Technology Rumors: Microsoft’s Andromeda May Not Materialize

Microsoft’s rumored dual-screen “Andromeda” device might not become a reality after all. Leaked APIs and patents for a folding, phone-sized device have been swirling for some time. The project is said to have been headed by Terry Myerson during his time at Microsoft, but he departed the company back in March. The resulting reorganization in the company has likely shuffled the dual-screen smart device further back in the release schedule. However, that’s not the only challenge the rumored tech would be facing to see release. 

Microsoft’s Smart Device Record 

For one thing, Microsoft isn’t exactly a winner in smartphone world. While you can still get a Windows phone, the platform isn’t exactly a success story. The mobile platform has almost no third-party support, which has always been Microsoft’s Achilles heel. In order to make a hypothetical dual-screen pocket device attractive to customers, Microsoft would need to address the third-party issues they had with Windows phones.  

Why Release it at All? 

Another hurdle Andromeda would need to leap is a problem of purpose. Who exactly is the device for? What niche does it fill that isn’t covered by existing technology? Why does it sport two screens, and is it worth the unusual design? Smartphones are ubiquitous, and nearly every customer carries one. However, attempting to sell that customer another smart device that has less overall functionality has proven to be unpopular. Look no further than the recent decline in interest in tablets to see evidence of this. As such, a dual-screen smart device would have a hard time defining its niche in the crowded gadget market. 

Any Hope for Andromeda? 

Microsoft notably killed the dual-screened Courier concept in 2010 after lukewarm internal reception. Similarly, in 2014, the company shot down its prototypes for a Surface Mini, something between a tablet and a phablet within the Surface family. As such, you can see the trend of devices in this space not making it to a public release. That said, that doesn’t mean there’s absolutely no hope for the rumored device: recent reports hold that another small Surface-like device is on the release schedule for Microsoft. Only time will tell, but the prospects for the unusual hinged device seem grim. 

Feature Image Credit: The Verge