Microsoft unveils Windows 10X and Surface Neo with two 9″ screens
Microsoft has unveiled the Surface Neo, a dual-screen device that runs a modified version of Windows 10. The Neo consists of two LCDs and can be used in combination with a keyboard and stylus.
The Surface Neo does not have a bendable screen, but consists of two screens that are attached to each other with a hinge. That hinge offers the possibility to fold the screens completely. Each of the two parts of the Neo is 5.6mm thick. A layer of Gorilla Glass should protect the LCDs. These are two 4:3 screens measuring 18.3×13.7cm with an area of 250 square centimeters and a diagonal of 9″, which together provide a screen space of 18.3×27.4 cm with an area of 500 square centimeters and 13″ .
The tablet can be combined with a compact Bluetooth keyboard that can be placed on one of the two screens to use the device as a laptop with a tactile keyboard. In addition, the underlying screen can serve as a trackpad or as a second screen, for applications such as video or for visual keyboard options such as emoji or gifs. The attachment is magnetic and the keyboard can also be tucked away magnetically at the back. There is also a thin stylus, which can be attached magnetically to the back.
The Surface Neo runs a modified version of Windows optimized for dual-screen devices. Microsoft provides a number of applications that Windows 10X should enable in combination with dual-screen devices. The company calls these postures. Among other things, Microsoft provides use for taking notes on one screen while Windows displays another program on the other screen. In addition, the device can be used in a reading mode, laptop stand or standing as a kind of all-in-one.
The Windows version also gets a different start screen that opens full screen on one of the two LCDs and from there provides access to the search function and an overview of apps. Open programs can be easily dragged from one screen to another or opened across both LCDs. The Surface Neo can run traditional win32 software in containers, in addition to Universal Windows Apps and Progressive Web Apps.
The company has not yet disclosed much about the hardware. Earlier rumors have emerged that the Neo will contain Intel Lakefield-socs. Those chips consist of a configuration of powerful Core and energy-efficient Atom cores and have a TDP of up to 5W.
Microsoft has been thinking about dual-screen devices for years. Ten years ago, reports appeared about the Microsoft Courier, which ultimately never appeared. Following Microsoft itself, Asus, HP, Lenovo and Dell are also coming with similar devices with Windows 10X, according to Microsoft. The Surface Neo will be released before the end of next year, at an as yet undisclosed price.