Rumors of a Microsoft "Surface phone" have been swirling for years, but the mythical device - once predicted to launch in 2016 - isn"t expected to arrive until next year. There"s been a great deal of speculation about what Microsoft has planned for the device, especially when you consider that the company has gone to great lengths to wind down its existing phone business.
In May, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella said that the company will make more phones, but added that "they will not look like phones that are [available] today". His comments fuelled speculation that Microsoft was working on some kind of "breakthrough" form factor, after patents awarded to the company earlier this year showed sketches for a foldable handset that could be opened up into a tablet-style device.
Enthusiasts have already imaged what such a device might look like in concept renders, such as these images of a fictional "Surface Note". Now, there"s another concept to get excited about, although this one is a little more conventional than the Note.
The new video was created by Amir Estefad and Mohammad Reza Alidoost, showing a large handset featuring a 5.8-inch display with curved edges - similar to Samsung"s Galaxy S8 - and support for "3D Touch", which Nokia and Microsoft originally developed for the ill-fated McLaren flagship. The concept also showcases a refreshed interpretation of Windows 10 Mobile, featuring Microsoft"s new Fluent Design System.
The imaginary handset was also envisaged with Surface Pen support - another idea grounded in reality, as Microsoft originally intended to add that support to its Lumia 950 and 950 XL flagship phones.
Of course, there"s no reason to believe that the "real" Surface phone - if it ever materializes - will look anything like this. Some might also argue that the concept handset is somewhat lacking in imagination, given that it draws so heavily on current and previous ideas. Still, it"s nice to enjoy an occasional flight of fancy, so be sure to check out the device in action in the video below:
Source: Amir Estefad / Mohammad Reza Alidoost (YouTube) via OnMSFT