Microsoft has been silent amid speculation that the Redmond-based tech giant is developing a foldable Windows handset called the Surface Phone. Still, there has been a series of patent leaks surfacing on the internet, giving the public an idea about the Surface Phone's likely features. For one, the device is expected to have a special single camera that can work even if the screen is folded inwards or outwards.

Earlier leaks suggest that the Microsoft Surface Phone will get a special hinge that allows it to fold anywhere in the 360-degree range. With this setup, however, the function of the handset's camera will be quite tricky. As reported by 73Buzz, the Surface Phone will highlight a special camera that can operate even if the lens is on the inner and outer side of the device when the screen is folded. This is made possible by customizing the camera's lens configuration, in which the sensor can still permit light to come through while the the camera is inside.

Meanwhile, the Microsoft Surface Phone is also expected to come with the Windows 10 OS, in spite of the company's announcement last year that the Windows-based handsets will no longer be supported. Although, there could be some modifications in the Windows 10 platform that will suit a hybrid smartphone/tablet device.

At this point, the Microsoft Surface Phone is believed to have a heavy price tag due to its sophisticated design. It is possible that the base model of the Surface Phone would cost as much as $699, while the high-end variant will be priced at $1,099. Aside from the main Surface Phone device, a recent patent leak also shows a new Surface Pen accessory coming with the gadget. The patent illustrates the Surface Pen with multi-colour LED lights in the tip, middle and end portion of the accessory. The LED light will indicate the current function of the Surface Pen, whether it is being used for regular phone browsing or writing.

There are no confirmed details yet coming from Microsoft regarding the Surface Phone release date, although the rumors are rife that the tech will be ready by next year.