Microsoft Surface Duo phones might return, patent suggests

Every so often, interesting new patents emerge from big tech companies. Even though not all of them become commercial products, they do show what the biggest names in the industry are working on. Now, a new Microsoft patent hints at the potential return of the Surface Duo lineup.

Remember the Surface Duo series? They were smartphones with a unique “foldable” design based on two screens joined by a hinge. The devices were designed with productivity in mind, integrating Microsoft’s suite of proprietary apps. They even offered support for the Surface Slim Pen 2 stylus.

Microsoft patents hinge for foldable phones like the Surface Duo

Microsoft’s new patent describes a hinge design that could be ideal for foldable smartphones. However, it could also work for laptops, according to the document. More specifically, the filing says it can be implemented in “computing devices that include first and second device portions that are coupled at a hinge assembly” too. This means that the new hinge might show up on both a foldable Surface phone and a foldable Surface laptop.

The patented design differs from what the industry has seen thus far. The company is getting rid of the common “water drop” hinge that is found on most foldable devices today. The name of this type of mechanism is due to the fact that the flexible screen forms a “water drop” right at the folding point. This approach helps to improve the durability of the screen and reduce the crease.

Microsoft envisions foldable screens that move

Instead, Microsoft is betting on a hinge design based on “subassembly” sections. The whole set of sections can bend and slide so that the foldable screen can move. Microsoft claims that this design guarantees greater durability and thinner foldable devices. While foldable laptops can also incorporate the hinge, it appears more appropriate for devices with smaller form factors.

The Surface Duo’s return is unknown, but this patent suggests one technology Microsoft may use. There were many reasons why the first Duo devices didn’t work out, including its high price. Only time will tell if the Redmond giant plans to enter the smartphone segment again.