A new mobile device from Microsoft, which many are calling the Surface Phone, has appeared in several patents in recent months, leading us to believe that the software giant is still betting on smartphones.
Most patents indicate the addition of a folding factor that will be based on two different screens which are connected to each other with a revolutionary joint that powers a device. This device could be a smartphone, a laptop, and a tablet, with Windows 10 serving as the operating system that adapts to all needs.
Our most recent patents provide a new insight into how Microsoft plans to implement the camera on the Surface Phone, as a folding factor could create additional challenges in the device's design.
The so‑called patent “SPLIT-CAMERA AUTOALIGNMENT” describes an approach that has the camera components split into two separate parts, one on each side of the screen. Each time the user switches to the phone’s form factor, all components come together nicely to feed the camera so that taking photos becomes possible in a natural way.
Next, we encounter the patent “FLOATING CAMERA MODULE” which explains how the camera itself can be a floating component that can move depending on the form factor and create a range of advantages regarding design, such as the lack of camera flex.
Finally, there is the patent “RETRACTABLE CAMERA CAP” which is based on more complex technology according to Microsoft's statements, without having provided further details.
