Microsoft Developing Dual-Screen 'Pocketable' Surface Device

[Val-kyrie]

At least Microsoft is still designing new computers. How about that, Apple?

Microsoft is working on a pocket-sized dual-screen Surface device according to information sourced from Microsoft internal documents and shared by The Verge.

Called Andromeda, Microsoft's dual-screen Surface project has been in development for at least two years and it's designed to "blur the lines between mobile and stationary computing," according to an internal document.

Andromeda rendering via David Breyer​

Microsoft's device will feature a wraparound display that bridges the gap of the hinge when it is fully opened, and according to The Verge, December renderings shared by David Breyer are "identical" to the current prototype versions of the upcoming Surface. The pocketable Surface can be folded in either direction or laid flat, as can be seen in the renderings.

Andromeda rendering via David Breyer​

Microsoft is said to be experimenting with stylus input for the pocket Surface, with prototype devices equipped with styluses and notepad-like apps for note taking.

The Verge's sources warn that work on Andromeda could be ceased at anytime, but Microsoft is said to have tentative 2018 release date plans, which would mean development on the device is nearing completion.

Some nebulous rumors have suggested Apple too is exploring some similar concepts, working with LG to develop an iPhone with a foldable display. Apple explores many concepts and designs for its devices, so there is likely to be some truth to the rumor.

The folding display technology being developed by LG is still a few years off, so if Apple moves forward with some sort of design that's similar to what Microsoft is working on, we won't be seeing it for several years.

At the current time, Apple is focusing on edge-to-edge displays and making a transition to OLED technology. In fall 2018, Apple is expected to introduce a second-generation 5.8-inch OLED iPhone X, a 6.5-inch OLED device that can be thought of as an "iPhone X Plus," and a 6.1-inch iPhone with an LCD display that will be available at a more affordable price point.

All three devices will feature edge-to-edge displays and no Home button, instead adopting Face ID and the TrueDepth camera system.

Article Link: Microsoft Developing Dual-Screen 'Pocketable' Surface Device

 

[pete2106]

So it'll be a laptop with a software keyboard. I couldn't think of a worse form factor for a computer.

 

[sonicrobby]

Super weird concept, but lets see what happens. If it has decent internals to where it can handle Solidworks, I'd be VERY interested.

 

[Gilligan's last elephant]

Why not announce when ready?

You mean like Apple's AirPower???

 

[nt5672]

MACRUMORS: the place to find out what the competition is doing...

Necessary evolution, as Apple is not doing anything worth reporting these days.

 

[DNichter]

So it'll be a laptop with a software keyboard. I couldn't think of a worse form factor for a computer.

I am interested to see how it works. Personally I'd like an iOS device like this that can be a keyboard when needed or adapt as a second screen to the app that's presently being used. I can kind of see this getting messy though so the execution needs to be perfected and refined over time. There is potential, although definitely not for everyone.
[doublepost=1530535230][/doublepost]I wonder what OS this would run... windows 10?

 

[AndyMacAndMic]

So it'll be a laptop with a software keyboard. I couldn't think of a worse form factor for a computer.

You are drawing premature conclusions. Read the article and the thread. These are all mockup renders by a guy who has nothing to do with MS and is just imagining what a new device may look like. MS has not announced anything and did not release any design.

 

[Corsig]

Remember how everyone killed the iPad before it even came out saying how stupid and unnecessary it was? Closed minded people just want to be so funny on the web. Apple (as much as I love them) isn't the only company able to innovate. Just give it a chance to even be shown (if it ever will be) before criticizing.

 

[mdbradigan]

I'm just wondering why get a tablet at all if you need mouse support?

For my personal needs, the equation is the other way around. A tablet will never replace my laptop unless it has mouse support. A mouse remains the most rapid, efficient, and least-burdensome input method to select text, move items around a spreadsheet, make complex selections, etc. "What's a computer?" - it's something I can get work done on. My iPad isn't a (good) Computer, by this definition. And that's fine. But they need to stop pretending that the future of computing is the tablet, when they don't add the best input method to it. IMO they're neglecting touch-screen computing because they want to sell more iPads and neglecting mouse support because they want to sell more laptops. At a certain point, people are just going to get fed up with this limitation.

Anyway - a pocketable device that I could still do a small amount of work on in emergency cases where I don't have my laptop with me? Yes please. I think foldable / rollable / expandable devices is an exciting avenue, and look forward to seeing them fleshed out by multiple vendors. The westworld tri-fold is still a ways away - but we can hope. Until AR actually works and has lightweight hardware, this is a viable path.

