Microsoft has been trying to win over Android users by making it easier to use their Windows and Android devices together. One way they are doing this is with Microsoft Launcher, which allows you to sync your clipboard between your devices, as well as other Microsoft products. Now, the latest beta update for Microsoft Launcher introduces a new feature: Bing Chat AI integration.

This means that you can now start a Bing Chat session directly from the Launcher’s search bar, without having to download the Bing app first. The feature was spotted by Windows enthusiasts @XenoPhanter who posted screenshots of the new feature on X (formerly Twitter).

The screenshots show that users can access Bing Chat via text prompts, with three modes: Creative, Balanced, and Precise—in a familiar-looking interface. Users will also be able to use their voice to interact with Bing Chat. The features are in line with Bing’s default app for Android. 

In addition to Bing Chat AI integration, the beta build also introduces a new widget: the Bing Search widget. This widget can be added to the home screen and facilitates quick searches for users, making it easier to access information.

Microsoft has not yet announced when the new Bing Search and Bing Chat features will be rolled out to all Microsoft Launcher users. However, the good news is that the feature appears to be rolling out to Surface Duo devices as well. In any case, if you are interested in trying out the new features, you can sign up for the beta version of the launcher on the Google Play Store.

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(Via)

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Microsoft has been in the smartphone market for nearly two years with its dual-screen Android phone, the Surface Duo. The device was not a huge sales success, but it did attract a loyal customer base. In September 2022, Microsoft released the Surface Duo 2. Both devices offer the openness of Android with unique features from Microsoft. However, the latest software update for the Surface Duo and Surface Duo 2 is causing some major problems. Here are the details…

Microsoft Surface Duo Users Report Random Reboots After Installing May 2023 Update

If you’re developing a smartphone with two screens and aiming to create some advantages that dual-screen offers, your task is quite challenging. Even Microsoft, a company valued at $141.6 billion and employing 221,000 people worldwide, is struggling to achieve this. We all remember the software issues that were present at the launch of the Surface Duo and Surface Duo 2. Although this situation was not well-received by some users, we all acknowledged the problems that Android phones had when they first launched. Especially after the bug festival that Google Pixel models presented to their users and us.

However, bugs coming with updates long after their release, are simply unacceptable. Unfortunately, this is precisely what Surface Duo and Duo 2 users are experiencing. A recent May 2023 security update has introduced new and serious issues. Users from all over the world have reported that their devices are randomly rebooting after installing the update. The subsequent reboot screen apparently also asks users whether they’d like to try booting up again or factory resetting their device. Even though these issues are driving users insane, they won’t last long.

Microsoft, aware of the problem users are facing, made a statement about the issue to a competitor as respectable as Gizmochina, saying: “Microsoft is aware and is looking into it. For additional information please refer to our Microsoft’s Q&A community page: Surface Duo 2 – permanent reboots after Update May 30 2023 – Microsoft Community.” Unfortunately, the statement did not provide information on when the problem would be resolved.

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(via)

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Windows is one of the most popular operating systems in the world. Unfortunately, this popularity is limited to computers only. The company tried its luck in the smartphone market with Windows Mobile a few years ago but failed to achieve the desired success. However, there is an unofficial method for Surface Duo users to experience Windows on their devices. Most recently, the Windows 11 on Surface Duo project received an update focusing on the Surface Slim Pen. Here are the details…

Windows 11 on Surface Duo Project Received an Update

The Windows 11 on Surface Duo project has just released an update to version 2303.64. This update focuses on enhancing the compatibility and functionality of the Surface Slim Pen, as well as introducing DisplayPort support via USB-C. Despite the fact that Microsoft doesn’t manufacture a mobile device running Windows 11, tech enthusiasts have managed to force the PC operating system onto the Surface Duo. This project has been in development for over a year, and the latest update brings several exciting features for those willing to take the plunge. Key Features in the Update:

• Surface Slim Pen charger updates: Users can now update the Surface Slim Pen charger by plugging it into the Surface Duo using a USB-C to C cable. This is necessary for the Surface Slim Pen 2 to charge in the cradle, provided the cradle is running the latest available firmware.
• Enhanced Surface Slim Pen pairing: Placing the Surface Slim Pen into a connected charging cradle will automatically pair it with the Surface Duo, while removing it will automatically wake up the device.
• Firmware updates for Surface Slim Pen 2: The pen will automatically update its firmware once connected to the device.
• Shared touch drivers: Touch drivers are now shared between both devices, allowing for seamless interaction.
• OTG device compatibility: Users can now use OTG devices effortlessly.
• Charging improvements: Charging is back in this release, without the previous Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) issues.
• Work in progress (WIP) updates: Improved calibration for pens and touch, DisplayPort support via USB-C, updated camera drivers, and an updated sensor driver for the Geomagnetic Orientation sensor.

While the Surface Duo is not intended to run Windows 11, those brave and tech-savvy enough to experiment with the PC operating system on the mobile device will enjoy a unique mobile experience. However, users should be aware that they may encounter bugs and limitations due to the unconventional setup.

For those who prefer to use the Surface Duo with Android as Microsoft intended, our Managing Editor Richard Devine recently reviewed the Surface Duo 2. He found that while the device wasn’t ideal as a phone, it made for an enjoyable tablet experience. Many of the pros and cons of the Surface Duo 2 also apply to the original Surface Duo.

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(via)

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Microsoft has finally began rolling out the Android 12L update for its Surface Duo and Surface Duo 2 models. The devices have started receiving the major software upgrade, which also brings a hint of design philosophy inspired by Windows 11.

