Ever since the death of the Microsoft (formerly Nokia) Lumia series and the Windows Mobile operating system, Microsoft has not been a name that most people think of when it comes to smartphones and mobile devices. This is why it was quite surprising when the company joined the foldable trend in 2020 with the Microsoft Surface Duo.
It and its successor didn't quite nail the idea of what a foldable should be though, even at the segment's early stages. Instead, both were like two separate screens joined by a hinge. That was probably why they didn't really take off, but it looks like Microsoft might be ready to make a proper foldable now, based on a patent application.
A Recently Filed Patent Shows Microsoft Is Working On A Foldable Hinge
I've been a Windows user since I popped out of the womb, so naturally, I am partial to Microsoft in many ways. I'm a fan of their Surface-branded computer hardware, but they've always left a whole lot to be desired when it comes to smartphones. However, a recently filed patent application might give Microsoft and Android fanboys like me something to be happy about.
The company has been spotted working on a “foldable computing device spine cover plate”. That's just one part of a foldable, but if Microsoft is filing such a patent, they certainly have something in the works. If you have seen what the Galaxy Z Fold 5 looks like when it is closed, the metallic part on the spine of the device with “Samsung” written vertically in the middle is what is called the cover plate.
The cover plate could be a vital part of the phone, as it'll protect the hinge when the device is closed and eliminate any gaps through which water or dust particles can easily enter. However, it is also expected to be able to move depending on the state of “foldedness” that the phone is in, eliminating gaps at all stages.
The patent application, discovered by Windows Latest, goes into deep technical detail about the cover plate. Hopefully, Microsoft has put as much thought into the hinge mechanism itself. Of course, as things are, it is impossible to know exactly when Microsoft plans to release such a device.
The Microsoft Surface Duo Foldables Didn't Hit The Sweet Spot
If you look at the history of Microsoft in the smartphone industry, the last time they released a regular smartphone was in 2016. However, 2020 and 2021 saw them release the Android-powered Surface Duo and Surface Duo 2 (which was certainly better). There were even rumors of a Surface Duo 3 that never surfaced in the end.
However, it was pretty easy to see one of the reasons why these foldables didn't make waves. Instead of incorporating a flexible inner display, they opted for two separate screens on two separate halves of the devices. Sure, there was a hinge connecting both halves, but it wasn't a smooth interpretation of what a foldable should be and other manufacturers' attempts looked significantly sexier.
I'm going to keep my fingers crossed that Microsoft gets it right on their next attempt, whenever that might come. But before it does, let us know if you'd be willing to give a Microsoft foldable a shot (again).
