Microsoft Patent Hints At Plans For Possible Foldable Smartphone

Right now the rumors are claiming that Samsung has a foldable phone that could debut in 2018. However it seems that Samsung might not be the only one as there are rumors that Microsoft could also be working on something similar, and thanks to a recently discovered patent by Windows Latest, it seems to lend credence to the rumors.

As you can see in the diagram above, the patent describes a phone with a foldable display that opens and closes like a book. While such foldable devices aren’t exactly new, what makes Microsoft’s attempt different is that in their iteration, it describes how the hinge will lie flat as opposed to protruding like a bump.

According to Microsoft’s description, “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,”

Note that this is not the first time we’ve seen such a patent. Earlier this year another patent by Microsoft was discovered, plus towards the end of 2016, a report claimed that Microsoft had teamed up with LG, Apple, and Google for foldable displays. Whether or not this results in a phone that resembles the diagram above remains to be seen, but if anything it does show that Microsoft is interested in the idea.

Tyler Lee
Categories: Cellphones
Tags: Microsoft, Patent