For those unaware, the Android 12L variant of the Android operating system is special since it is built specifically for larger screened devices like the Surface Duo series or other foldable smartphones. The Surface Duo and Surface Duo 2 both feature a dual display design, so unlike a foldable phone, they do not feature a crease or have flexible screens that bend from a hinge mechanism. Although, one can rotate the two displays at angles ranging from 0 degrees to 360 degrees. This essentially makes the Duo models akin to an actual book.

Now, the American tech giant has announced the new update for the two Surface Duo models on its official blog. With the Android 12L update, the company also offers Surface Duo users the dynamic theming engine. This basically lets you change the color across the system based on the color of the main wallpaper that is chosen by the user. Furthermore, four new wallpapers will also be rolled out in the update, which will align with the new Windows 11 desktop backgrounds to “bring the vibrancy of Windows to Android.”

Microsoft also added that the Android 12L update will seek to improve the user experience through a more responsive and inclusive experience that also brings more cutomizability options as well. This includes a new refreshed UI that can dynamically adapt to users’ wallpaper, new fluid animations, and additional accessibility tools. The new update also offers updated conversations and Photo widgets as well as a privacy dashboard, which can track apps that use your camera, microphone, and location access over a 24 hour period. So for those interested, you can install the Android 12 update on your Surface Duo and Surface Duo 2 by going to Settings > System > System update.

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Microsoft announced the Surface Duo 2 yesterday with impressive new specs and a refreshed design. However, those who purchased the first model are currently displeased with Microsoft, and rightly so.

The Surface Duo launched last year with Android 10 out of the box. More than a year since it was unveiled and since Android 11 was announced, the Surface Duo is still running Android 10, and with Android 12 almost here, owners of the Surface Duo sure have a genuine reason to be disappointed in Microsoft.

Back in February, it was reported that the dual-screen phone will receive the Android 11 OS upgrade this summer. Summer is officially over and the update is yet to arrive. A new report says the update is still planned for this year.

According to The Verge, they were informed by a Microsoft spokesperson that they are working on bringing the Android 11 update to the Surface Duo before the end of the year. That is not a specific date which means it isn’t set in stone and there is a likelihood of it arriving later than stated.

The Surface Duo 2 will ship with Android 11, but unlike other manufacturers that have announced how many OS upgrades their devices will receive or the number of years they will be supported for, Microsoft only promised regular updates without being specific. This means there is no saying when the new device will receive Android 12 talk less of the first-gen model.

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Microsoft unveiled the Surface Duo last year and it still runs on the older Android 10 OS with Microsoft launcher on top of it. Now, the company is expected to launch Microsoft Surface Duo 2 this year with an upgraded specs sheet and an improved UI. New leaks suggest that the company will bring major improvements to the Microsoft launcher and also sheds light on the phone’s specs.

According to WindowsLatest, Microsoft is planning to optimize the Microsoft launcher especially for the upcoming Surface Duo 2. Additionally, Microsoft’s Program manager Vishnu Nath revealed on Twitter that new updates to the launcher are coming. He also inexplicitly agreed to the ongoing October launch rumors of the next Duo.

Speaking of the Microsoft launcher, it is expected to bring some new features and some of those could be inspired by Android 11 OS. As said earlier, the current Microsoft Surface Duo runs on Android 10 OS, but it will also get the upgraded Microsoft launcher(Android 11) later after the launch.

Apart from this, the Microsoft Surface Duo is expected to come with major camera upgrades. It will come with triple rear cameras featuring a main lens, a telephoto sensor, and an ultra-wide lens. As per recent leaks, it will have the same folding design as the original Duo but will be upgraded in performance.

Rumors are rife that it will come powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 SoC and will have NFC and 5G support.

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The Surface Duo launched back in August 2020 but it has been exclusive to the USA. That changes next week as Microsoft plans to announce it in a handful of new markets. Ahead of this wider release, Microsoft has also slashed the price of the device by a significant amount in the US.

Microsoft will launch the dual-screen device in Canada, France, Germany, and the UK on February 18 reports The Verge. The Surface Duo will be sold for €1,549 in Germany and £1,349 in the UK. Buyers in the UK will be able to grab it at the official Microsoft Store and Currys PC World.

Looking at the above prices, one can’t help but feel sad knowing that the Surface Duo has gotten a $400 price cut in the US. So it sells for $999 instead of $1,399 for the base model with 128GB of storage and $1,099 instead of $1,499 for the 256GB version.

The Surface Duo is a dual-screen device that opens like a small notebook. It has a 360-degree hinge that allows it to be opened completely backward, allowing the user to use one of the two screens. When opened, the two AMOLED displays have a combined size of 8.1-inches with a resolution of 2700 x 1080. Each display measures 5.6-inches and has a resolution of 1800 x 1350.

There is a Snapdragon 855 processor inside the device with 6GB of RAM and 128GB or 256GB of non-expandable storage. There is a single 11MP camera on the device, a side-mounted fingerprint scanner, a nano-SIM slot, and an eSIM. Its battery capacity is 3577mAh and it supports 18W fast charging.

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After re-introducing the Surface Duo dual-screen smartphone in August 2020, Microsoft began with its sales in the U.S. It was reported at that time that the company plans to sell the Surface Duo in markets like Europe, Canada, and Japan in Q1 2021 window. Fresh information reveals that the Surface Duo will be hitting the European markets as early as the second week of February.

According to Android Community, the Microsoft Surface Duo will arrive in the U.K. through telecom operators such as BT and EE in the second or third week of February. Other regions in Europe are also expected to receive the device around the same time.

