Further Andromeda Speculation.

[BajanSaint69]

Do you think it is likely that this foldable device may be released in more sizes than just a phone?

It strikes me that we are all looking at this as a "replacement" for Windows phone while MS is messaging that this is most definitely not a phone but a new category of computer. It would be easier to build a larger version and would also make it easier to position the device as "not a phone". In much the same way that moleskines come in different sizes depending on what you want them for do you think it is likely that we will see this device in sizes other than those that fold down to fit into a pocket?

 

[Leonel Funes]

Do you think it is likely that this foldable device may be released in more sizes than just a phone?

I doubt this will be the case for v1, probably since they'd like to see how the market reacts to it and feedback users can have. Maybe the 2nd or 3rd gen might see different sizes...

 

[nate0]

Whenever they come with this category defining device (probably after Samsung does unfortunately), it will have to be a mobile replacement device imo. But one you'll also use for multiple type 'canvases' (PC-like/tablet-like/phone-like/fill-in-the-blank). If it can't do that initially (replace your current mobile) it will be hard to build the initial niche they need to get users to want/need one. However, if Microsoft really is building up the ecosystem around such a device the they themselves have confidence in it and therefore the device types/sizes could vary.

 

[mmcpher]

So long as it has a stylus.

 

[JaimitoFrog]

Originally posted by Nate W
Whenever they come with this category defining device (probably after Samsung does unfortunately), it will have to be a mobile replacement device imo. But one you'll also use for multiple type 'canvases' (PC-like/tablet-like/phone-like/fill-in-the-blank). If it can't do that initially (replace your current mobile) it will be hard to build the initial niche they need to get users to want/need one. However, if Microsoft really is building up the ecosystem around such a device the they themselves have confidence in it and therefore the device types/sizes could vary.

Samsung doesn't make OS and the software will matter just as much. Look at their tablets, pretty good hardware, but I wouldn't buy an android tablet over a Surface Pro or iPad. I suspect if Surface team can make a compelling device and software (Andromeda is both hardware and software), oems like Samsung, LG etc will make them too and popularize the category.

 

[BajanSaint69]

As a former marketing person I'm curious to see how they position this without having people make the obvious comparison to the ios and android. Already people are calling it the Surface Phone. It will take some fancy footwork to get away from people thinking of it as mainly a phone.