Microsoft files patent for a foldable phone in the US, gets users excited about Surface Duo 3

After Microsoft decided to discontinue its flagship foldable phone, Surface Duo, many believed that the Redmond-based tech giant would, in the future, revive the series. Ever since reports of Microsoft filing a foldable phone patent in the US emerged, enthusiasts have been nothing but excited!

Previously, when Microsoft discontinued the Duo series, it was reported that the company would switch to the conventional single-foldable screen design.

While the latest patent filed by Microsoft, titled Foldable Computing Device Spine Cover Plate, doesn’t feature the exact same design, it’s quite similar.

The abstract from the Microsoft’s foldable phone patent reads,

A computing-device includes a first display-supporting frame rotatably coupled to a second display-supporting frame along a hinge axis via a hinge assembly comprising a central spine extending parallel to the hinge axis. A flexible display is supported the first display-supporting frame and the second display supporting frame. A spine cover plate extends over the central spine and is moveably coupled to the hinge assemble for translation relative to the central spine as the first display-supporting frame is rotated relative to the second display-supporting frame.

What makes the idea interesting is that Microsoft’s design features a spine cover plate which will automatically adjust on folding and unfolding the phone, leaving a negligible gap, minimizing the visible crease, and preventing the entry of unwanted materials.

Previously, the idea of a Windows foldable phone was doing the rounds, and it got everyone hyped up!

As expected, the patent doesn’t detail the software side of things, and it would be interesting to see which OS comes installed on the device. While Surface Duo 2 shipped with Android, we will have to see if Microsoft makes any changes here.

What do you think about Microsoft’s new foldable phone patent? Share with our readers in the comments section.