A Microsoft patent from years gone by has taken the spotlight, with rumors pointing to a protective keyboard case for the upcoming Surface Phone handset that is currently in development.
And, by some counts, expected sometimes late in 2017.
Redmond has, of course, been totally mum on this device, but as this patent hints, a keyboard case could well launch alongside the Surface Phone if the technology giant goes forward with this plans and brings the smartphone to market.
The company originally filed this all the way back in 2009, but as spotted, the patent has recently been updated — hinting that Microsoft is looking at this technology as work on the Surface Phone advances at a steady clip.
This is how Redmond describes the new cover in the patent:
An apparatus for communicating with a handheld device (e.g., a cellular telephone) is provided herein. A protective shroud is configured to enclose the handheld device and protect it against incidents that commonly cause damage to handheld devices.
Integral to the protective shroud is at least one of an input component configured to receive user input and a wireless transceiver configured to transmit signals to and/or receive signals from the handheld device. In one example, where both the input component and the wireless transceiver are integral to the protective shroud, signals related to received user input (e.g., where the shroud serves as a keypad) may be transmitted to the handheld device even if the protective shroud is removed from the handheld device.”
Quite interesting!
This very much looks like a mobile version of the Surface Touch Cover, and the technology comes down to a protective case that doubles as a keyboard and touchpad.
Then again, given the fact that the Surface team is developing this new phone, no surprises here.
Regardless, the keyboard case would definitely expand the productivity features of the Surface Phone, and this is exactly what the technology titan is aiming for with this handset. It has to get everything right though, and that means looking at everything.
Even seven-year-old patents.
source:windows10update
