HomeWinBuzzer NewsAndromeda: New Platform in Store Gives Further Credence to Microsoft Foldable Rumors

Andromeda: New Platform in Store Gives Further Credence to Microsoft Foldable Rumors

The appearance of a new platform named '8828080' could be a reference to Microsoft's Andromeda OS, which is thought to power its rumored foldable. However, some questions about the device still remain.

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has dropped a very cryptic hint that its foldable ‘' device is coming soon. With patentsindustry sources, and more, it's been quite clear that the company is working on something, but we're yet to hear anything official.

The appearance of a new platform for the is likely as close as we'll get, but it's definitely not clear-cut. Under availability, the app now shows a star and the numbers 8828080.

According to Windows Central, this could be a reference to the Andromeda OS. The number has appeared recently as a target platform and corresponds to Microsoft's corporate phone number.

As well as the Store itself, apps from major third parties have surfaced, including Spotify, games, and more. It seems they're all working on apps for a new platform, and the chatter so far makes Andromeda the most likely.

Win32 Support?

The appearance now makes it feel much more likely that Microsoft is planning to bring it to market, but details are still sparse. Though the rumors say Andromeda is a foldable, 360-degree hinge-driven device, it's not clear what the software side of things will look like.

If the listing in the store is Andromeda, UWP would be one avenue, but the offerings there are limited. We still don't know if Microsoft plans to build in support for win32 apps.

Either way, Windows Central believes it will launch late next year. The foldable nature will make it great for notetaking and on the fly switching between phone and tablet sizes.

However, its app support means it wouldn't replace the regular smartphone just yet. Neither UWP or Win32 have mobile-exclusives like Snapchat, which are essential for many. Instead, it would be a new category of mobile device, which is exactly what Nadella promised earlier in the year.

Ryan Maskell
Ryan Maskellhttps://ryanmaskell.co.uk
Ryan has had a passion for gaming and technology since early childhood. Fusing the skills from his Creative Writing and Publishing degree with profound technical knowledge, he enjoys covering news about Microsoft. As an avid writer, he is also working on his debut novel.

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