Since last year, we have already seen Samsung Galaxy Fold and Huawei Mate X foldable smartphones get unveiled. However, as of now, both are from their launch dates. We would be right to say that there is still time in foldable devices becoming mainstream. A few months back, Microsoft was reported to be interested in the segment too. Now, a new report has surfaced online that claims that the software giant will be releasing its foldable handset later this year.
According to a report by the Forbes, Microsoft is working on a foldable device and it will be a part of the company’s Surface series. The report also quotes research firm HIS Markit saying that unlike other Surface series devices, Microsoft’s foldable device will not run on Windows 10. Instead it is expected to run a new software. This software will be a new version of UI with optimization for dual display support.
Other than this, Microsoft is also working on a new Windows Core operating system that is said to be especially optimized for the foldable devices with dual screens. The OS is reported to be compatible with the Android and iCloud applications and services. So, there is a chance that the upcoming foldable device from Microsoft will run the same operating system.
Speaking more about the new Microsoft’s foldable device, it will sport a large 9-inch screen (when unfolded), so it will be as big as a tablet. The device will also be powered by an Intel Lakefield chipset and will support always-on connectivity along with 5G. The report comes after the US-based technology giant gave a demo of its new dual-screen Surface hardware. There is no official name of the foldable device from Microsoft yet, however, according to The Verge, the prototype model has a codename and it is called Centaurus. The new project Centaurus is similar to the company’s own Courier tablet concept.
Other than this, reports also claim that Microsoft is developing a new Surface device that could be carried in a pocket. Although it is a rumoured device but it carries the codename Andromeda. Currently, there is no news about the launch or other details of both these two prototype conceptual devices, but we might see them sometimes in the future.
