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Microsoft Hints At A Pocketable Dual Screen Windows Device That Underscores New PC Concepts

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Microsoft has all but tipped its hand that it's working on a dual screen Windows device that industry insiders are referring to as codename Andromeda. Andromeda is a "pocketable" device that is expected to signal a new category effort for Microsoft, one that will define new usage models for a Windows PC. The device is rumored to have a wrap-around hinge that splits what looks like two large smartphone sized displays of 6 to 7 inches or so. A render concept from Austrian designer David Breyer reportedly details Microsoft's device to a tee, based on recent Microsoft patent filings.

David Breyer

In addition, other PC OEMs like Asus have teased dual-screen devices recently. At Computex this year, Asus unveiled their Project Precog PC, a laptop-sized dual screen device that is comprised of two displays and no keyboard, with the bottom display functioning as a keyboard or tools/work surface, depending on what mode it's in. In addition, I've personally met with more than one major PC OEM that is surveying market interest in a dual display Windows device, but again in convertible laptop form factors.

Microsoft's concept is pocketable, however, in what seems like an effort to blur the lines between smartphone and a highly mobile PC form factor, accompanied of course with pen stylus input. In addition, Microsoft Surface Chief, Panos Panay, hinted hard at Andromeda with a recent tweet.

If that doesn't come right out and say it, I'm not sure what does. Apparently LG Display could be offering their capabilities to Microsoft here as well.

It's difficult to speculate what will become of Andromeda, in addition to the early concept designs of OEMs looking to enable new Windows PC platforms with multiple contiguous displays that adapt to user requirements, tools and use cases. Andromeda may well launch Microsoft back into the mobile market again. And multi-display PC laptop designs could be the next evolution of the convertible PC.  From what I've seen so far, these multi-display designs are lining up to hit this year, actually. So I don't think we'll have to wait long to find out.

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