The two generations of Surface Duo, Microsoft’s folding cell phone line, had average success with consumers. Despite this, a recently discovered patent shows that big tech may be working on a supposed “Surface Trio” with three screens.
A document from the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) reveals a folding device consisting of three displays. According to Patently Apple, the project was registered by Microsoft on June 23, 2020.
In addition to technical details, the file has a schematic of the model’s hinges. Thus, the folds of the new folding Surface can be arranged to show a single display, unlike the old Surface Duo in which the folds show both screens or neither.
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Device with multiple screens and applications
Obviously, the patent registered by Microsoft does not bear the name “Surface Trio”. The product is presented as a “device with multiple display panels that can be useful in a variety of different scenarios”.
“For example, multiple application windows can be presented and visually arranged in separate displays,” highlights the USPTO document.
The description reinforces that the device has hinges that work in different directions. In this way, the screen can be folded to the inside or outside of the phone.
“The folding allows the device to have a larger display area compared to similar devices, while also providing smaller folded dimensions compared to a non-folding device that offers the same display area,” explains the patent.
No release forecast
The patent filed with the USPTO is an indicator that Microsoft is working on a device with three screens. However, this is no guarantee that the product will be released anytime soon or that the project may not end up being shelved.
Furthermore, the document does not reveal details about the operating system of the folding cell phone. Thus, it is possible to assume that the manufacturer will use a custom Android-based software capable of managing the three screens.
If the supposed Surface Trio is actually in development, more information about the device is expected to be revealed in the coming months. Whether it’s official Microsoft notes or new leaks from industry sources.