In Germany, the Snapdragon 855 SoC powered Microsoft Surface Duo could be available by Feb. 13. Also, it is said that the company may sell a business bundle of the device in the European markets. It may include a custom Android interface and a pair of wired earphones. It is likely to land in Canada by the end of February. The report has no information on the pricing of the Surface Duo for Europe and Canada.

In related news, the Surface Duo subreddit (via. MS Power User) spotted a listing of the Microsoft Surface Duo at French retailer Darty.com. The listing was no longer available at the time of writing this post.

In the U.S., the Surface Duo ships with 6 GB of RAM. However, the European audience will the device in 6 GB as well as 8 GB RAM edition. It was listed in three variants such as:

• 6 GB RAM + 128 GB storage – 1,549.99 euros (~$1,875)
• 8 GB RAM + 256 GB storage – 1,649.99 euros (~$1,996)

The Surface Duo was listed in Glacier color and a bumper case in Graphite color priced at 44,99 euros was also found on the retailer site.

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A couple of months ago, in August this year, Microsoft officially launched its much-anticipated Surface Duo smartphone in the market. Soon after the launch of this device in the United States, the company decided to push back from rolling it out to other regions.

Now, it seems that Microsoft is on track to launch the Surface Duo in other regions, starting with the European market early next year. It’s noteworthy that the device has already been certified in Japan, UK, and Canada.

As per the reports, the Redmond-giant is in talks with mobile carriers in the United Kingdom to launch the Surface Duo in early 2021. However, it is not clear if the company is sticking to a similar launch timeline for other markets.

It seems that Microsoft is holding off on the expansion plan till it gets satisfactory customer feedback and meets the expectations as set by the company internally.

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The Microsoft Surface Duo comes with a pair of 5.6-inch PixelSense AMOLED screen that combines to offer a screen space of 8.1-inch. The front and rear sides of the device are protected by a layer of Corning Gorilla Glass 5.

It packs 6GB of RAM and comes in two internal storage options — 128GB and 256GB. However, there’s no option for the users to expand the storage capacity. There’s also a single camera of 11-megapixel that supports EIS and 60fps 4K video recording.

The device is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 Mobile Platform, an older chipset, which is a bit disappointing for such a high-priced product. It is running the Android 10 operating system out-of-the-box and is powered by a 3,577mAh battery along with support for 18W fast charging technology.

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Microsoft announced the Surface Duo dual display device in October last year. However, it was made available for purchase this year starting in September. It carried a price tag of $1,399. The Surface Duo has now received its price cut, which brings down its cost to $1,199.

The 128 GB edition of the Microsoft Surface Duo previously sold for $1,399 and its 256 GB variant was made available for $1,499. At Microsoft’s online store, both models are now available with revised pricings of $1,199 and $1,299, respectively. It is unclear whether it is a limited period offer. At present, the Surface Duo is only available for purchase in the U.S.

A recent report revealed that the Surface Duo it is not a durable device since the plastic around the USB-C can crack easily. Also, its teardown revealed that it is not easy to repair the device. Some users have also complained about encountering network signal issues. Microsoft is providing a 2-year Accidental Damage Coverage plan at $199 for mechanical and accidental damage.

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Microsoft Surface Duo specifications

The Microsoft Surface Duo has a pair of 5.6-inch PixelSense AMOLED screen that combines to offer a screen space of 8.1 inches. The front and rear sides of the device have Gorilla Glass 5 protection. It runs on Android 10 OS and it is fueled by the Snapdragon 855 mobile platform.

The device comes with 6 GB of RAM and 128 GB / 256 GB of UFS 3.0 storage. It has a 3,577mAh battery that supports 18W fast charging. It has a single camera of 11-megapixel with supports EIS and 60fps 4K video shooting. It lacks support for external storage and a 3.5mm audio jack.

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(via)

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When the Microsoft Surface Duo was announced, I remember seeing several tweets from those who got review units praising how thin the device is. Even when closed, the Surface Duo still manages to be thinner than a lot of other smartphones. It turns out that while the incredible thinness earned it praises, it was actually a demerit in the long run.

The news is that some users have noticed cracks in the plastic around the charging port of the Surface Duo. We know it is disappointing that the $1400 Surface Duo has a plastic frame! These cracks are said to have occurred while they tried to plug in the charger while others say it cracked when in their pockets. So far, no one has complained about a faulty USB port.

The cracks are happening because the plastic around the port is really thin. This problem would also have been avoided if the Surface Duo had a metal frame rather than a plastic one.

Some owners have suggested purchasing a magnetic charging cable whose head sits permanently and the port and thus doesn’t require the user to remove and reinsert just because they want to unplug or charge the device. If you own a Surface Duo and planning to go this route, we advise you to ensure you get a good cable that will not damage your device.

We hope Microsoft learns from this design mistake if and when it plans to launch a second-gen model of the Surface Duo.

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Microsoft recently launched its much-awaited Surface Duo smartphone which comes with dual displays and is powered by the Android operating system. The device has already passed JerryRigEverything’s Durability test and today we will be taking a look inside the device, thanks to the teardown video.

The first thing you notice about the phone is the dual displays and holding them together is the hinge. JerryRigsEveryhting says that the hinge on the device is pretty awesome and offers 360-degree functionality.

Removing the display panels showcases the phone’s internals. You will notice that the device packs two batteries — one larger that covers the majority of the space and another smaller one, which cannot be easily replaced by the user.

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Once the batteries are removed, the area is covered by a layer of graphite tape, removing which shows copper foil underneath for heat dissipation. The frame for the hinge is made of up metal and connecting both the displays is a metal wire stip that runs through hinges, ensuring durability when the folded.

