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Microsoft's secret Surface patents have transformed into this 3D concept

Microsoft's secret Surface patents have transformed into this 3D concept

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Surface Phone concept
Surface Phone concept
Photo by David Breyer / Twitter

Microsoft is reportedly working on a foldable notepad-like mobile device, much like the company’s Courier concept. While there have been rumors of a Surface Phone for years, the software giant filed patents last week, which provided a very close look at some of the intricate hinge details for such a device. Designer David Breyer has now taken the detailed patent images and transformed them into impressive 3D concept artwork.

Microsoft’s mysterious device appears to have a wraparound display that bridges the gap of the hinge when it’s opened fully (like a book). Breyer’s concept images show how the device could work in a “tent mode” to view content, or even closed to view emails on the wraparound display. Microsoft’s device appears to have two separate sections that fold together flat, and previous rumors have suggested the company will use a stylus to transform this mobile device into a notepad. Breyer’s concept looks like a modern mix of Sony’s VAIO P, Nokia’s Communicator, and Nintendo’s 3DS.

It’s important to stress that these concept images are based solely on Microsoft’s own patents, and that such a device may never make it to market. Microsoft previously created a Surface Mini tablet, only to kill it a few weeks before it was due to be unveiled. Microsoft’s patents shouldn’t be quickly dismissed, though. The software maker filed patents for its Surface Studio months before it was unveiled, and the early drawings were identical to how the company’s all-in-one PC launched. Either way, this “Surface Phone” certainly doesn’t look like a typical phone, just like Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella promised.

Today’s Storystream

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Elizabeth Lopatto18 minutes ago
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Nilay Patel25 minutes ago
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Richard Lawler12:49 PM UTC
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