An alleged Surface Neo prototype chassis shows up in a hands-on video

Microsoft started to tease a variation on the foldable form-factor back in 2019 - even if it consisted of two equally-sized displays connected by a hinge rather than anything involving actual flexible displays. It was once to be debuted in 2 new devices: the Surface Duo and Neo. However, the latter was obliged to miss its late 2020 release, leaving us with the phablet-style former device.

The Duo is an Android device, whereas the Neo was envisioned as the effective Windows 10X flagship. That UI might still be in the works, judging by its recent leaks at least. Then again, it is only just now that its apparent first-party vehicle has emerged in hardware form.

This new leak, courtesy of Hikari Calyx, does indeed seem to display a product quite like that of the Surface Duo. However, it might indeed be larger - the Neo was indeed once touted to accomodate an optional keyboard, after all.

Then again, should the subject of the new YouTube clip truly be the Surface Neo, it is of a prototype chassis for the tablet without paired displays to its name. Then again, this might offer an insight of where its components go - or would have gone, rather - as many of them or their connectors are visible through the clear plastic wrap holding the thing together.

It is not completely clear why the Surface Neo seems to be dead prior to arrival at this point. Then again, the Covid-19 pandemic, not to mention the Duo's reception, can't have helped. Who knows whether Microsoft will resume its product cycle at this point - then again, at least one other OEM seem to think the idea has merit.

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