Internally, the Surface Duo seems pretty good in terms of make and build but has room for improvement when it comes to repairability. JerryRigEverthing has given a thumbs up for the device in his teardown video.

The Microsoft Surface Duo has also proved its durability. It emerged as one of the best foldable smartphones available in the market right now as it could be bent to the back and front without damage to the screen.

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A new video from CNET has revealed the internals of the Microsoft Surface Duo. The company had been working on the device for five years, and the video showcases the neat engineering under the device.

Looking at the video, you can observe that Microsoft has paced the internals very cleanly. The processors that handle the battery management for its dual battery systems can be seen beneath both touch displays. Although the device supports Microsoft Pen, the video reveals that there is actually no space to house one. An interesting aspect that is also seen with this video was the functioning of the hinge mechanism.

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In the video, the hinges can be seen funneling several wires to and from both sides of the device. In other words, some very clever and complex circuitry is housed beneath the Surface Duo. Other components like the proximity sensors, gyroscopes, and accelerometers can also be found behind both displays. The video also had Panos Panay, Microsoft’s Chief Product Officer, be interviewed who said that “When a new form factor comes along, it does have to be elegant, or it goes away quick.”

While the Surface Duo isn’t exactly a foldable smartphone, it isn’t simply a dual display smartphone or tablet either. As suggested, it is an entirely new form factor we see that we see the company offering. The video also compared the device to a Nintendo 3DS, which resembles the Surface Duo although, the portable gaming console is a bit thicker.

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Yesterday, Microsoft revealed the price and availability of Surface Duo. This dual-screen device was first unveiled in October 2019 and was supposed to go on sale in Holiday 2020. But the company is releasing it earlier than expected. Also, earlier today, the firm confirmed three years of Android and security updates to multiple publications.

The Surface Duo is Microsoft’s first-ever self-developed Android device. It is also one of the unique dual-screen productivity machines in the market, in addition to being pricey at $1,399.

To justify its purpose and price tag, Microsoft confirms to provide three years of Android and security updates. However, it did not mention anything about the frequency of updates. But what’s more interesting is the Redmont-based company will also allow bootloader unlocking.

That means with proper third-party development, users can try out a wide variety of mods, kernels, and custom ROMs. Anyway, it is worth noting that its price can avoid Android enthusiasts and developers to invest in it.

Further, Microsoft did not reveal regarding warranty after bootloader unlock. But as XDA notes, it will mostly void warranty and it’s normal anyway.

That said, the Surface Duo is limited to the US and is already up for pre-order in the country with shipping commencing from September 10.

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A new blog post on the Surface IT Pro blog has revealed the launch date and price of the new Microsoft Surface Duo. The device will be available from 10th September 2020 and launches for a price of 1,399 US Dollars.

The official blog post also focused on many of the device’s features which were aimed at business users. This includes an enterprise level security via a custom engineered Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI), among other things. Microsoft is also providing Intune, and a straightforward mobile device management solution as well. Through the Surface Duo, one can also allow users to access a cloud powered Windows 10 experience thanks to the Windows Virtual Desktop. Making the device, a mini and portable PC.

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At the moment, there is currently no news regarding any accessories, carrier support, and retail availability. But since the blog post has already announced the launch date and pricing, we can expect finer details to follow soon. Additionally, the company will likely further elaborate on its dual display device. Unfortunately, the pricing and launch dates seemed to be rushed and do not divulge a lot of information or feature regarding the new device. The pricing for the device is also along the same lines as the previous generation foldable devices from Huawei and Samsung.

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The Surface Duo is an upcoming product from Microsoft. The dual-screen device was first announced nearly a year ago with a promise for it to be available for purchase in time for this year’s holidays. A new video of the device has surfaced from Panos Panay along with a leak that shows its accessories as well as its price, which we warn you, is not affordable.

The Chief Product Officer of Microsoft shared on Twitter a 10-second video showing the Surface Duo’s 360° hinge in action. As you can see, the device will not only open up to reveal the dual-displays but can also be folded backward completely so you can use just one of the screens like a regular phone (with thick bezels).

pic.twitter.com/GiZA5COk4F

— Panos Panay (@panos_panay) August 11, 2020

Prior to the tweet, a leaker shared renders of the device and its accessories. He also revealed the price tag of the Surface Duo.

The renders were posted on Twitter by a leaker that goes by Panda (@samsungbloat). One of the images shows the device alongside a case, the Surface Pen stylus, its charger, and a USB-C to USB-C cable. Another shows it alongside the Surface Earbuds. A few hours after posting the images, the leaker revealed the price of the Surface Duo.

pic.twitter.com/9CWggN7rnU

— Panda (@samsungbloat) August 11, 2020

According to him, the Surface Duo will have a starting price of $1400! That is a lot considering the device has a Snapdragon 855+ processor, 6GB of RAM, and the base model is rumored to have just 64GB of storage.

Starts at $1400 https://t.co/AOgKljv4YV

— Panda (@samsungbloat) August 11, 2020

The Android-powered device is expected to launch very soon with reports pointing at an August 24 launch date. It will be sold unlocked and also by AT&T.

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Microsoft unveiled the Surface Duo back in October 2019. Since then, the company’s executives have been teasing it for months. Additionally, the specifications and features of the device have leaked multiple times via certification bureaus and official emulator before its launch sometime later this year. Now, official renders of the variant heading to AT&T leaks as well.

The new renders of Microsoft Surface Duo for AT&T come from none other than well-known leaker Evan Blass aka @eveleaks. He posted them on his Patreon. Anyway, we could not find any difference in design from previous leaks.

