Leaked Microsoft memo details 'new and disruptive' Surface Andromeda device

Surface Andromeda Render by David Breyer @D_Breyer on Twitter

By Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla

Microsoft's Surface Andromeda project has mystified and excited those who have seen hints of this foldable form factor device that's as capable as a PC, as flexible as a tablet and as portable and connected as a smartphone. Those hints of this new and disruptive device became more relevant thanks to a leaked memo that's allegedly come from Microsoft.

We've had years worth of patents, fan renders, source code references and speculation that Microsoft's Andromeda device could the new new product category that moves us beyond the smartphone era. An internal document from Microsoft unearthed more details of a "pocketable Surface device form factor." In the email, Microsoft describes its Andromeda device as a "new and disruptive" device category that "blurs the lines between mobile and stationary computing."

Avid Microsoft followers know that a tablet form factor has always been a target for the company even back in the day when Bill Gates ran the show. The Courier concept showed a foldable device that accepted pen input even before Surface was a product. The Surface line of devices is currently one of the most innovative and best designed line of products and one that's made giant leaps in hinge technology. Surface Andromeda is going to be a culmination of everything they've learned.

Surface Andromeda will also be a culmination of all the latest technologies including edge-to-edge displays, magnetic hinges and even Steam-like video game gameplay on a portable device.

Windows Core is a new version of Windows that will run on Surface Andromeda - Phot By Gadjo SevillaSurface Andromeda will likely run on a new version of Windows that will use the Continuum feature to scale for desktop, tablet or portable screens sizes. At a recent Windows Insider event, there was a slide pertaining to 'A new Version of Windows' which can run PWA (Progressive Web Apps) in various configurations including a Minimal UI for smaller screen sizes.

For such a small device, there seems to be a lot riding on Andromeda as the first of its kind multi-functional scalable computer and communications device. The objective of the original Surface was to have a tablet that could replace a laptop and iPad. With Andromeda, the stakes might be even higher as it could aim to be the device that replaces your PC at home and office, your tablet and your smartphone depending on the type of computing or communicating you need.

Surface Andromeda is expected to be announced in October of this year. Hoping Microsoft sees this one through as there's nothing like it in the market and would be te sort of device that mobile workers, which is pretty much everyone these days, would embrace.

Source: The Verge

Update on Monday, July 2, 2018 at 8:58PM by Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla

Maybe we spoke to soon, noted Microsoft journalist Mary Jo Foley reports that Project Andromda will be moved to 2019 and possibly even cancelled. This is due to the software for the device being delayed. This means that our hopes for seeing this anticipated device might be dashed for the short term, or permanently if Microsoft deems this device isn't right for a release..