Microsoft Surface Phone release date news: rumored specs include new patented fingerprint scanner

Microsoft will allegedly release a new phone under the tech giant's Surface brand, a rumor that has been brought to the spotlight due to a recent patent filed by Microsoft.

According to Beta News, Microsoft filed a patent for a "Fingerprint Detection with Transparent Cover" with the World Intellectual Property Organization. The recently filed patent gave way to rumors about the impending release of a new Microsoft Surface phone. What's more is that Microsoft engineer Laura Butler teased that the Surface Phone is indeed a confirmed upcoming product that Microsoft is working on.

As for the phone's specifications, the Microsoft Surface phone is rumored to sport a new fingerprint sensor that is slimmer than the ones that are equipped in other smartphones today. The new sensor is also said to increase security measures since the phone will only unlock once the fingers are firmly placed in the display panel.

Moreover, the new Surface phone is also rumored to come in two variants that would cater to both general and business consumers. The two variants are said to come in both 5.5-inch and 6-inch AMOLED displays.

The new Surface Phone is also expected to pack a lot of power that can measure up to its competitors. Microsoft's new phone will supposedly come with a powerful Intel Kaby Lake processor and 4 GB of RAM along with 64 GB of internal storage for the base model, or 8 GB of RAM with 512 GB of internal storage for the high-end model.

Furthermore, the Microsoft Surface Phone is also expected to run on a Windows 10 OS, and will be sporting a 21MP rear shooter coupled with an 8MP front facing camera.

Though there is no official release date yet for the Microsoft Surface phone, rumors suggest that the device is expected to come to the market in the first half of 2017.

News
Blackburn Cathedral puts the Bible where it belongs
Blackburn Cathedral puts the Bible where it belongs

Blackburn Cathedral’s celebration of William Tyndale highlights the Bible’s central place in Anglican worship.

Anglican bishop reminds world that Ebola is still gripping DRC
Anglican bishop reminds world that Ebola is still gripping DRC

Ignorance and poverty have compounded the effects of Ebola.

Rights groups call for review of laws impacting free speech
Rights groups call for review of laws impacting free speech

The government supports your right to agree with it.

Scottish Greens' call for total decriminalisation of abortion denounced
Scottish Greens' call for total decriminalisation of abortion denounced

The Greens have called upon the SNP government to move forward with the recommendations of the Scottish Abortion Law Reform Expert Group.