These renders do not reveal anything new except for pre-installed applications. We can clearly see almost all the Microsoft apps, a bunch of Google apps as part of GMS (Google Mobile Services), and Spotify, which is interesting.

Having said that, according to previous leaks, the Surface Duo will be powered by last year’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 paired with 6GB RAM and up to 256GB internal storage. The dual AMOLED display on the device will measure 5.6-inch in size with a resolution of 1800×1350 pixels, 401 ppi, and 4:3 aspect ratio.

Microsoft Surface Duo for AT&T

1 of 5

Further, it will come with a single front-facing 11MP camera, support for Surface Pen stylus, nao-SIM card slot, fingerprint sensor, USB Type-C port, 3,460mAh battery, and Android 10.

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Microsoft announced the Surface Duo phablet in October 2019. The company has been teased the phablet, but has not confirmed on an exact launch date. Yesterday, the device made its appearance at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Today, the phablet was found listed in the Bluetooth SIG’s database. These certifications are a good hint to show that the company is on track for the holiday 2020 market release.

The Surface Duo was certified by Bluetooth SIG last year in October. However, it has appeared once again ahead of its impending release. The new listing shows that the device carries support for Bluetooth connectivity.

The FCC listing of the Surface Duo revealed some support for main LTE bands of the U.S. It also revealed support for Wi-Fi 802.11ac. While NFC was mentioned in the FCC documents, it is unclear whether the device will support it. The Surface Duo was found to be loaded with Android 10 OS.

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Microsoft Surface Duo specifications (Rumored)

The Surface Duo that will arrive as Microsoft’s first Android product has a pair of 5.6-inch AMOLED displays that offer 1350 x 1800 pixels resolution and 4:3 aspect ratio. The device is said to be powered by the Snapdragon 855 mobile platform and 6 GB of RAM.

It may arrive in multiple storage choices such as 64 GB, 128GB, and 256 GB. It could be housing a 3,460mAh battery that can be charged through USB-C. The phablet will have an 11-megapixel camera. Other features of the Surface Duo include microSD card slot, nano-SIM slot, fingerprint reader, 3.5mm audio jack, and support for Surface Pen.

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The Mircosoft Surface Duo is one of the most anticipated devices of 2020. The Redmond-based company showcased it first in October of 2019. It is expected to release sometime in Holiday season of this year. Since its initial unveiling, the product has been officially teased multiple times, in addition to being spotted on certification bureaus. Now, the dual-screen device makes its appearance on FCC as well, which is usually considered as the last hurdle before launch.

The upcoming Microsoft Surface Duo listing on FCC was first spotted by Droid Life According to the publication, the Federal Communications Commission tested both the screens of the device along with its hinge. As usual, the bureau also tested the device’s network capability.

Although one of the tests mentions NFC, Windows Central reports that retail units will not have support for tap and pay. Also, it notes that it could be made available for purchase before the Holiday season as the confidentiality agreement is until October 29. That’s because, after this date, FCC will publicly release the pictures of the Surface Duo along with its manual and Microsoft surely don’t want its product to get leaked ahead of the official release.

According to previous leaks, the first Android device in the Surface lineup will be powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 SoC paired with 6GB RAM and up to 256GB internal storage. It will spot dual 5.6-inch 1800×1350 resolution AMOLED displays with 401 ppi and 4:3 aspect ratio.

Other features include single 11MP camera, fingerprint sensor, USB Type-C port, nano-SIM card slot, support for Surface Pen, Android 10, and a 3,460 mAh battery.

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Last year, Microsoft had unveiled its two upcoming devices featuring dual displays — Surface Neo and Surface Duo. While the Surface Neo has been postponed by the company, the Surface Duo is expected to official pretty soon.

In fact, details about the Surface Duo keeps surfacing online as the launch of the device nears. Now, in the latest development, Panos Panay, Chief Product Officer at Microsoft, showcased the Surface Duo.

I'm pretty pumped too, John. pic.twitter.com/j0TmKtj6DG

— Panos Panay (@panos_panay) July 1, 2020

From the image shared by him, the device seems to be a bit different from what the company showcased as a prototype last year. It also seems that the device Panos Panay is using has a bumper case installed.

This is a major indication that the device is indeed nearing launch. There has been speculation about the Surface Duo getting launched in the coming weeks or months and go on sale during the holiday season this year. But the company has not yet confirmed the launch date for the same.

A recent report has revealed that the device will come with two equal-sized 5.6-inch AMOLED display panels — each screen offering a 4:3 aspect ratio, 1800 x 1350 pixels resolution, and 401ppi pixel density.

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In the software department, the device will be running Android 10 operating system out-of-the-box with the company’s own Microsoft Launcher on top. As per the reports, the company is working on apps that will come pre-installed. Microsoft also seems to have worked on a way to make the user experience better with dual screens for apps.

While we were expecting Surface Duo to come with the latest Snapdragon 865 chipset, it has been revealed that the device will be powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 SoC, thus there will be no 5G connectivity support.

The device will come packed with 6GB of RAM and 64/256GB of internal storage. It will feature an 11-megapixel camera sensor and the phone also has a fingerprint sensor for added security. Powering the device will be a 3,460mAh battery.

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Last year, Microsoft showed off two dual-screen devices – the Surface Duo and the Surface Neo. The Surface Duo is the smaller one that can be used as a phone while the Neo is the size of two tablets. Both devices were originally scheduled to launch in time for Holidays 2020, unfortunately, the pandemic has forced Microsoft to postpone the launch of the Surface Neo and its Windows 10X operating system. However, a new report says that the Surface Duo may actually launch as early as July.

