Every so often, interesting new patents emerge from big tech companies. Even though not all of them become commercial products, they do show what the biggest names in the industry are working on.

When you buy through our links, Business Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more Microsoft's original Surface popularized the idea that a tablet computer could replace the traditional ...

Is Microsoft secretly working on the return of its Surface Duo folding smartphone? It’s possible, as a recently filed patent shows it’s still coming up with ideas for hinges that are the key ...