The rumors are rife that Microsoft is working on a new Surface device, and some tech enthusiasts are anticipating that this new addition will be the Surface Phone. However, previous reports hint that the next Surface product will be more of a Notepad device, as evidenced by a recently leaked patent filed by Microsoft.

It appears that Microsoft has been busy developing the first-ever Surface Notepad device. In fact, MSPU reported that the Redmond-based tech firm has already begun brainstorming for a hinged Surface gadget, with a company's engineers already filing a patent for it. To note, these Microsoft Surface engineers are the same professionals behind the current hinge design of the Surface products.

The Verge compared the spotted Microsoft Surface Notepad from the patent to Courier, a foldable device pitched by the company a few years ago. Specifically, the Surface Notepad has two separate screens subdivided by sections where the two panels will fold together. The leaked patent provided specific details on how the Surface Notepad's folding mechanism would work. For one, the documents reveal that gear-like wheelers will be used to construct the hinge, making it easier for the user to hold the Surface NotePad in different positions.

The leaked patent filing did not specify the software to be used by the Surface Notepad. However, earlier reports suggest that Microsoft is developing a notebook app dedicated to the foldable Surface device. This app is said to include a special notepad feature in which users can write down texts on the screen in the same way that people write on an actual notebook.

A similar leak surfaced earlier this year, showing a few visualized renders for the Courier-like Surface device. The images also show two display panels that can be folded together, along with a stylus pen that can be used to write down notes. Following this week's Surface Notepad leak, concept designer David Breyer posted his concept image for the currently non-existent device. The images show the Surface Notepad's foldable nature, as well as a USB Type-C cable connected to the device. Breyer also provided different images, showing the Notepad's possible form-factors.