14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft is about to launch its very own Android device, as Surface Duo shipments are projected to kick off on September 10, and the company has now published more information on what data it collects from users who purchase the device.
Surface Duo comes with two levels of diagnostic data on Android devices, namely required diagnostic data and optional diagnostic data, and users can choose one of the two right from the out of the box experience or later from the settings screen on the device.
“Surface Duo collects diagnostic data to solve problems and to keep the core Surface Duo experience up to date, secure, and operating properly. This data also helps us improve Surface Duo and related Microsoft products and services. The data does not include your user name, email address, or the content of your files,” Microsoft explains.
“Microsoft requests your permission to collect optional diagnostic data to help us improve Surface Duo and related Microsoft products and services. The data is transmitted to Microsoft and stored with one or more unique identifiers that can help us recognize an individual device and understand the device's service issues and use patterns.”
The collected data
The required diagnostic data includes device information like manufacturer, processor type, and memory, device settings and configuration, basic error information, operating system version, apps and drivers that are installed.
On the other hand, the optional data collects more information about the device, app activity, browser activity in Microsoft Edge, such as browsing history and search terms, more error information, and system health details.
The Surface Duo will run Android 10 out of the box, but the update to Android 11 will be offered later this year. No ETA is available, however, when Android 11 is supposed to become available for Duo owners.