Microsoft has patented yet another interesting design for mobile computing devices such as a smartphone and tablet computers. First discovered by us, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office published a patent titled “Flexible display extendable assembly” last week and it was originally filed by Microsoft in January 2016.
The patented design is supposed to extend the display of a mobile computing device. It explains that a mobile or tablet device would be integrated with two display devices side-by-side to form the one larger display.
Microsoft explains that such a design is useful for those users who want a pocketable device with a larger display for easier viewing. In the background section of the patent, Microsoft gives an example of mobile devices that can be hinged to open two display devices side-by-side to form one larger display.
“Portable electronic devices, such as mobile phones, media players, and tablet computers are increasingly common. These types of devices typically include an integrated display device, and many include dual displays. For example, a mobile device can be hinged to open two display devices side-by-side to form one larger display. Users typically want the smallest possible devices to conveniently carry in a pocket or purse, but also want devices with larger display surfaces for easier viewing,” Microsoft details the concept idea in the background section of the patent application.
“In embodiments, the extendable assembly includes a slideable display guide integrated in a first housing part of an extendable electronic device. The extendable electronic device includes a flexible display that slide-engages into the first housing part of the extendable electronic device. The extendable assembly includes an extendable mechanism that is coupled in a second housing part of the extendable electronic device and to the slideable display guide. The first and second housing parts of the extendable electronic device slide-engage relative to each other. The extendable mechanism is implemented to extend as the first and second housing parts slide apart relative to each other, and also to retract as the first and second housing parts slide together relative to each other,” the summary of the patent reads.
Since this concept is still in the patent stage, there’s absolutely no guarantee that it would ever see daylight. Patents like this one come and go. With the foldable mobile devices being the next big thing, it’s likely Microsoft will skip such an idea as it wouldn’t make sense in the smartphone or tablet market.
In related news, Microsoft is said to be working on a new mobile-type device codenamed called Andromeda and it could feature two displays design. Andromeda is said to be a pocketable device with a large and foldable display.