 

[pete2106]

You are drawing premature conclusions. Read the article and the thread. These are all mockup renders by a guy who has nothing to do with MS and is just imagining what a new device may look like. MS has not announced anything and did not release any design.

You're drawing a conclusion based on an assumption you've made about my comment. I wasn't going by the images in the article. I was going on the line "Microsoft's device will feature a wraparound display that bridges the gap of the hinge when it is fully opened". From that, I got that it is a laptop form factor with a screen that covers the entirety of the inside. Typing on a software keyboard is never better than a physical keyboard so that's why I can't see how this form factor would provide much benefit.

 

[Steve121178]

At least Microsoft is still designing new computers. How about that, Apple?

Completely redesigned MacBooks coming late 2019. Then you'll see ARM Macs in late 2020/21 before ditching Intel completely.

Not too long to wait

 

[bigboyz12000]

I want the folding tablets/phones devices from Westworld. Not sure if this is that exactly.

Nintendo Switch meet Microsoft Mobile phone haha!

 

[Abazigal]

For my personal needs, the equation is the other way around. A tablet will never replace my laptop unless it has mouse support. A mouse remains the most rapid, efficient, and least-burdensome input method to select text, move items around a spreadsheet, make complex selections, etc. "What's a computer?" - it's something I can get work done on. My iPad isn't a (good) Computer, by this definition. And that's fine. But they need to stop pretending that the future of computing is the tablet, when they don't add the best input method to it. IMO they're neglecting touch-screen computing because they want to sell more iPads and neglecting mouse support because they want to sell more laptops. At a certain point, people are just going to get fed up with this limitation.

The iPad was never intended to let you do the exact same tasks as a laptop in the exact same way. Otherwise, that would completely defeat the whole point. If you are most comfortable using a laptop or even a desktop, then you stick with it, because that's what works best for you.

What I believe Apple is working towards is making iPads a comparable alternative for MOST PEOPLE because MOST PEOPLE don't really need to do any of the things the iPad can't do, i.e. Complex spreadsheets or SSH terminals or whatever niche power-user task you can come up with. In exchange for some versatility that you don't miss, you swap the complexity of a desktop OS for the simplicity and seamlessness of iOS. You trade your keyboard and mouse for the ability to interact directly with your content via the power of an OS optimised for touch and direct input, supported by an entire ecosystem of native apps built with this singular function in mind. Essentially, the benefits it brings to the average consumer are so great they more than outweigh any minor inconveniences you can think of.

You want more power to edit videos and stuff - that's what the MBPs and iMacs and iMac Pros and the upcoming Mac Pro is for. And that's not what the majority of Apple's user base do with their devices. And I think Apple realises this better than anyone else here.

 

[Michael Scrip]

You're drawing a conclusion based on an assumption you've made about my comment. I wasn't going by the images in the article. I was going on the line "Microsoft's device will feature a wraparound display that bridges the gap of the hinge when it is fully opened". From that, I got that it is a laptop form factor with a screen that covers the entirety of the inside. Typing on a software keyboard is never better than a physical keyboard so that's why I can't see how this form factor would provide much benefit.

Wouldn't the screen wrap around on the outside?

That would be the opposite of a laptop.

I could imagine a flexible screen following the outside contour of a hinge... but it couldn't fold flat against itself on the inside.

 

[Dave245]

It seems that Panos Panay is now teasing about this type of device, this is a Tweet of his from 4 days ago.

 

[Black Magic]

At this point with Microsoft's history as guidance, folks would be foolish to buy version 1 of this device. Microsoft abandons products quickly and the hardware issues of previous products are legendary. Yes, I'm talking about the Surface Book and Surface Pro which are problematic. Buying hardware from a software company isn't a safe bet.

 

[Dave245]

At this point with Microsoft's history as guidance, folks would be foolish to buy version 1 of this device. Microsoft abandons products quickly and the hardware issues of previous products are legendary. Yes, I'm talking about the Surface Book and Surface Pro which are problematic. Buying hardware from a software company isn't a safe bet.

I often wonder how the Surface sales are doing, are they growing? I read an article that said the Surface will be abandoned in 2019 obviously it is only an article written by reporters so it’s accuracy is left to be desired.

https://www.theregister.co.uk/2017/10/04/surface/

 

[CyberBob859]

Looks interesting, but in the end, its just a gadget. Cool, but how usable is it for most people?

Look at it in a different perspective.

For "most people" - meaning consumers - the value probably isn't there. The app ecosystem in Android and iOS is just too strong, and there are too many good phones out now for Microsoft's device to gain any traction in the consumer world. At least in the near term.

However, Microsoft's strength is in the corporate/enterprise world. And in this world, I think their concept has a place.

