Via Patent Bolt

A newly surfaced patent filing from Microsoft provides a glimpse of where our smartphones might be headed — even if it’s not the most original idea in the world.

The concept, as detailed by PatentBolt.com, is a smartphone with a low-powered backside display, possibly wrapping around the corners of the device, that could show content such as the time or customizable wallpapers, possibly using e-ink and potentially using a secondary processor.

The idea would be to focus on content that doesn’t change as much, a little bit like the screensavers on Amazon’s Kindle devices.

In spirit, at least, it also reminds me a bit of the Windows SideShow technology for supporting secondary displays in notebook lids.

As noted by Boy Genius Report, the concept is similar in some ways to a “smart skin” technology described by Samsung in one of its patent filings. Microsoft partner Nokia also has played around with the concept, as shown in the video below.

Like what you're reading? Subscribe to GeekWire's free newsletters to catch every headline

Job Listings on GeekWork

Find more jobs on GeekWork. Employers, post a job here.