Microsoft, while primarily known for its software innovations, has ventured into hardware development over the years, often with mixed results. As the tech giant celebrates its 50th anniversary, it’s worth reflecting on some of its most notable scrapped devices from the past two decades, showcasing the ambitious ideas that never quite made it to market.
Microsoft Courier (2010)
The Microsoft Courier, a dual-screen device that emerged from a decade of exploration in dual-screen computing, was an ambitious project that aimed to redefine user interaction. Code-named McLaren, this device featured a 5.5-inch FHD LCD display and an aluminum unibody chassis, marking a significant shift from the all-polycarbonate designs of the Lumia series. Its standout feature was the innovative 3D Touch technology, co-developed with Microsoft, which promised a fluid user experience through its MixView interface. Unfortunately, the device was shelved in the summer of 2014, reportedly due to the complexities and costs associated with the 3D Touch technology.
Surface Mini (2014)
The Surface Mini, codenamed Iris, is infamous for its last-minute cancellation. This 8-inch Windows RT tablet was designed to compete directly with the iPad mini, focusing on touch and pen input for seamless note-taking. With a high-resolution 1080p LCD display and a unique felt-like chassis, it was poised to be a digital notebook. Despite being ready for announcement alongside the Surface Pro 3, Microsoft pulled the plug just weeks before the launch, largely due to its decision to move away from Windows RT.
Xbox Joule (2014)
Before the Microsoft Band, the Xbox Joule was envisioned as a fitness watch that would sync with the Microsoft Kinect to track health metrics during gameplay. Featuring a low-resolution 1.5-inch touchscreen, it aimed to provide users with insights into their fitness activities. Despite its promising concept, the Xbox Joule was canceled in early 2014, paving the way for the eventual launch of the Microsoft Band.
Microsoft Band 3 (2016)
The Microsoft Band 3 was another ambitious wearable that never saw the light of day. It was designed to be a more refined version of its predecessor, featuring a thinner chassis and improved waterproofing for tracking water activities. Despite being well into development and even spotted on employees, Microsoft ultimately decided to exit the fitness wearables market, leading to the cancellation of Band 3.
Surface Andromeda (2018)
Surface Andromeda stands out as one of Microsoft’s most talked-about canceled projects. Intended as a dual-screen phone, it was designed to run a version of Windows that emphasized pen and digital ink capabilities. The device aimed to serve as a portable digital notebook, complete with a magnetic pen attachment. Although the concept was later somewhat realized in the Surface Duo, Andromeda was ultimately shelved in 2018, with its hardware repurposed for the Duo.
Surface Neo (2021)
Surface Neo represented Microsoft’s latest foray into dual-screen computing, featuring two 9-inch screens and a 360-degree hinge for versatile use. Intended to run Windows 10X, which was designed to support both touch and pen input, the device promised a modern take on the dual-screen concept. However, it was ultimately canceled in 2021, coinciding with the discontinuation of Windows 10X and the abandonment of the Intel Lakefield processor.
Surface Cronos (2022)
Following the launch of Surface Duo 2, Microsoft had plans for a mid-range variant known as Surface Cronos. This device was intended to bridge the gap between the Duo 2 and the anticipated Duo 3, featuring a more affordable design with a dual-camera setup. However, as Microsoft reassessed its strategy, the company decided to cancel Cronos, along with the Duo 3, shifting its focus towards developing a true folding screen phone. By 2023, Microsoft would ultimately abandon all plans for new phone hardware.
