Microsoft Could Be Working on a Foldable Gaming Device - Game Rant

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While patents are often never realized, they still often provide a deeper look into areas of research that may otherwise not be meant for public dissemination quite yet. Such could be the case with a recent Microsoft patent, which is for "Optimizing Content Layout On a Foldable Device." While the patent isn't for a foldable device itself, the patent touches on ideas that seem to imply Microsoft is at least considering a foldable device itself. There's even mention of using the patent's technology in gaming devices.

To start, here's what the patent is actually for. Imagine having a foldable device, one of the increasingly popular styles of cell phones, tablets, and other devices that feature a screen that folds. Users are able to open their device and have a large screen, but can carry it in a pocket. These devices typically have an additional screen on their front, for casual folded use. In other words, a foldable device's user interface needs to take into consideration multiple different screen configurations.

Microsoft's patent features multiple ideas for how to display a user interface on a foldable device across its various configurations. These ideas include setting a "primary" section of the display if other parts of it are bent or out of use, and then evaluating whether to change based on the device's folding angle. A big part of the patent focuses on assigning a "relocation score" to UI components. This relocation score can be altered by screen configuration, icon size, how accessible the component is to the user's fingers, and more. The UI will use these relocation scores to decide where best to play the component.

The patent then describes the technical apparatus of the idea, breaking down the hardware configuration of a foldable device. It also lists examples of computing devices, including hand-held computers, embedded computer systems, smartphones, tablets, AR/VR devices, and even video game devices.

Obviously, Microsoft and Xbox have made no announcements regarding releasing a possible handheld gaming device in the future. This patent doesn't change that. However, evidence continues to grow that the possibility is at least being considered at the company. Whether it's Qualcomm announcing Android gaming technology with Xbox Cloud Gaming in mind or this patent detailing UI technology for a possible folding handheld gaming console.

With the success of the Nintendo Switch and the early excitement for Valve's Steam Deck platform, it seems a ripe opportunity for Microsoft to enter the handheld gaming device market. An affordable handheld designed to stream games via Xbox Cloud Gaming with Xbox Game Pass seems particularly alluring. If it was foldable, all the better. For now, however, it's just an idea.

MORE: Why Xbox Should Make a Handheld Like Switch and Steam Deck