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Microsoft Details Secret 'Pocketable' Surface Device (theverge.com)
Microsoft's mysterious new Surface device, codenamed Andromeda, that's been in development for the past two years is going to be pocketable, reports The Verge. The company says it will create a "new and disruptive" device category to influence the overall Surface roadmap and blur the lines between what's considered PC and mobile. From the report: "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 exactly how Microsoft describes the device internally. The Andromeda device is still being developed in secrecy inside Microsoft, with a wraparound display that bridges the gap of the hinge when it's fully opened. We understand current engineering samples of the pocketable Surface look identical to the 3D concept created by David Breyer.
Microsoft has also been experimenting with stylus input for Andromeda, so that the device can fold over like a book and a pen can be used to capture digital ink. Microsoft is also experimenting with ARM processors inside prototype Andromeda devices. Microsoft views Andromeda as a unique response to its failures with Windows Phone devices. "It will blur the lines between mobile and stationary computing," reads one internal document describing the device. Microsoft is tentatively planning to release Andromeda in 2018, with similar devices from some of Microsoft's top OEMs to "follow afterwards."
Microsoft has also been experimenting with stylus input for Andromeda, so that the device can fold over like a book and a pen can be used to capture digital ink. Microsoft is also experimenting with ARM processors inside prototype Andromeda devices. Microsoft views Andromeda as a unique response to its failures with Windows Phone devices. "It will blur the lines between mobile and stationary computing," reads one internal document describing the device. Microsoft is tentatively planning to release Andromeda in 2018, with similar devices from some of Microsoft's top OEMs to "follow afterwards."
They still don't get it, which is frankly quite the feat.
We don't want mobiles-like desktops. We don't want desktop-like mobiles. We want mobiles that are mobiles, and desktops that are desktops. They're two distinctly different devices, and should be treated as such.
I would love to have something like this to replace my old Nexus 7. There is room in the market for a mid sized mobile device that is pocketable for two very simple reasons: Not everyone is comfortable reading tiny web pages or scrolling forever through excel attachemnts on a cell phone and some people enjoy a slightly bigger surface to type on.
My biggest question for a device like this, assuming a continuous screen, is just how durable the screen is going to be over repetitive opening and closing? And, assuming a limited lifetime, how easy and how costly is it going to be to replace the screen?
In principle, I disagree with you. The best smartphone I've ever had was the Nokia N900 - a device which was essentially a miniaturized Linux desktop with a phone app.
Modern phones - and indeed, so much of modern consumer technology - mask their power and complexity from the user, and in the process deny users agency. Both Androids and iPhones make me want to chuck the device full speed towards the nearest wall every time I have to use them. I want a pocket computer that can also make phone calls. I want a device that allows me complete control of the choices I can make with it.
I'll keep an eye out for this device, but I too am skeptical that Microsoft will deliver something like what I'd want.
I'll guess that Andromeda is an Android version with Microsoft's own services replacing the Google Services.
As for size, probably a phablet-sized tablet, and they'll wait to see if users want it before they try to negotiate with carriers for access.