Microsoft wants mobile cases to not only protect the device, but also personalize its settings and features

Mobile cases should do more than protect the phone, tablet, or other mobile device they are on. At least, this is what Microsoft thinks. The Redmond-based tech giant is looking to develop a technology that would revolutionize how we use these mobile cases to protect our devices.

In a recently published paper, Changing a Mobile Device Feature Set Upon Detecting Attachment of a Case, the company describes a technology involving a mobile device that can change its features based on whether it has a specific case.

In the paper, Microsoft says a mobile device has features it uses when no case is attached. These features might include the screen’s appearance, notifications, sounds, games, certain apps, or other settings.

The tech would enhance the device with a magnetic sensor to detect when a case is put on. Not only does it know that a case is attached, but it can also identify exactly which case it is. This is important because different cases might trigger other features.

Once the device knows a case is attached and identifies which one it is, it switches to a new set of features. These features could be different based on the specific case. For example, a rugged case might activate useful features for outdoor use, like a brighter screen or more durable settings. In contrast, a slim, stylish case might activate aesthetics or ease of use features.

Customization and adaptability are the main goals of this new mobile cases-based tech. The mobile device’s ability to detect and switch feature sets based on the case makes it more adaptable. Depending on the environment or situation, it can tailor its functionality to suit the user’s needs and preferences better.

This, in turn, would prompt the mobile device to become smarter and more personalized by changing how it works when users put on different mobile cases.

Given how popular mobile cases are, the system is a bright idea and even necessary. It would protect the device against hardware issues (the damage you do when you throw it down, for example) and ensure that the mobile device uses energy effectively and efficiently, possibly making it more sustainable and durable.

Microsoft is already focused on sustainability, so the tech has a chance of seeing the light of day: the latest Surface laptops are some of the most sustainable and serviceable devices on the market, and this tech would probably make them even more sustainable. Various mobile devices made by Microsoft could benefit from it.

What’s your take on this tech? Would you buy such mobile cases?

You can read the whole paper here.