After two unsuccessful attempts, Microsoft decided to abandon the idea of ​​a dual-screen smartphone. The company is currently exploring the foldable devices segment and wants to offer its customers its vision of a productive Android smartphone with a foldable screen. However, the Surface smartphone with a bendable screen isn’t the only thing Microsoft has to offer. The company is considering expanding its smartphone lineup with more devices in traditional form factors.

A report by Windows Central (citing company sources) claims that Microsoft has already developed prototypes of several tablet-like Surface smartphones. The software giant may leave its foldable Surface to enthusiasts with deeper pockets, targeting them in the casual segment. Jonas Danert’s concept for the end of 2020 gives an idea of ​​what a traditional Surface phone might look like.

In addition to launching a “normal” Surface smartphone with Android inside, Microsoft wants to strengthen the ties between Windows and Google’s mobile operating system. The company is working on the “Perfect Together” project to create a better “ecosystem” between the two operating systems and provide an iPhone-like experience thanks to the numerous integrations in macOS. It’s pretty interesting to hear stories like these, considering the Phone Link app only works best with Samsung devices, not even Microsoft’s Surface Duo.

Microsoft has tried to attack the smartphone market many times with varying degrees of success (RIP Windows Phone being a favourite), and it knows how difficult it is to compete with established players. That’s why Microsoft is preparing the “Perfect Together” project to make Surface smartphones different from their competitors. While these reports are likely to upset the Surface Duo’s small fan base, it’s good to see Microsoft not giving up on smartphones and exploring alternative ideas.