There's been a lot of hubbub about the Microsoft Surface Neo, and for good reason. Recently, Microsoft unveiled plans for a new kind of wearable device that redefines wearable computing.
ContentsWhat is Surface Neo?What is the release plan?Is this technology new?Scour the SurfaceSo what is the Microsoft Surface Neo, and why are we talking about it?
In short, the Surface Neo is a "dual-screen laptop". It achieves duality by transforming what is traditionally the keyboard part of the laptop into a second screen. The end result looks like two pills attached to each other.
The Surface Neo's hinge allows for many different positions. You can open and close it like a regular laptop, hold it open like a book, and even put the screens back to back.
That's all well and good, but the keyboard part of a traditional laptop is important for typing! Fortunately, the Surface Neo does not require the user to use a software keyboard. It comes with a Bluetooth keyboard that magnetically sticks to the unit.
The Bluetooth keyboard can be used on its own, but you can also stick it to one of the Surface Neo displays. The device will detect it and turn this screen into a dedicated keyboard display. This means displaying the "WonderBar", which includes emojis that you can select from.
The Surface Neo runs a special version of Windows 10, called Windows 10X. Compared to the desktop version of Windows 10, it's not much different; after all, 10X's main function is to understand and adapt to the unique layout of the Surface Neo.
Unfortunately, at the time of this writing, Microsoft hasn't revealed how much the Surface Neo will cost, let alone when it will be released. The release video hints that the Surface Neo will be released during "Holiday 2020," but like all things in the tech world, it's prone to delays and slippages.
While the idea of having two screens attached to a hinge is relatively new in the computing world, its design is based on existing technology. For example, you can currently buy a 2-in-1 laptop or "transformer laptop", which is somewhat similar to a Surface Neo.
Although 2-in-1s don't use dual screens, they do have the main tablet screen and a detachable keyboard. The idea behind these devices is that you can combine the two and use it as a laptop, then separate them and use the display as a standalone tablet.
It's not as impressive as a dual-screen device with a magnetic Bluetooth keyboard, but it's a good alternative for someone who wants a good balance between entertainment and productivity.
Microsoft is looking to revolutionize wearable computing with the Surface Neo. Although we don't know the details yet, we do know that this is a dual-screen laptop with a detachable Bluetooth keyboard. Its flexibility and adaptability show good potential to be a handy mobile note taker and multimedia center.
Do you think the Surface Neo will be revolutionary? Let us know below!
