2, which had two separate screens attached to a central hinge mechanism, and more like the single screen system seen on phones like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 and the OnePlus Open. In a further departure from the Surface Duo design, the patent illustrates the hinge inside what appears to be a compact foldable device similar to the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 and Motorola Razr 2024. However, while we’d love to see a new Surface Duo, a smartphone may not be the only device Microsoft has in mind for its hinge. Digging into some of the wording used in the patent it specifically mentions “folding smart phone devices,” but also mentions “computing devices that include first and second device portions that are coupled at a hinge assembly.” This sounds less like a phone and more like a laptop, where Microsoft’s Surface range has found more success. Please enable Javascript to view this content However, the patent talks about how foldable smartphpones have been hindered by reliability issues, and how buyers prefer thinner devices over thicker ones. Its patented hinge is designed to address both these issue
Microsoft Surface Duo Folding Smartphone Patent Hinge Design Foldable Devices Computing Devices
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
The best Cyber Monday Surface Laptop and Surface Pro deals already availableThere are some excellent Cyber Monday deals on Surface Laptops and Surface Pros out already. We've picked out our favorite discounts and highlighted them here.
Read more »
Microsoft ends Surface Studio 2 Plus production with no successor in sightIt looks like it’s the end of the road for the Surface Studio. Microsoft has ended production on the latest model, with no successor in sight.
Read more »
Microsoft Surface rumors point to a big Copilot Plus refresh next yearWindows Central reports Microsoft will release Surface Laptop and Pro Copilot Plus models in 2025 with Intel Lunar Lake chips.
Read more »
Microsoft’s Surface Studio Failed to Understand the User It Was Selling ToMicrosoft doomed the Surface Studio with a mixture of weak hardware, poor software support, and a luxury price.
Read more »
The latest Microsoft Surface Pro Copilot+ PC is over $700 off at WalmartThe latest Microsoft Surface Pro is currently enjoying a huge discount at Walmart right now. Here's why you'll love it.
Read more »
Save Nearly $500 on the Microsoft Surface Pro at Best Buy TodayBest Buy's 25 Days of Deals offers a flash sale on the Microsoft Surface Pro, bringing the price down to under $900. The Surface Pro Copilot+ PC (13”) combines tablet and laptop functionality, offering a 13-inch touchscreen, powerful processing, AI-powered features, and a lightweight design.
Read more »