Microsoft's Lost Surface Phone Prototype Revealed

Microsoft has revealed images of a canceled Surface Phone prototype from 2014, giving a glimpse into what could have been. The device, possibly codenamed Raven, was expected to run Windows Phone 8.1 and feature a Qualcomm chip, 720p screen, and silver metal frame.

The prototype was likely one of many designs explored by Microsoft's hardware teams during this time. Development on the device was paused after Microsoft acquired Nokia in 2014. The Surface Phone eventually arrived as the Surface Duo, which started development in 2016 and launched in 2020.

Details about the canceled Surface Phone are scarce, but it's clear that Microsoft was experimenting with various concepts during this period. One of these ideas involved a 'Skype Phone' that utilized Skype for calls and messaging instead of traditional carrier networks.