We had earlier exclusively reported that Microsoft Surface Phone/Andromeda device will come with two modes: Tablet and Mobile modes. Then came the detachable hinge patent and it hinted at one more very interesting mode of operation. But the fun doesn’t end there, as the latest patent reveals one more mode”Laptop Mode”.
Earlier patents have revealed that the hinge to be used in Surface Phone will free-stop 360-deg mechanism one. Now, it seems the UI will differ when the stop will happen at 90-deg or in rectangular position to that when it will be opened like a tablet at 180-deg. In rectangular position, one of the display will have the full-screen touch-keyboard for enabling it to behave like a mini Laptop. In fully open position as expected we will see a shared Tablet mode like UI.
A device, comprising: a first portion that includes a first display and a second portion that includes a second display; and, a determinative hinge assembly that is secured to the second portion and the determinative hinge assembly further comprises a flexible member that is secured relative to the first portion, the flexible member configured to flex when the first display contacts the second portion at an oblique angle during rotation of the first and second portions and to unflex when the first portion and the second portion are parallel to one another or perpendicular to one another.
18. The device of claim 17, further comprising a processor that controls the first and second displays and that creates separate graphical user interfaces on the first and second displays when the first and second displays are oriented at an oblique angle or right angle and creates a shared graphical user interface when the first and second displays are oriented at 180 degrees from one another.
We have so far developed a good understanding of Surface Phone/Surface Andromeda device design on the basis of patents that reveal too much. But the latest Microsoft patent adds a new dimension to this understanding.
With Andromeda appearing as one of the SKUs of Windows Core OS in latest Windows 10 Preview builds. it seems Microsoft may be finally on track to a 2018 launch for both Andromeda OS and device.
Surface Phone/Andromeda device Features, Specs, UI & other details:
You can read our exclusive coverage of Surface Phone/Mobile top features/specs/UI design, photos & other details here. We posted some evidence that shows that Microsoft is already working to curate Apps collections for the Surface Phone/Mobile.
A recent job opening has revealed that Microsoft may be working on a 1st-party hardware (Surface device/phone) powered by just announced Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 processor.
We had exclusively reported that 2018 may see Surface Mobile (Surface Phone) & Windows mobile devices from top vendors too. In a recent poll, our readers selected Surface Phone as the most appealing name for the ultimate mobile device from Microsoft. Surface Mobile and Note names came at 2nd and 3rd rank.
We earlier posted a tip from some of our retail sources about Microsoft talking to channel partners about a new Surface category of devices. The tip had claimed that Microsoft may be on fast-track to at least talk about Surface Phone/Andromeda device hardware in H1 2018 and a possible release in H2 2018.
