Microsoft filed a patent back in 2014 that the US Patent Office finally approved recently. The tech giant has been awarded a patent for foldable mobile devices and numerous other components that could point to something beyond a mere prototype.
The patent suggests that a display could be stretched across a hinge. This way, users can have the option of a folded, phone-sized device that can be unfolded to reveal a much larger screen. The company has reportedly filed a ‘broad’ patent that suggests that the device using this technology could be configured as both a desktop and mobile display, with connections to both an external display as well as an unexplained peripheral device.
If rumours are to be believed, the new patent may be integrated into one of the most anticipated smartphones of 2017 – the Microsoft Surface phone. The smartphone is expected to boast high-end features and functionalities. On the specifications front, the handset may feature a 5.5-inch HD display with a resolution of 1400x2560 pixels. The device’s screen may also come equipped with something called a novel liquid cooling technology.
It is unclear whether Microsoft will actually go ahead this plan. Other smartphone makers such as Samsung and Apple also appear to be researching foldable smartphones. Even LG is rumoured to have a similar foldable screen technology in place.
