Microsoft bets big on foldable display

◗ Microsoft wants more screen space in the conventional phone form factor with folding phones. ◗ Laptop- inspired design can amplify its productivity.

Microsoft has always been mum on the existence of the Surface Phone, although it hints that such a project might be in works. However, in the last few months, there have been several signs of a new smartphone in development by Microsoft.

An alleged Surface Phone with folding display appeared in several patents. But such evidence doesn’t mean that the device will make it to life certainly, however, a foldable display device will make sense at this point. In a patent, the company explains that the folding phones are necessary in order to provide more screen space without altering the phone’s form factor.

“Along with these enhanced capabilities has come a demand for larger displays to provide a richer user experience. Mobile phone displays have increased in size to the point where they can now consume almost the entire viewing surface of a phone. To increase the size of displays any further would require an increase in the size of the phones themselves. This is not desirable, as users want their mobile phone to fit comfortably in their hand or in a shirt or pants pocket,” Microsoft explains. Previous patents suggest that Microsoft has added an innovative hinge with the folding phone that will enable two separate displays to become a single frame when flat. The hinge design will also offer more form factors, including a laptop- like design that could amplify its productivity aspect.

“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 backtoback so the user needs to flip the device to view the opposing display,” says Microsoft.

Despite all these information about the Surface Phone, there’s still no confirmation that Microsoft will push the patent to the mass production phase.