Forgotten Microsoft Smartphone Prototype Surfaces, Looks Stunning

Google, Samsung, and Apple consistently dominate the global smartphone market, though brands like OnePlus, Huawei, and Vivo also hold significant ground. However, a fascinating piece of mobile history has resurfaced: a prototype of a Microsoft-built Surface smartphone from 2014.

A Lost Project: The ‘Raven’ Prototype

The prototype, now circulating online thanks to Windows Central, offers a glimpse into Microsoft’s ambitions in the smartphone arena. It’s believed to have been codenamed “Raven” and dates back to 2013 or 2014 – nearly a decade before the Surface Duo’s release in 2020.

Microsoft’s Smartphone Past

Microsoft’s foray into smartphones began in 2012 with whispers of a Windows Phone. Following the 2013 acquisition of Nokia’s Devices and Services, Microsoft shifted its focus to collaborating with Nokia, resulting in the Lumia line. Despite this, the desire to create its own smartphone remained, culminating in the Surface Duo in 2020 – a dual-screen device that represents a significant delay in Microsoft’s mobile ambitions.

A Retro Aesthetic

The unearthed prototype showcases a distinctly stylish design, appearing remarkably modern even when compared to smartphones released in 2014, such as the iPhone 6 and Galaxy S5. The back panel features the Microsoft logo, alongside a single camera and an LED flashlight. It’s a reminder of a potential path Microsoft could have taken, and a testament to the company’s early interest in the mobile landscape.