14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft is believed to be planning a major overhaul of its Android hardware plans, with a new device possibly in the works. But in the meantime, the software giant continues to focus on the models already on the market.
Both the Surface Duo and the Surface Duo 2 received new updates a few days ago, but this time, the company didn’t include anything else than the February security patches.
The company itself explains in the new software updates, which are available right now for both models, that what you’ll find in the new versions are security fixes that were previously documented in the Android Security Bulletin – February 2023.
After the update, the Surface Duo software version is increased to 2022.823.34, while on the Surface Duo 2, the latest version is 2022.823.41.
So what’s next for Microsoft’s Android hardware strategy?
Previous reports have indicated that Microsoft is planning to give up on the dual-screen form factor it has insisted so aggressively on lately. This is because the company is apparently more interested in a foldable approach for the Surface Duo.
As such, the Surface Duo 3 was postponed, as the software giant needs more time to get everything right for this new form factor. Originally expected to launch this year, the Surface Duo 3 might be pushed back, though it’s not yet clear when the company wants to release the device.
In the meantime, Microsoft is believed to be exploring a traditional Android device as well. This would essentially come in the form of a device using the current form factor of Android phones, similar to the Galaxy S23, essentially making Microsoft a competitor to the likes of Samsung, Xiaomi, and Google.
For the time being, however, this project is still on the table, and of course, Microsoft has remained completely tight-lipped on it.