In spite of the Surface Phone being a highly anticipated device in 2018, Microsoft has remained quiet regarding its plans for the next Windows mobile phone. Although, tech enthusiasts always find a way to get a scoop even as the tech firm is reportedly developing the upcoming handset in the lab. In fact, a new patent leak was spotted online, revealing the foldable nature of the Surface Phone, which is also codenamed Andromeda.
As reported by MSPowerUser, the latest patent discovered by tech tipsters on the internet is consistent with the previous rumors that the Surface Phone will be a foldable device. The patent documents specifically talk about a new haptic technology to be used in two seperate OLED panels which are connected by a hinge. The leak shows that this haptic engine can only be placed in one of the two screen displays, as the Surface Phone is shown to have a thin build. Nevertheless, the haptic feedback is spread out to both OLED panels as the haptic engine is positioned near the hinge.
It should be noted, however, that the haptic technology mentioned in the Microsoft Surface Phone patent is not guaranteed to become a part of the actual device. The patent leak states that this technology can be incorporated in several kind of device such as mobile phone, media player, home console, tablet, smartwear, and many more. While the documents hint on the Surface Phone or Andromeda featuring the haptic technology, this is just one of the many possibilities.
Meanwhile, Express UK reported that the rumored Surface Andromeda device from Microsoft can be folded into many forms. The Surface Phone is said to have a flat configuration, tent mode, and laptop mode, which will sport features that are exclusive for each form. The patent leak also mentions a so-called Surlink connector, which tech experts speculate to be a special Surface charger. A USB-C port is also spotted in the patent render.
The recent patent leak was submitted by Microsoft back in August 2016, and it is possible that the tech giant may have already forgotten about this device. However, the patent filing could also mean that the development of the Surface Phone or Andromeda has already started, having a two-year allowance to unveil the handset in 2018.
