Microsoft and Intel are working together in developing dual screen windows 10 pcs. They previously teamed up for building a 2-in-1 surface. That device was called Surface Centaurus. It is assumed that they might this Centaurus as a device for reference in building their dual-screen Windows PCs.
Microsoft has been working with Intel for a long time in developing its 2-in-1 screen device. However, it didn’t come out, but it was teased multiple times. This Centaurus has gone through many modifications over the years. Now, it seems that they might release their dual-screen Windows PCs more sooner than it was expected.
Details on Dual-Screen Microsoft Windows PCs
These dual-screen Microsoft Windows PCs is a very ambitious project for Microsoft and Intel. So let’s see some of its details.
Release Date and Pricing
The pricing of these devices is currently difficult to predict. However, the Surface lineup of laptops starts at about 900$ to 1000$. Hence, it is safe to assume that the dual-screen laptops will start from above 1000$.
On the other hand, Microsoft said that these devices will be smaller in size. So, it is possible that Microsoft may try to reduce the difference between the lower-priced Surface Go and the highly-priced Surface Pro.
In the case of the release date, Microsoft has said that they will introduce it in an event on October 2019. This announcement matches their previous year’s timeline of releasing the Book 2, Surface Laptop 2 and Surface Pro 6.
However, according to some other sources, it is said that the release might take place during the first half of 2020.
It Was Created from Courier and Andromeda
There was a rumor going on about a dual-screen concept for some time. You might have heard this rumor if you had an interest in Microsoft news.
A project named “Courier”, which was supposed to be a type of computer having a dual-screen and very lightweight. But, this project was finally canceled. Microsoft also tried developing a dual-screen device, which was supposed to be of the size of a phone. This project was named Andromeda. But, this too was canceled.
Now, they have focused their attention on developing Centaurus. This was because of the fact that developing software for a bigger device will be much easier. They also reasoned that the demand for such software for a device having a small screen will not have a very big demand.
When the news of Microsoft working on Centaurus first surfaced in December 2018. It had already been 2 years since they have started working on Centaurus. At this time it was not a surprise at all. Microsoft has tried to build a 2-in-1 screen computer before but canceled every time. Hence, it was only a matter of Microsoft finding out what it actually wanted.
It looks like Microsoft wants to introduce a much larger screen into its Surface lineup of product. In addition, they also want it to be capable of doing more business work, but in a very innovative way. By introducing Centaurus they also wanted to show a new side of the company.
A Peripheral Headset and a Flexible Stylus may be in the development
It is possible that Microsoft may be developing a flexible stylus for its foldable computer. This development was assumed from a form for the patent filing by Microsoft. This form was published on the 13th of June, however, the patent was filed on December 8, 2017.
According to the diagram in the patent, it seems that the stylus can be bent and can be made into a more curvier shape. Microsoft also explained the need for a flexible stylus having an earpiece.
Microsoft said that this “Carpenter’s Stylus” will be used to input data and commands in a touch screen device. In addition, the bendable part will have a dock, which will be integrated to support a dockable earpiece. This dock will also help to charge the earpiece. The bendable part of the stylus will be bent into the shape of a headset and can be worn as a headset over the user’s ear. This will also act as a hands-free headset for the user. Additionally, the earpiece can be removed from the stylus body and can be used individually.
Laptop-Sized Device
It is still not fully confirmed as to how the Surface Centaurus will look like. However, it is more likely to be bigger than what Andromeda and Courier were supposed to look like. So, it is safe to assume that the size will be more like that of a professional tablet or a laptop.
The device is assumed to have two 9-inch displays and each with the aspect ratio of 4:3. This makes the screens of the Centaurus a little smaller than that 10-inches screen on the Surface Go. However, a major role is played by the aspect ratio. It has shifted from the same old 3:2 aspect ratio, which was adopted since the introduction of Surface Pro 3.
This does not mean that a small screen device may not be introduced in the Surface family. The head of the Surface division, Panos Panay really likes the concept of a compact device, which can be very easily fitted into the pocket.
It seems that Microsoft went for a bigger display device for its flagship product to make the use of a dual-screen more easy and to appeal to a greater number of audience.
It is no doubt that Centaurus will support the use of a Surface Pen in order to draw and other functions. Besides, it will also include some type of touch-sensitive keyboard for operating different apps. But, we have to wait for a bit more period of time to get the details from Microsoft.
Reportedly, Microsoft is working to develop the hinge construction of its Surface lineup of products. It can be a sign that Centaurus will be the same design for the hinge. Microsoft has also patented a technology, which can be the system to operate the apps on the dual-screen of Centaurus.
Lastly, it is also seen that Microsoft is experimenting with multifunctional buttons for a flexible device. This technology could very well make its way to the Surface Centaurus devices. The multifunctional button will show a new way to interact with the Centaurus devices.
Designed to Operate on Windows Core OS
It has been suggested by many reports that Centaurus devices will be running on Windows Lite, or also called Windows Core OS. Windows Lite is a simpler and easier version of Windows 10. Its benefit is that it can operate on any form factors and screen size.
The Windows Core OS is very controlled as to what apps can be used on it and has a very low footprint due to simpler tasks and more speed.
It is obvious that Microsoft wants the Windows Lite to compete with the iPad Pros and Chromebooks. With Centaurus, it seems like a good time to complete that goal.
Inclusion of Android Apps
After the launch of Windows 10, Microsoft had hoped for helping the developers to bring more Android apps into the system. By including Android apps, Windows had planned to compete in the market of the mobile OS. However, Microsoft abandoned the project- called Project Astoria. Although they might have had the ambition and it might become true with the introduction of Centaurus.
It has been reported that the Windows Lite OS is capable of running Android apps and also the iCloud services. Introducing Android support on Windows will be a good strategy for Microsoft. By this new strategy, Microsoft will be able to compete with Google’s Chrome OS.
Introducing Android apps will make a great appeal for the customers. However, keeping in mind the huge number of apps in the Playstore, moving all those apps in the Windows OS will be a great challenge.
Intel Planning on Using 5G Connection
Intel is very interested in dual-screen devices. They even have shown their concept for the dual-screen many years back. In addition, they are developing components that will help other companies to achieve that goal.
The device to reach closer to this goal was the “Tiger Rapids Prototype”, which was first introduced at Computex in 2018. This device sported two displays, and it can be folded just like a notebook.
Intel is also working with Microsoft to build Centaurus, a dual-screen computer. This device will be based mainly on the tech built by intel, especially for this purpose. Besides Intel is facing great competition from its competitor, ARM, in many areas, basically mobile devices. Hence thy want to be a good alternative to them.
Additionally, this unique dual-display form factor design of Microsoft will be a very good device for Intel to introduce their new 10nm architecture.
It is also rumored that the device may come with a 4G LTE or 5G option. This will enable them to be a better competitor to its rivals.
Conclusion
So, soon a new type of dual-screen Windows 10 PCs will be introduced. This will be very useful in doing multitasking. These new Microsoft Windows PCs will be a game-changer in every aspect. Its OS version will be streamlined and hence will be faster. It may also support Android apps, which will be even more great as we will get access to a huge number of apps.