Surface Book's Detaching Mechanism Involves A Little Software Audio Theater

Microsoft Surface Book’s one-of-a-kind hinge folds and detaches to transform from laptop, to clipboard mode, and then into a creative canvas. Surface Book uses Muscle Wire to hold its screen in place securely, while still allowing it to detach perfectly with the push of a button.

Here’s what happens when you want to detach the device,

• You press the dedicated keyboard key for a couple of seconds until you hear a satisfying click,
• Then you can grab a corner and tip the top right out of its Surface Book seating.

This simple process involves a combination of hardware engineering and a little software audio theater. Panos Panay explained why they used software audio to Mashable in an interview. Microsoft tried several detachment solution which involved levers, solenoids and even hydraulics, and they finally settled on an alloy called Nitinol. It has a sort of “muscle memory” and tightens when you charge it, that’s why it is called ‘Muscle Wire’. When you press the button, tiny metal plates where pulled silently sideways by a collection of Nitinol springs. Since it doesn’t make any sound, Microsoft decided to add sound design to give you confidence. The click you hear when releasing and securing the Surface Book top is nothing but audio generated through software.

“That’s what gives me confidence on stage to pick it up without hesitation,” explained Panos Panay.

This level of attention to detail is what makes Surface Book a great product.

Surface Book is now available for pre-order from Amazon and Microsoft Store. Find links below.

Microsoft Store:

Amazon: