14 DAY TRIAL // Just when we thought that Microsoft is done in mobile, here’s the company announcing the highly-anticipated Surface phone.
And surprise! The device isn’t running Windows but… Android.
Officially called Surface Duo, the first Android smartphone developed by Microsoft comes with a dual-screen form factor, so it has not one, but two different displays.
Surface Duo is a smaller versions of Surface Neo, so it’s essentially a dual screen device that can do so much more than a typical smartphone. Duo is equipped with an innovative hinge design, something that Microsoft has been doing for several years already, and is specifically aimed at boosting productivity, again a term that’s part of Microsoft’s culture already.
Google Play store and pre-installed Microsoft apps
The smartphone runs Android, comes with access to Google Play Store, and Microsoft says it’s working with Google to provide you with a flawless experience on this device.
Needless to say, Microsoft apps will be pre-installed, so I expect Microsoft Launcher to be set as default on the Surface Duo.
Microsoft’s new smartphone will support the Surface Pen for easy writing and drawing, so it can easily become a rival to Samsung’s Galaxy Fold and the Note series. It comes with USB-C, a front-facing camera, and stereo sound.
The design doesn’t match the one of new-generation smartphones, with pretty large bezels that can be seen from long distance, but this is mostly the result of Microsoft trying to make it obvious this is part of the Surface family.
Surface Duo uses two 5.6-inch screens that unfold to 8.3 inches, and other specifics on hardware aren’t available just yet. The device is projected to launch officially in the holiday season of 2020, so presumably Microsoft still needs to polish this device before giving its go-ahead for the market.
“Surface Duo is the first Surface to fit in your pocket. Surface Duo brings together the best of Microsoft productivity experiences, Android apps and Surface hardware design into a single device you can take anywhere. And, yes, it makes phone calls,” Microsoft says.
Pricing details for the Surface Duo are yet to be revealed.
