Microsoft is working on a new mobile device with a unique design. The ultimate mobile device ‘Andromeda’ which appears to be commonly referred to as “Surface Phone” on the web, is reportedly arriving next year. Patents that have surfaced lately shows us a mobile device with foldable body and display.
The patent titled “Hinge with Free-Stop function” shows us a mobile-type device with a hinge that supports rotation of 360-degree. Microsoft patented this design as the users are looking for devices with larger displays since they provide a richer and better user experience. Microsoft says that the patented device is for those users who want their phones to fit in their pocket despite the large display size.
“With a dual-display device, the mobile phone or tablet can include an open, expanded position where both displays are flush so that the user feels like there is a single integrated display. In a closed, condensed position, both displays are face-to-face so as to protect the displays. In a fully-open position, the dual displays can sit back-to-back so the user needs to flip the device to view the opposing display,” Microsoft explains why a foldable phone-phablet-tablet makes sense.
Microsoft also explains the hinges on such dual-display devices are problematic. The “problems include that the displays do not open and close smoothly. Yet another problem is the ability to stop the displays in any position as the displays are opened and closed,” the company explained.
The patented design could be implemented in any handheld device such as ‘smartphone and laptop,’ or a portable computer. The hinges in such devices allow a full 360-degrees of rotation between the first and second display devices. The company also explains that the patented device could potentially be used in different “modes” including ‘tablet mode’.
https://www.windowslatest.com/2017/12/25/surface-phone-360-degree-hinge-dual-display/
