Microsoft launched two Surface foldables and then decided against bringing a third one because clearly it didn’t see a future for the product. However, the company is now gearing for a renewed approach in the foldable segment, at least, that’s what a new patent filing from Microsoft is hinting at this week.
The actual filing date of the patent from Microsoft is around December 2022, and it finally got published in February this year. The new-look Microsoft foldable is likely to be a phone with a vertical hinge axis, as highlighted in the filing, that will have a frame to support the outer and the interior screen.
The new hinge mechanism clearly points to a new smartphone with a foldable display that can be developed by Microsoft using its patent. The Surface Duo lineup barely made a dent in the foldable space, and it has become evident that the product never had the tools and the software to command its hefty price tag.
The patent filed in 2022 clearly shows the company also realised the need to come up with a different foldable product, which can give the Samsung Galaxy Z Folds, Google Pixel Folds and the rumoured Apple foldable device a run for their money.
The company has been busy with AI development thanks to its partnership with OpenAI but it cannot ignore the need to be involved in a segment that will gradually take shape, especially when Apple enters the market with its own foldable product.
Having said that, patent filings are usual, and companies get it done to avoid the competition from getting a leg up, so it doesn’t mean that the said foldable device will actually become a reality and for now, we can just wait and see if Microsoft does try its luck once again.
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