New reports shed more light on Andromeda, and it is coming this year

A new report by The Verge detailing Microsoft internal emails reveals more details about the rumored Andromeda project.

Andromeda could be the first foldable telephony device

According to the emails, Microsoft envisions the Andromeda to be a new disruptive device category that brides the gap between mobile and personal computing. Much like the Surface blurred the lines between laptop and tablet, Andromeda will blur the lines of what a portable device with telephony capabilities means.

Andromeda will feature a dual-screen design that wraps across the hinge to maintain a solid image display; this would suggest, like others, they intend to work with flexible screen technology. Additionally, Microsoft appears to be experimenting with stylus support making the device function along the lines of a standard Moleskine device.

At this point, reports show that they are testing ARM processors in the device which would make sense given Microsoft's push for ARM-based PCs. In addition to supporting full Windows, based on CoreOS, Andromeda will feature not only the "always connected" technology, but also telephony capabilities meaning it could also be your next mobile phone.

As a former Windows Phone owner, I both love and hate the idea of this device. I have always been fascinated by Windows Mobile, and the thought of another mobile device running Windows is exciting. However, having been burned by Microsoft on both Windows Phone and Microsoft Band, I am hesitant to get too excited.

Now, will this disrupt the mobile market? It is possible. The device is different, exciting, and possible game changing. It also not only runs a full OS, but PWAs could be a game-changer in terms of the "app gap". So, while it may not dethrone Google, Apple, and Samsung, Microsoft could truly have a device that makes people excited in a way that makes a mark, and it could happen soon: Andromeda is coming in 2018.