New Surface Pro Leak Reveals Impressive Upgrade

With the expectation that Microsoft will be releasing the Surface Pro 7 later this year, what changes will be made to the hardware? The expectation is already high that the bezels will be smaller and the Surface Pro family will finally make the jump to USB-C, but that’s not all.
In a patent called ‘Multi-Panel Comuting Device Having Integrated Magnetic Coupling Structres’, Microsoft details a way to use magnets to hold a detachable cover in place when it is closed up against a tablet.

It shouldn’t come as a surprise when this appears on a future Type Cover for the Surface Pro. The Type Cover design already uses magnets to attach the Type Cover to the spine of a Pro, as well as lifting the keyboard tray against the screen to create a small rake for easier typing.
The one area that is missing is a way to secure the Type Cover when it is closed against the Pro’s screen or tucked away round the back of the ultraportable. Right now a user just needs to keep a good grip while carrying a Pro, but the upcoming answer, according to the patents, will be magnetic.

It’s going to be a small touch, and I doubt anyone is going to make a purchasing decision based on ‘the cover has another magnet’, but it does show Microsoft is sweating the small details. That’s an area where Apple was once untouchable, but as the MacBook design team continues to fight to prove that it has the basic laptop interface working, Microsoft’s focus on making magical moments will not go un-noticed.

Neither is this the first patent to show Microsoft’s magnetic fascination – earlier this month a patent was published that showed the internal construction of Microsoft’s hardware could switch to using magnets instead of screws. It sounds like the department has been busy brainstorming what on a few topics. I wonder what else will come out of the Surface Skunk Works?

May 27, 2019