Microsoft patent images reveal folding Surface tablet

Back in January and March of this year, we showed you images from Microsoft patent applications that revealed a Surface tablet that converted into a phone and vice versa. Today, a tweet from a gentleman named Isaac referred us to a listing on the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) website. The listing includes the latest images of a folding Surface tablet device. This unit folds from a tablet with one large display into one with two smaller and separate OLED screens. The device also functions as a phone.

The new sketches go into detail as we can see the individual parts making up the hinge that allows the device to fold. In addition to what looks to be a set of mechanical hinges at the top and bottom of the screens, a number of magnets on both sides of the tablet's spine helps the device fold.

Different setups for the device include tablet mode, tent mode, laptop mode, and folded mode. According to a report published today, the device will run a special Windows 10 version codenamed Andromeda. The folding tablet will reportedly include a note taking app that will allow the user to use both screens as though they were writing in a regular notebook. And regardless of the mode that the tablet is in, Windows 10 will make the proper adjustment using CShell, Microsoft's new Windows Shell.

There is no word on when we might see this device hit the light of day, that is, if it ever does.


source: WIPO via KingNerdIII, WindowsCentral (1), (2)