Microsoft files 'airplane mode' design patent to protect its Surface Pro design

Source: Daniel Rubino/Windows Cardinal

What you lot need to know

• Microsoft recently filed a design patent application for the "plane mode" form factor and "magnetic hinge connection" seen in its Surface devices.
• If approved, the patent could prevent other manufacturers from emulating the form gene of the Surface Pro.
• Microsoft could then make agreements with manufacturers regarding making devices with like class factors.

Microsoft recently filed a design patent to help protect the design of its Surface Pro and Surface Go devices. The patent awarding is for the "airplane mode" form factor of devices that can have a kickstand extend and remainder on a keyboard that's been flipped dorsum, and, more specifically, the "magnetic hinge connectedness" that lets that posture happen.

The plane manner name likely comes from the fact that this setup could rest well on an airplane's tray table. Information technology's non related to aeroplane manner on phones or disconnecting from net connectivity.

If that design sounds familiar, it'southward because we've seen it on every Surface Pro from the original to the Surface Pro seven. It's also appeared in other Surface devices like the Surface Go 2. The purpose of this patent likely isn't to protect an upcoming applied science simply to forestall other companies from creating Surface Pro clones without Microsoft being on board.

The best Windows tablets are Surface devices, and many great devices like the Lenovo ThinkPad X12 Detachable take design cues from the Surface family. Having a patent on the form factor would allow Microsoft to have a say in which companies brand Surface clones.

Microsoft isn't opposed to other companies making devices that employ a course gene like to the Surface Pro, merely it'southward likely that the company would want to partner with those making them. If Apple tree creates an iPad Pro with a kickstand and Type Comprehend-style keyboard, that could be seen as bad news by Microsoft. The iPad Pro with a Magic Keyboard is dissimilar plenty that Microsoft doesn't seem concerned.

If Microsoft is granted this patent, it could strike deals with companies that permit other manufacturers to create devices that look like to the Surface Pro. Other companies accept used similar strategies in the past, such as Apple patenting unlike design elements of the iPhone.

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Source: https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft-files-patent-protect-its-surface-pro-design

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