Microsoft Surface Phone specs rumors, release date: New patent sheds light on foldable handheld

(Microsoft)Will the Microsoft Surface Phone be a foldable device?

The buzz surrounding Microsoft's rumored Surface Phone is getting louder with each passing day. A recent patent filing has only added fuel to the already-blazing fire and it reveals a potential foldable smartphone/tablet hybrid. Could this be the Surface Phone 2017?

According to MSPowerUser, Microsoft recently filed a patent for a foldable tablet than can easily work as a smartphone as well. The patent apparently went public, making its images and content up for grabs by tech publications. According to the patent, the device Microsoft is proposing will be a 2-in-1 type of handheld. Supported by hinges that allow users to fold the device, the tablet can turn into a smartphone.

Nowadays, most people have both a tablet and a smartphone. It is undeniable that the bigger display of a tablet can sometimes be more convenient and beneficial for some users. They allow a wider scope and view of content — and they are just plain bigger. With Microsoft's new patent, could the Surface Phone 2017 be a foldable hybrid? Right now, nothing can be known for sure. The Redmond-based company has yet to even confirm the Surface Phone's existence, let alone its designs and features.

As for its release date, there was considerable talk of a debut happening at the Mobile World Congress in (MWC) February. The MWC 2017 will be held in Barcelona, Spain, and will be the platform of a lot of tech companies to present their new offerings to the world. However, Microsoft may not be unveiling the Surface Phone at the event, despite previous rumors indicating the opposite. 

There has been speculation that Microsoft may opt for a latter date to introduce the Surface Phone 2017. However, this is not to say that the tech giant will not be in attendance. In fact, Microsoft is believed to be offering support to its partner, HP, at the event. HP is debuting a midrange smartphone that runs on Windows 10. Apart from that, Microsoft is also expected to showcase the new Windows 10 Mobile.

Since everything is still up in the air as of now, readers should take this news with a grain of salt.

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