Microsoft's foldable phone concept shows hints of a computing future

Microsoft made a name for itself by introducing the 2-in-1 Surface devices, so it stand to reason that the company's new mobile device would have a similar functionality. The above patent illustrations show the 'Andromeda' concept, a truly innovative smartphone that unfolds into a larger device, possibly a tablet.

Microsoft has killed off Windows 10 on phones, or at least has done nothing to sustain that dying promise of mobile Windows. The company's representatives do reference a mobile device that's not a phone bu which has telephony. With Windows on ARM now a nascent reality, can we expect the Surface Phone or Courier device that brings Windows to a smaller convertible form factor.

Two more patents of Microsoft’s foldable mobile device have been published today, and they were first spotted by WalkingCat. Give us a glimpse of what this could look like. A device like this would put Microsoft in a class of its own and could kickstart their presence in 'mobile' while creating something bigger with more functionality if you throw in Continuum and docking functionality.

Source: Thurrott

Report claims Samsung’s ‘unlikely’ to launch Galaxy S9 and S9+ at CES

Samsung Galaxy S8

A few weeks ago rumours have surfaced that Samsung plans to unveil Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+ at CES 2018 in January. But a recent report by The Korea Herald claims Samsung shut down this idea saying, “It is unlikely.” The company supposedly plans to stick with its tradition of releasing its next flagship at Mobile World Congress happening by the end of February. At CES, Samsung will reportedly be launching new Galaxy A devices instead including the Galaxy A5 (2018), Galaxy A7 (2018), and Galaxy A8+ (2018).

Some of the rumoured specs of the two devices include running on Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 processor, up to 6GB of RAM, and possible 512GB onboard storage courtesy of Samsung’s newly unveiled eUFS  solution (on top of microSD card support). As expected, these might run on Android Oreo with a new version of TouchWiz UX skinned. Some of the recent leaks for the Galaxy S9 suggest dual camera setups as well. But what might not make an appearance would be the in-display fingerprint sensor as the company reportedly hasn’t worked out the technical issues with this yet.

Source: NDTV

Netflix signs deal with ‘Stranger Things’ producer to develop exclusive content for the service

Just like what Netflix has done with Shonda Rhimes, Netflix has secured a deal with Stranger Things producer Shawn Levy for what’s said to be a four-year, eight figure agreement. During that time, Levy will be creating exclusive TV projects for the streaming service. Levy is known to have directed and produced the Night at the Museum films as well as produced the critically acclaimed sci-fi hit Arrival. The deal comes at an opportune time as the service needs to keep its moment of releasing hit shows as it stumbles over having to fire some of its big talents like Kevin Spacey and Danny Masterson over sexual harassment and rape allegations, which the two have been accused of respectively.

Source: Engadget

Leak shows off two almost bezel-less Sony Xperia phones

If there’s any truth to this recent leak, Sony might finally be ditching its thick bezels and are getting on trend with its upcoming phones. GizChina.com claims these are actual images and not renders. The phones look starkly different even if they feature nearly bezel-less fronts. One is more in line with the squarish design of existing Xperia phones with a glossy back with the camera sensors separated, suggesting one is a depth sensor. At the center underneath the glass, it’s suggested that a fingerprint sensor is there. The other has more rounded edges and a matte back with its dual camera setup off to the side and what looks like a fingerprint sensor in the middle of the device.

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