Microsoft he would prepare a modular PC all-in-one? – 01net.com

The filing of a patent for a computer Microsoft would not necessarily have sparked interest in the last few months. But with the arrival of the latest generation of the tablet Surface Pro and especially the first laptop of its history, the Living Book (which just happened to us to test), Microsoft has demonstrated that it now owns that must be out of attractive, innovative and well thought out. Panos Panay teams have, in this sense, successful in the years to inform the work of the American giant in a whole new light.

An all-in-one of a new kind …

the patent in question, which was filed in July 2015 and which has been granted and published, reveals perhaps that could be the next step for Microsoft in the small world of hardware. After tablets, laptops and perhaps revisited smartphones – with Surface Phone – this is a classic PC that teams could prepare Satya Nadella. The project becomes exciting when we see that this is an all-in-one (a computer with a screen like the iMac) and is modular. The device is in fact composed of a base on which is articulated a flat screen. And it is on this initial structure that will come stack and grafted the various modules that the user wants to buy

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Scalability nested

Microsoft’s approach, reminiscent of Ara Google project aims to enable users not to update that part of their equipment when they feel the need. What explains the patent, reduces the cost to the owner of the PC and also allows components to manufacturers continue to flow updates of their products. Individual bricks are in the spirit of the patent, designed to stack and nest, such as racks or parts of a building game. This is so container in which can be placed and replaced components. Microsoft insists that these equipment changes will not require any special expertise or knowledge.

Thus, the modules fit together and communicate with each other to form a fully functional PC. Components such as the processor, RAM, graphics card, power supply or network modules are all independent blocks. Accessories can also be added, said the patent, citing speakers and even holograms – for augmented reality

Microsoft had already expressed interest for modular architectures when he had supported Christine the project, developed by Razer, gamers machinery specialist. However, although presented in 2014, this project has not yet reached the stage of marketing.

Microsoft’s patent is only more interesting, though, as usual , a patent does not necessarily mean that a product will emerge. In this case, our curiosity is still stung.

Source:
Microsoft Patent via Venture Beat