This thing will most certainly run a version of Windows (probably "Windows on ARM"), and everything Microsoft has been doing with Windows over the past couple of years is to make it more mobile-like for something just like this. Tie it with their software, like Outlook, Todo, OneNote, Teams, Skype, etc., and the enterprise market instantly has software they can use. Microsoft's embrace of Progressive Web Apps (along with Google) may be their strategy to "fill in" the apps that don't get developed specifically for this device.

I carry an iPhone that my company purchased. How many iPhone/iPad sales are volume purchases by corporate clients? 10%? 20%? That's a heck of a lot of phones that I bet Microsoft is targeting with a sexy product that can complement (or, in some instances, replace) a work laptop (most likely already running Windows.) They'll come out with this device for their Surface line, but they really want to show companies like Dell/HP/Lenovo a design that they can build at scale to fight back iPhone/iPad in the workplace.

That's where I think this has a fit, and depending on how good their concept is in price and performance, it has a chance.

 

[axual]

Microsoft is working on a pocket-sized dual-screen Surface device according to information sourced from Microsoft internal documents and shared by The Verge.

Called Andromeda, Microsoft's dual-screen Surface project has been in development for at least two years and it's designed to "blur the lines between mobile and stationary computing," according to an internal document.

Andromeda rendering via David Breyer​

Microsoft's device will feature a wraparound display that bridges the gap of the hinge when it is fully opened, and according to The Verge, December renderings shared by David Breyer are "identical" to the current prototype versions of the upcoming Surface. The pocketable Surface can be folded in either direction or laid flat, as can be seen in the renderings.

Andromeda rendering via David Breyer​

Microsoft is said to be experimenting with stylus input for the pocket Surface, with prototype devices equipped with styluses and notepad-like apps for note taking.

The Verge's sources warn that work on Andromeda could be ceased at anytime, but Microsoft is said to have tentative 2018 release date plans, which would mean development on the device is nearing completion.

Some nebulous rumors have suggested Apple too is exploring some similar concepts, working with LG to develop an iPhone with a foldable display. Apple explores many concepts and designs for its devices, so there is likely to be some truth to the rumor.

The folding display technology being developed by LG is still a few years off, so if Apple moves forward with some sort of design that's similar to what Microsoft is working on, we won't be seeing it for several years.

At the current time, Apple is focusing on edge-to-edge displays and making a transition to OLED technology. In fall 2018, Apple is expected to introduce a second-generation 5.8-inch OLED iPhone X, a 6.5-inch OLED device that can be thought of as an "iPhone X Plus," and a 6.1-inch iPhone with an LCD display that will be available at a more affordable price point.

All three devices will feature edge-to-edge displays and no Home button, instead adopting Face ID and the TrueDepth camera system.

Article Link: Microsoft Developing Dual-Screen 'Pocketable' Surface Device

[doublepost=1530551283][/doublepost]I think this is one of those "I think we can do it" ... but really, I just don't think its the right time for this. The tech is not there yet ... but I am sure the dozens who purchase it will just love it. Son of Zune ... Zune II ... I fear.

 

[sgtaylor5]

https://www.zdnet.com/article/dont-expect-microsofts-andromeda-this-year-or-maybe-ever/

so there. Mary Jo Foley's pretty accurate. After buying a Zune HD, and three Windows phones - all of which I loved and all abandoned by Microsoft; I'm not going to even think about giving any more money to them.

 

[inkswamp]

Great looking hardware.

Pity about the operating system though.
[doublepost=1530552936][/doublepost]

Microsoft didn't announce anything! Where did you read that or did you not bother to read the article before commenting?

Here let me help you. The first sentence of this article: Microsoft is working on a pocket-sized dual-screen Surface device according to information sourced from Microsoft internal documents.

Not trying to be a jerk here, just read more than the headline before commenting.

Apparently, you weren't around to see the flashy Courier videos Microsoft's marketing people who showing off so many years ago. Just because the source is Microsoft itself doesn't guarantee a thing.

 

[neutralguy]

You mean like Apple's AirPower???

Or HomePod??? or Mac Pro???

 

[farewelwilliams]

Confused. Are you implying you think the Surface Pen would be somehow required? Or are you implying you think MS would throw in a Surface Pen for free? If it's the latter, that would be nice. If it's the former, uh... I got nothin'.

i have a feeling a stylus would be required to use the device in its entirety.

 

[Omega Mac]

What problem has this concept design solved?

 

[69Mustang]

i have a feeling a stylus would be required to use the device in its entirety.

Pretty much every manufacturer makes a device(s) that utilize stylii. Afaik, none of them require it's use. Not sure why you'd think MS would require it. They don't require it for any of their other stylus accessible devices.