New patent shows magnetic locks could be used on Microsoft's folding Andromeda tablet

At the beginning and end of 2017, certain Microsoft patents were made public, indicating that the company is working on a folding tablet that can transform from a slate into a smartphone-sized handset. The so-called "Andromeda" device is said to have two screens, the capability to make/take calls, and includes a special version of the Windows OS. One feature offered out of the box will allow users to take notes on both screens as though they were writing on a regular paper-based notebook.

Today, information about a new Microsoft patent has appeared. Based on the information included with the patent, it appears that hinges will allow the screen to open from 0 degrees to 360 degrees, and a magnetic locking system found inside the display would keep the screen locked at the position set by the user. The patent, titled "Magnetic Block Locking of an Electronic Device" was filed in August 2016.

At the beginning and end of 2017, certain Microsoft patents were made public, indicating that the company is working on a folding tablet that can transform from a slate into a smartphone-sized handset. The so-called "Andromeda" device is said to have two screens, the capability to make/take calls, and includes a special version of the Windows OS. One feature offered out of the box will allow users to take notes on both screens as though they were writing on a regular paper-based notebook.

The old saying about "where there's smoke there's fire" would seem appropriate here. We have seen a number of patents related to this device, and some renders show how the Andromeda can fold from a tablet sized device to a mobile unit with the same form factor as a smartphone. We could see the Andromeda finally see the light of day sometime later this year.

source: FPO via WindowsCentral