A recent patent filing with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) by Microsoft suggests that the company could be working on a device with a foldable display. Demonstrating the working of a foldable display, many illustrations in the filing suggest that it will make use of a free-stop 360-degree hinge mechanism.
The Microsoft device is referred to as ‘Andromeda’ and as per the patent filing, it will come with dual-displays. The company, in the patent, explained the need for a foldable display and said that consumers are now opting for smartphones with a thin-bezel design and larger screen size. However, as increasing the display size leads to larger phones, Microsoft suggests that a foldable dual-display design is their solution for it.
Microsoft’s patent filing states, “Dual-display devices are becoming more popular. 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.”
The above-described features and applications of the display are in line with early rumours, which suggested that Microsoft’s Andromeda could work in a phone and a tablet mode. The patent goes on to explain how the free-hinge mechanism works. You can view the patent drawings here.
As per a previous report, Andromeda’s foldable device will rely a lot on a stylus and its Ink feature. It is said to offer telephony capabilities and could also be a foldable tablet running on Windows 10 which could be pocketable.