14 DAY TRIAL // While Microsoft won’t release a new Surface Duo model this year, the company is still working on overhauling the experience on its dual-screen device with a major software release.
We’ve known for a while that the software giant was preparing the update to Android 12L for the Surface Duo, and now thanks to new screenshots published by Windows Central, we finally get a look at what’s to come for owners of the device.
The source claims the update to Android 12L has been in the works at Microsoft since at least March, and now it looks like the software is already in an advanced stage.
As it turns out, the Android 12L experience of the Surface Duo is heavily inspired by Windows 11, which kind of makes sense given Microsoft is betting big on its desktop operating system.
The UI overall also seems to replicate the one in Windows 11, especially when it comes to the settings screens. Microsoft Start is also getting a refresh, according to the screenshots.
No information on the Android 12L update rollout
At this point, it’s not exactly clear when Android 12L should start rolling out to the Surface Duo, but the company claims the whole thing should happen later this year.
In the meantime, Microsoft is focused on promoting its new Surface models that help refresh the Surface brand.
“For the past 10 years, Surface has challenged the convention of the PC – through innovative form factors and new interaction models that transformed what the industry expects from a laptop, desktop, tablet and mobile productivity device. More importantly, Surface and Windows helped remove barriers, empowering each of us to connect, create, work, learn and play in ways that are new and natural. Bringing the best of Microsoft together on a single device,” Microsoft said.
A new Surface Duo model, often referred to as the Surface Duo 3, is expected to be announced next year, most likely in the fall.