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Microsoft patents locking mechanism fueling more Surface Phone rumors

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Since last year several patents and rumors have swirled around Microsoft returning to the mobile market with both a new SKU to its Windows 10 OS and a mysterious foldable mobile device.
After Microsoft seemingly abandoned its Windows Phone endeavors, and then sold off Nokia’s feature phone division and rights; fans of the company’s mobile – and Lumia brand – have wandered around aimlessly hoping for some good news. Several leaks have appeared since October of last year pointing to a complete refresh, codenamed ‘Andromeda’. As reported, this forms some part of the company’s aim to target the mobile market with a single core OS.
These rumors were further solidified by reports showing Microsoft testing apps on an unknown SKU or platform in its store .
With that said, the company has made quite a name for itself in the premium hardware market. The Surface Pro, Surface Book, and Surface Laptop have become defining products in their respective categories. But to many, a mobile offering – by way of a Surface Phone – was glaringly missing. However, through several leaks, the idea of a phone might not be too far-fetched. Its Chinese operations seemingly confirmed the existence of such a device, with Microsoft filing several patents for a foldable mobile device the last couple of years, the latest of which targets a ‘magnetic locking mechanism’.
Filed by the company back in 2016 but published yesterday, it describes a mechanism that locks the device in a way to prevent it from flinging open at times that are undesirable; much like how the Surface keyboard ‘clicks’ to the bottom of the display creating a comfortable typing surface. Beyond that, it also allows the magnets to ‘rotate’, allowing the device to be flipped around – and then secured. The patent may also point to a new design for the Surface Book, which currently sports a fulcrum hinge.
Other patents filed by Microsoft that havebeen revealed in the past few months, include one that describes how the Surface Phone – or whatever it is called – will handle its cameras. The patent suggests that the company might integrate a single camera into the device that is used both on the inside – and on the outside once it is closed. This is achieved by using a custom lens configuration that allows one sensor to detect light coming from either side. Other than that, it also suggested a ‘floating camera bump’.
Microsoft’s Surface team has always been known for its secrecy surrounding new product categories, so until the company officially announce a new hardware event, these will remain rumors for now. However, the idea inspires great excitement for a possible return to the mobile market for the company – the third attempt to date after abandoning the original Windows Mobile.
Source and image: FPO

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