Microsoft’s new patent could improve future Surface Book versions

by Radu Tyrsina

CEO & Founder

Radu Tyrsina has been a Windows fan ever since he got his first PC, a Pentium III (a monster at that time). For most of the kids of his age, the Internet was an... Read more

Posted: May 21, 2016

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We’ve heard rumors that Microsoft I working on a newer version of the Surface Book. The rumored said it could come out this year before or after Apple’s latest addition to its Macbook Pro line, or in 2017.

We doubt Microsoft will release a new Surface Book this year. If that doesn’t happen, then there might be a chance this new patent is the reason for the delay.

From what we have come to understand, Microsoft filed for a patent for a multi-axis multi-pivot armadillo hinge. This particular hinge seems very similar to the current one attached to the Surface Book, but there’s a distinct difference. According to Patent Yogi, this new design is capable of stabilizing the whole device by allowing it to recline and fold backwards and upwards.

There are also sections on the hinge to protect it from foreign objects, and also from the user being pinched. We all know what it is like to be pinched by our gadgets or some other hardware over the years.

This is how Microsoft describes the new patented hinge:

The description relates to devices such as computing devices that have hinged portions One example can include a first portion and a second portion. This example can also include a multi-pivot hinge unit rotatably securing the first and second portions. This example can further include a set of rigid hinge cover portions that are configured to be able to rotate relative to none another while collectively covering the multi-pivot unit.

The interesting thing here is the fact that this patent was dated back in 2014, a year before the announcement and release of the Surface Book. It simply means while the software giant could release the next device with this patented hardware technology, we have to consider the possibility for it being nothing but a patent.

It may never see the light of day, and that might boil down to how well users have come to accept the hinge on the current Surface Book.

Microsoft recently updated the Surface Book with tweaks to the camera among other things.

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