If one takes the number of patents published so far as a yardstick, then one seems to be very active at Microsoft very actively with a Dual-Screen Surface. Especially the execution of the hinge is given a lot of attention. Now patents have been published again, which describe a 360-degree hinge, as well as a magnetic closure for a device with two displays.
Centaurus already in the fall?In the introduction of the patents, Microsoft mentions the trend towards ever-larger display areas. Logically, this is accompanied by an enlargement of the device itself. However, since the customer still wants to remain mobile and wants to stow the device easily and quickly, dual-screen devices could be the solution.
The challenges of such a device are mainly due to the hinge, which should connect the two display halves. This must be stable and reliable, but should not protrude too much out of the unit and should support different positions and angles.
Microsoft, therefore, describes various ideas and solutions:
Each device may include a link that receives top and bottom channels for receiving the flexible connection members. Both the first and second flexible connection members can be coupled together through a termination block. In the first and second flexible connection members. Alternatively, it can be used in connection with the terminal block to create tension in the flexible connection members.
Each device may include a hinge eyelet having upper and lower channels for receiving the flexible connectors. Both the first and the second flexible connection element can be coupled to one another via a termination block. A screw may be threaded through the hinge tab and slide on the terminal block to create tension in the first and second flexible connectors. Alternatively, a spring may be used in conjunction with the terminal block to create stresses in the flexible connectors.
In a second patent Microsoft is concerned with the implementation of a magnetic closure in such a device:
Multi-sided magnetic access to an electromagnetic coil of a multi-configuration computing device in the presence of one or more metal structures, such as a conductive (eg, metal, graphite) computer device chassis or midframe.
The described technology solves one or more of the foregoing problems by providing multi-sided magnetic access to an electromagnetic coil of a multi-configuration computing device in the presence of one or more metal structures, such as a conductive (eg, metal, graphite) computer equipment housing or center frame.
Rumors and internal reports of a dual-screen surface codenamed "Centaurus" are already making the rounds. This is likely to be the successor to Project Andromeda, which had pursued a more smartphone-like approach.
The exterior should resemble the Surface Go and also have slightly rounded edges. The software is expected to be Windows Core OS. Also the new start menu in the Fluent Design should come to the course.
On October 2, Microsoft has uploaded to a Surface Event in New York. In addition to introducing a new generation of the Surface Pro, Surface Laptop and Surface Book, some are also embracing the idea of Project Centaurus. However, the publication should not take place before 2020.
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