Microsoft to release tablet that folds up to fit in your pocket

 Microsoft is developing a Surface tablet that can fold up to fit in a pocket. Codenamed Andromeda, the secretive project is described internally as ‘new and disruptive’, according to documents obtained by The Verge. Although it is still under development, it is believed to have a wraparound display that bridges the gap of the hinge […]

 Microsoft is developing a Surface tablet that can fold up to fit in a pocket. Codenamed Andromeda, the secretive project is described internally as ‘new and disruptive’, according to documents obtained by The Verge.

Although it is still under development, it is believed to have a wraparound display that bridges the gap of the hinge when it’s fully opened.

Internal documents show that Microsoft may be prepping a trio devices, as suggested by the secretive codenames ‘Andromeda’, ‘Carmel’ and ‘Libra,’ according to Thurrott.com

‘It’s a new pocketable Surface device form factor that brings together innovative new hardware and software experiences to create a truly personal and versatile computing experience,’ is how Microsoft describes the device internally.

Prototype devices include styluses and notepad-like apps to capture notes. Microsoft hopes the device could help make up for its disastrous attempts to create a mobile phone.

‘It will blur the lines between mobile and stationary computing,’ reads one internal document describing the device. 

It is believed the first devices could be released this year, and the firm plans to license the design to other manufacturers as well.

Internal documents earlier this month reveal that the tech giant may be prepping a trio devices, as suggested by the secretive codenamed ‘Andromeda’, ‘Carmel’ and ‘Libra,’ according to Thurrott.com, which first spotted the documents. 

Microsoft has filed patents for a pocketable, dual-screen, handheld device in the past, which many believe could be Andromeda.

Rumors have been swirling for months that Microsoft has been eyeing a complete refresh of its Surface lineup. 

However, the firm could abandon the device at any point.

It previously developed a ‘Surface Mini’ that was abandoned just weeks before launch. 

Surface boss Panos Panay previously confirmed the existence of a Surface Mini to Wired, describing the canceled device as ‘awesome’ and ‘like a Moleskine.’ Microsoft also confirmed its decision not to ship a Surface device in a ‘new form factor’ in its fourth-quarter earnings last year. 

Both Andromeda and Libra could hit the shelves as soon as this year, while Carmel is more likely to be released in 2019 or later.

Andromeda was mentioned in the internal documents as having a release date of 2018, Thurrot noted.   

A patent published in April showed off a device with a foldable display, or a ‘digital pocket notebook’ that’s capable of fitting in a user’s hands. 

According to Thurrot, Microsoft may want Andromeda to serve as a personal computer and that it could take the shape of a Surface Phone.  

A patent published in April showed off a device with a foldable display, or a ‘digital pocket notebook’ that’s capable of fitting in a user’s hands. This is rumoured to be ‘Andromeda’