New Surface Note concept more practical, still fantastic

Depending on who you ask, we are either further or closer to the mythical Surface Phone, with some saying killing of Windows Mobile is just part of the incubation of a proper Andromeda-powered Windows 10 mobile PC.

In June we posted a concept design by Ryan Smalley of what such a device may look like, based on numerous patents by Microsoft.  Since then we have seen an actual dual-screened smartphone, the ZTE Axon M, come to market by an OEM who did not wait for foldable screens to become practical, and instead simply went for the best design possible with current technology. Reportedly Huawei will be following in their footsteps with their own dual-screen folding design in 2018.

Acknowledging the issues with flexible foldable screens, Smalley has now updated his concept in a device which seems similar to two Galaxy Notes joined with a hinge, with bezel-less screens making the fold as unobtrusive as possible.

Smalley also embraces the new notch trend to integrate the single camera, flash and sensors with the front of the device without having to include a bezel.

As the picture above shows the device would enable you to use the handset as a mini clamshell laptop, form factor we know is appealing to many users.

Besides input via the keyboard, Smalley’s Surface Note would also feature the Surface Pen, and Smalley suggests this magnetically adhere to the hinge area for easy access without increasing the thickness of the device.

It is, of course, easy to render the design of your dreams, but with other OEMs rapidly making Microsoft’s ideas real the company better act fast if they actually want a foothold in this rapidly growing new market.

See more images below:

Source: Behance, thanks Ryan for the tip.