According to a post by MSPoweruser, the Surface Duo’s release date is weeks away. Their source is a tweet by Zac Bowden (@zacbowden), a writer for Windows Central. The tweet said Microsoft wants to announce the Surface Duo before the launch of the Galaxy Fold 2.

I'm told Microsoft wants to launch Surface Duo before the Galaxy Fold 2 is announced. So, before August 5th? We're getting close. Assuming plans don't change, Surface Duo should start shipping in less than 2 months.

— Zac Bowden (@zacbowden) June 12, 2020

Samsung’s foldable is expected to launch on August 5 alongside the Galaxy Note20 series. Based on the aforementioned date, the latest time for the Surface Duo to launch will be the end of July.

The tweet also said that if plans do not change, the Surface Duo should begin shipping in less than two months. We are not sure if he means two months from now or two months after the launch in July. The former will mean, folks should be able to get their hands on their units by August while the latter means shipping will begin in September.

The Surface Duo will have dual 5.6-inch screens. It will be powered by a Snapdragon 855 processor with 6GB of RAM and 64GB or 256GB of storage according to a recent leak. Other revealed specifications are an 11MP camera, a 3460mah battery, a rear-mounted fingerprint scanner, and NFC. It will run Android out of the box.

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(Sources: 1, 2)

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Last year, Microsoft announced its Windows 10X operating system along with the new Surface Neo and Surface Duo devices. At that time, the company had revealed that the new OS will only be coming to the dual-screen devices.

The Windows 10X for phones, tablets and laptops featuring two displays was set to first come with the Surface Neo during holiday season this year, however the device has now reportedly been delayed until 2021, which is in line with our previous reporting.

Meanwhile, the company has confirmed that it is changing focus and will now launch the Windows 10X operating system first for the single-screen devices, which is basically laptops. In a blog post, Microsoft’s chief product officer Panos Panay says: “With Windows 10X, we designed for flexibility, and that flexibility has enabled us to pivot our focus toward single-screen Windows 10X devices that leverage the power of the cloud to help our customers work, learn and play in new ways.”

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He goes on to add that the single-screen devices will be the first expression of Windows 10X for the customers and the company continues to work with its OEM partners to bring dual-screen devices to the market at the right time.

It seems that the company decided to take this step because its timeline has been disrupted due to the on-going COVID-19 pandemic. Panos Panay also hints at this when he says that “the world is a very different place than it was last October when we shared our vision for a new category of dual-screen Windows devices.”

While it has been confirmed that the Windows 10X will first come for single-screen devices, it has not been revealed when this operating system would arrive. Since the company isn’t focusing on dual-screen devices, the launch could happen soon. To know for sure, we’ll have to wait for the announcement from Microsoft.

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(Source)

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A recent Microsoft patent has revealed that the company is looking into developing a new Surface product. The patent depicts a peculiar device that resembles the Surface Duo but with three displays on a single hinge mechanism. This may be a new product the Microsoft Surface team is currently working on.

According to the patent, the new Microsoft device features two separate screens brought together with a single hinge mechanism in the middle. This also makes it quite similar to the Surface Duo and Neo. Apart from the twin primary displays, the patent also reveals a much smaller third display which looks like a status bar on the edge of the device.

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Looking at the patent, the third screen has been labeled as Control Logic and might be an area for a few particular functionalities. This edge screen may have limited capabilities but could display, the time, notifications, show connected device and a lot more. Rather, Microsoft says users can also choose to have additional information being displayed through the smaller screen. An example of this could be missed calls and other important notifications being shown even if the primary displays aren’t active.

In the patent, a small description has also been found in the documents. It states that traditional smartphones have only one screen to display all the relevant information and notifications to users. So, Microsoft aims to address the issue with its newly patented idea for finding a new way to displays information, calls or even messages.

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(Via)

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In October 2019, Microsoft had couple of hardware devices such as Surface Laptop 3, Surface Pro 7, Surface Pro X and Android devices such as Surface Neo and Surface Duo. At the event, the company had claimed that the Surface Neo and Surface Duo will be available for purchase by the holiday shopping season. In February, the Surface Duo was spotted publicly which suggested that it may debut soon. A fresh report on Windows Central states that the Redmond based company may announce its release date at the spring event through which it may unveil the Surface Go 2 and Surface Book 3 devices.

The publication claims that the hardware and software for the Surface Duo have been finalized and the company is now optimizing the OS and in-box app experiences. The report states that the software will be read by April. Instead of the latest Snapdragon 865 processor, the Surface Duo is expected to be powered by last year’s Snapdragon 855. Hence, it won’t carry support for 5G connectivity.

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The Surface Duo may debut in limited quantities in summer mainly for developers and enthusiasts. The device could be available for purchase by spring alongside the Surface Go and Surface Book 3. Most flagship phones now come with 5G connectivity and even mid-range smartphones will come with 5G support by the end of the year. If the S8D855 powered Surface Duo with no 5G support arrives by the year end, it would be considered outdated. Hence, the company may release the Surface Duo soon.

Microsoft Surface Duo specifications

The Surface Duo is a foldable Android phone that comes with two separate 5.6-inch screens. The new report states that the SD855 driven device will come with 6 GB of RAM and 64 GB of native storage. There is no word on the other specs of the device. Microsoft had previously confirmed that the Surface Pro will offer world camera experience. Also, it is expected to be available in higher RAM and storage options.

