Surface Duo


The Microsoft Surface Duo, also known as the Surface Duo, is an upcoming foldable device announced during Microsoft's Surface hardware conference on October 2, 2019. The device will work as a complement to the Microsoft Surface Neo, running Windows 10X, which was also announced during the event. Unlike previous Microsoft products, which run a in-house operating system, such as the recently discontinued Windows 10 Mobile, it will run Android instead. The device is generally regarded as a smartphone, however, Microsoft itself is reluctant to use the term to describe the device, instead referring to it as the newest member of the Surface family.

Background

Microsoft announced the device at their October 2019 event, alongside the Surface Neo, Surface Laptop 3, Surface Pro 7, Surface Pro X and Surface Earbuds. The announcement was met with generally positive opinions from critics, who praised its design and hinge mechanism. While the device was said to be released in 'Holiday 2020', reports have speculated that the device may release earlier than previously expected.

Hardware

The device deviates from the standard folding screen design in other similarly aimed devices, such as the Samsung Galaxy Fold and Huawei Mate X, by making use of a hinge in between the two screens.

Software

The device is expected to ship with the Android operating system, but the version which it will ship with is currently unknown. Preliminary reports suggest that the Microsoft are collaborating with Google to create a form of Android dedicated to the Surface Duo, but these are not confirmed.

Timeline