A Retrospective on Microsoft’s Most Notable Canceled Devices

Microsoft, widely recognized for its software rather than hardware, has tinkered with creating physical devices over the years, leading to some intriguing concepts that never quite saw the light of day. As we mark Microsoft’s 50th anniversary, let’s rewind a bit and remember some of the company’s most notable hardware projects that were ultimately shelved.

Microsoft Courier (2010)

Microsoft has rotated the idea of dual-screen computing for a decade and the Courier was its pioneering venture beyond theoretical research. The device was envisaged as a sophisticated digital notebook focusing on digital inking and touch.

Imagine two 7-inch screens hinged together, closing like a book. It wasn’t meant to run Windows but rather a specialized operating system with its own app ecosystem, tailored for a journaling experience with note-taking and drawing capabilities.

Sadly, in 2010, Microsoft pulled the plug on the Courier, possibly due to its divergence from the main Windows path including a lack of support for Windows 8 apps.

Although it never came to fruition, Courier set the stage for later ventures like the Surface Duo and Surface Neo.

Lumia McLaren (2014)

Back in 2013, whispers spread of Nokia and Microsoft partnering on a standout Lumia model, succeeding the Lumia 1020. Dubbed McLaren, it boasted 3D Touch technology that allowed interfacing with the device sans physical contact.

With a sleek aluminum body, the 5.5-inch display handset departed from the typical polycarbonate Lumia designs. Its flagship innovation, 3D Touch, developed alongside Microsoft, added intricate interactions like MixView, letting users explore app tiles fluidly by simply hovering over them.

Despite its advanced features, McLaren was shelved mid-2014. Microsoft deemed the 3D Touch too costly and incomprehensible for most consumers.

Surface Mini (2014)

The Surface Mini, known for being axed just before launch, was an attempt at an 8-inch Windows RT tablet prioritizing portability and note-taking with OneNote.

Originally slated to debut with Surface Pro 3 in 2014, it sported a high-resolution display, a felt-like exterior, and a unique kickstand featuring adjustable angles and a pen loop.

The project was canceled abruptly, likely due to Microsoft’s shift away from Windows RT.

Xbox Joule (2014)

Before Microsoft Band’s introduction, there was the Xbox Joule, a prototype fitness watch tied to the Xbox ecosystem. Designed to sync with Kinect for fitness tracking, Joule featured a modest touchscreen and firmware for basic health metrics.

This early form laid the groundwork for the later-released Microsoft Band, though it remains unclear why Joule was scrapped.

Microsoft Band 3 (2016)

Continuing with wearables, the Band 3 aimed to continue Microsoft’s presence in fitness technology but was ultimately halted in 2016.

The new Band would have been sleeker and introduced waterproof capabilities, but Microsoft had decided to step back from fitness wearables.

Surface Andromeda (2018)

Perhaps one of Microsoft’s most infamous unrealized projects, Andromeda, aimed to be a dual-screen Windows phone focused on digital inking.

The device planned to deliver a journaling experience, complete with a pen that magnetically attached to the device. Despite never launching, its hardware inspired the Surface Duo, though there were distinct differences in functionality.

Surface Neo (2021)

Echoing the ethos of the Courier, Surface Neo advanced the dual-screen idea with modern Windows adaptability.

Presenting dual 9-inch screens, Neo was crafted with Windows 10X in mind, allowing traditional Windows applications within a revamped interface. Its development ceased in 2021 following the discontinuation of both Windows 10X and Intel’s supporting technology.

Surface Cronos (2022)

Following the Surface Duo 2, Microsoft considered a budget version dubbed Cronos to fill the gap before the eventual Duo 3 release. Cronos, however, was canceled as Microsoft reassessed its dual-screen strategy for smartphones.

Subsequently, 2023 marked the end of Microsoft’s phone hardware pursuits, hinting at shifting priorities within the tech giant.