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(source)

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Microsoft’s latest Developer Day event has brought a few interesting announcements this year. One of which was the Microsoft Windows 10X operating system that is basically a format of the popular operating system that supports dual screen better.

At the Developer Day of this year, Microsoft finally launched its much anticipated Windows 10X emulator. Meaning, one would no longer have to rely on individual OEMs proprietary workarounds for the new format, which are generally clunk at best. The software giant has also released two new videos that showcase the new Windows version running on the Surface Duo and Surface Neo notebooks.

Reportedly, the videos serve more than a simple purpose of a reveal and also seek to attract developers, showing them what more could potentially be made and optimized for dual screen devices. In the creative side of things, companies like LG and ZTE have already offered us a glimpse of what you can achieve in terms of productivity as well.

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Similarly, the Surface Duo, a dual screen notebook from Microsoft, also signifies the new parameters that an additional display opens up. Microsoft is trying to state that it would only require a few additional lines of coding to benefit from the new format. In other words, it is fairly simple to update existing Windows apps to better support and utilize two screen seamlessly.

One example of an app making this switch is PicsArt, an image editing application for the Windows OS. The primary screen shows the controls and the edits while the secondary screen displays the finished product. It also includes other special features, like optimizations for the Surface Pen, offering highly precise editing.

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(Via)

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Microsoft recently unveiled some of the unique and interesting devices which are expected to get launched during Holiday 2020. However, now it seems that few of the devices could go official sooner than expected.

The company’s much-anticipated device — Microsoft Surface Duo was recently spotted in the wild as the device has apparently entered the testing phase. However, this has not been confirmed by the company yet.

A photo has surfaced online which shows a man using the upcoming Surface Duo out in Vancouver’s public transit system. Interestingly, the tweet reveals that the Surface Duo in question is different from the prototypes Microsoft showcased at its hardware event in October 2019.

The device in the leaked image has a front-facing flash, which seems to confirm rumors that the Microsoft Surface Duo will only have a front-facing camera module, and not a world-facing camera.

It is also being reported that Microsoft has seeded more Surface Duo units to its employees internally, possibly to test the usage of the smartphone in the public and day-to-day activities. Some of the company’s employees were also seen using Surface Duo device during Ignite 2019 sessions.

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The prototype showcased in October 2019 shows that the Surface Duo has two 5.6-inch displays connected by 360-degree hinges allowing it to transform into an 8.3-inch tablet when opened.

It runs Android which makes sense given that Google already developed Android to work with dual-screen devices. You can run two apps on each of the screens for true multi-tasking. You can also have one display act as a virtual controller for games or a virtual keyboard for typing.

There’s Snapdragon 855 processor inside but we doubt this will be the SoC powering it when it launches by the end of 2020. There are no cameras on the back just like the Duo and there is no mention of a camera(s) above the displays.

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(Source)

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Microsoft’s Surface Duo dual-screen smartphone will launch next year and should be available in time for the holidays. The phone isn’t the first foldable device with a dual-display and it will not be the last. We may even see one from Samsung according to the latest reports.

Apparently, Samsung has been granted a patent for a foldable display by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). The patent was filed back in 2013 but was just granted late last month.

Based on this, Samsung may decide to come up with a competitor to the Microsoft Surface Duo, and with their experience with the Galaxy Fold with respect to software, they may have a better implementation than Microsoft.

Above is a diagram from the patent. Since it was filed back in 2013 it is understandable why we still have capacitive buttons rather than software buttons. So if Samsung is actually planning a dual-display device, it sure won’t look like what is in the image above.

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(Source)

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Earlier this month, Microsoft took covers off its first convertible/foldable smartphone which is dubbed Surface Duo. More surprising than the design of this futuristic gadget is the operating sytem it runs on. Unlike previously launched smartphones from Microsoft that ran on Windows Mobile, the Surface Duo runs on Android.

As a reminder, the development of Android is led by Google which is one of Microsoft’s biggest rival. Having said that, Panos Panay who is the chief product officer at Microsoft’s hardware division, made an intriguing statement that ” Android is the best OS for this product”.

As previously mentioned, Microsoft has already tried their luck with a mobile operating system which was called “Windows mobile”. Unfortunately, the OS could not stand the test of time due to several reasons, out of which, lack of hi-quality apps was one of the most prominent ones.

While Microsoft might have given up on OS for mobile but it still wants to a piece of the action in the rapidly booming smartphone industry, especially foldable smartphone/tablet hybrid devices. Panay further added “we wanted to meet customers where they were… and they were with Android.”. It is clear that Microsoft does not want history to repeat itself.

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To recall, the Microsoft Surface Duo has two 5.6 inch displays. Under the hood, it features the Snapdragon 855 which is found on most other Android flagships launched in the current year. In terms of thickness, the device is just 4.8 mm thick and to securely bypass the lock screen it features a fingerprint scanner. While the battery capacity of the device is currently unknown, it can be charged via a bottom-mounted USB C port.

All in all, the Surface Duo due to its design and Android OS that has a massive library of applications can put Microsoft on the map in this domain.

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Last week, Microsoft held an event in New York where it announced a bunch of new products. Some of the products announced include the Surface Laptop which brought along a 15” version too, the Surface Pro 7, and the Surface Pro X. However, the highlight of the event was the unveiling of the Surface Neo dual-screen laptop and the Surface Duo dual-screen phone.

Both the Surface Neo and Surface Duo won’t be available until 2020 holidays but they have sparked a series of conversations. Our focus is on the Surface Duo which can be called a mini version of the Neo based on its size. However, it is much more than that.

The Surface Duo marks Microsoft’s re-entry into the smartphone business following its exit a few years ago. Apart from the design, another interesting feature of the device is that it runs Android. So not only is Microsoft back to making phones but Android phones and not a new OS for mobiles.

Coming to the poll, the public seems to be divided on their opinions about the Surface Duo. While some are really excited and can’t wait for it to launch, others are of the opinion that Microsoft is doing nothing new that has not been done before, and feel the device is probably overrated.

Yes, the Surface Duo is not the first smartphone with two displays and a foldable design. The ZTE Axon M which launched back in 2017 is still fresh in our minds and there were others before it.

While we have our own opinions on the Surface Duo, we want to know what you think? So take our poll and tell us if you think the Surface Duo is overrated or not. We will also like to read your opinions, so do drop a comment in the comment box.

[yop_poll id=7]

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If you haven’t been keeping up with the news, Microsoft is back to making phones again — and now the company’s basing them on Android. The Surface Duo is still in development, but the device’s announcement has still managed to brush up quite the discussion. One of the things a lot of people want to know is, could we have seen Windows Phone come back?

Well, according to Microsoft’s Panay Panos, the device was always going to use Android, and Windows Phone was never in consideration. He said that for mobile devices, “Android’s the obvious choice” followed by Windows for anything beyond smartphones. He said the company is looking to give customers what they want in the form factor that they want. This means putting the right operating system in the appropriate form factor.

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Does this mean that Microsoft won’t be making Windows phones anymore? Unfortunately, it seems like Windows Phone is still utterly and completely dead to Microsoft. In a recent interview between Panay and CNet, he claimed that Microsoft has no plans to make a Windows-based phone anytime soon. He even reaffirms this in other interviews later.

Microsoft’s reluctance to build a Windows phone makes sense on multiple levels. From a practical standpoint, it might be easier to leave the practicalities to Google, a company that’s far ahead with supporting a wide range of apps on foldable devices, and which may have a better software package for developers to start with.

Perhaps the bigger reason for them not even attempting with Windows Phone, however, is their previous failure to challenge Google and Apple. The two tech giants have completely trounced Microsoft’s efforts in the past, and it seems like Microsoft isn’t exactly raring to rush into another pointless endeavor when there’s a more beneficial solution available.

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(Source)

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The highlight of today’s Microsoft New York event was the announcement of the Surface Neo – a dual-screen laptop with 360° hinges that allows you to use it in various forms.

While we already had an idea about a dual-screen device from Microsoft, the company went ahead to shock us with yet another dual-screen device but this time around, a “phone” called the Surface Duo.

The Surface Neo and the Surface Duo look alike but the latter is much smaller. However, their internals is different. The biggest difference other than their sizes obviously is that the Neo runs a specially-designed version of Windows 10 called Windows 10X while the Duo runs Android.

Yes, Microsoft is working with Google on the Duo and when it arrives next year (holidays), it will mark Microsoft’s re-entry into the mobile phone business.

Surface Neo

The Surface Neo is still in development but what we saw today shows that Microsoft has gone a long way. The push till next year will allow the company to work with developers that will create programs and apps that will be able to take advantage of the device’s dual-screen.

Microsoft did show us some features and tricks. Like we mentioned above, the Surface Neo runs Windows 10X which is a stripped-down version of Windows 10 but unlike Microsoft’s previous attempts at a lite-version of its operating system, Windows 10X can run legacy programs and not just Windows apps. So all your favorite software should work on Neo but we are not sure all will be able to take advantage of its dual-screen.

Some of the features that got demoed include one called “Spanning” which will allow you to drag an already opened app from one screen to another and have it fill up both screens. Spanning was really smooth even on this prototype. No lags, no jitters.

Surface Neo also has a magnetic keyboard that attaches to the back of the device. In laptop mode, you can decide to use this keyboard or the on-screen one. If you opt for the former, which is smaller than the screen, the remaining visible display at the top becomes what is called a WonderBar. You can call this Microsoft’s version of the MacBook’s TouchBar but significantly bigger. The WonderBar can hold multiple apps including holding a minimized window of Netflix or a YouTube video or displaying gifs/emojis for a chat app. Microsoft says it is working with Netflix and Spotify to make better use of the area.

If you decide to let the gap be at the bottom, the software automatically recognizes the shift of the keyboard and turns the bottom gap into a trackpad. Since the trackpad on a lot of PCs now is made of glass, then you should get used to it pretty easily though there will be no clicking.

There are multiple ways you can use Surface Neo some of which are new such as a reading mode in which you hold it like a book with each screen showing a separate page of the book you are reading. You can also stand it vertically while using a connected keyboard, mimicking using dual monitors. You can also decide to use just one screen with the other folded backward, and with the new Surface Slim Pen, you can take down notes.

The Surface Neo has two 9-inch displays, is powered by Intel’s Lakefield processor, and will arrive in time for next year’s holidays.

Surface Duo

The Surface Duo has two 5.6-inch displays connected by 360° hinges allowing it to transform into an 8.3-inch tablet when opened. It runs Android and if you remember, Google already developed Android to work with dual-screen devices. You can run two apps on each of the screens for true multi-tasking. You can also have one display act as a virtual controller for games or a virtual keyboard for typing.

There is a Snapdragon 855 processor inside but we doubt this will be the SoC powering it when it launches by the end of 2020.

There are no cameras on the back just like the Duo and there is no mention of a camera(s) above the displays. We also do not think the final product will have a camera on the back since this is a dual-display device and the front-facing cameras can double as the rear cameras when folded backward.

We are pretty excited about the Surface Duo and Surface Neo and can’t wait for them to arrive.

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