Microsoft Surface Duo pushes a new dual-screen foldable form factor, supporting Android for the first time. The device promises a new approach to mobile productivity, with a range of accessories available to bolster the experience. We've rounded up the best accessories for Microsoft Surface Duo users in 2022.
Inking and note-taking
With a focus on pocketable productivity, the Surface Duo embraces digital inking. The form factor mirrors a notepad, making it ideal for quick note-taking, annotations, and sketches. The device supports most Surface-branded pens, but the newest Surface Slim Pen fits best with an ultra-portable design.The Microsoft Surface Slim Pen trims the fat of its alternatives, measuring 136.8mm long, and 11.3mm by 6.3mm thick. It's also the only rechargeable Surface Pen, using a wireless cradle to top up the 15-hour battery life. When eyeing a new stylus, this is the one to buy.
Wireless audio
Surface Earbuds serve as Microsoft's first entry in the truly wireless market, focused on premium in-ear audio with a productivity twist. They push the high-end with a unique disc-shaped design, primarily delivering quick access to touch gestures. You also get all-day comfort and battery life, lasting up to eight hours per charge, or 24 hours through the included case.They work with Android, iOS, and Windows 10, designed for work and play. It includes unique hooks with Spotify and Microsoft Office, including gesture controls for PowerPoint slides and real-time transcription and translation. Microsoft enters a crowded market with a novel premise, best suited to getting things done.
Experience the best apps
While half of the Microsoft Surface Duo experience centers on the hardware, the apps are equally crucial to reaping the dual-screen benefits. The Microsoft Office suite is among the few optimized, with cross-screen spanning support and other unique modifications.The Microsoft 365 subscription extends far beyond the classic Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Excel — now including AI-powered tools, cloud storage, and security-focused features. Users will also unlock the full OneNote suite, which provides the best note-taking experience on the device. It even starts relatively cheap, from just $7 per month.
Use wired headphones
The Surface Duo might not sport a headphone jack, doubling down on USB-C, but Microsoft hasn't forgotten it entirely. The company sells its own Surface USB-C to 3.5mm adapter, which allows you to hook up any wired headphones that use the analog connector. It's nothing hugely fancy but fulfills its use with a clean, high-quality build.
Power up
The Microsoft Surface Duo ships charges over USB-C, with the expected USB-C cable and wall adapter, included inside the box. The lack of wireless charging support means you're reliant on that physical tether, and it's never wrong to have a backup on deck. You can grab a more powerful 23W charger for the Surface Duo from Microsoft.
Fresh new look
The Surface Duo's slimline form factor limits your case options, and applying a dbrand skin is the next best alternative. The company has been wrapping phones for years, now supporting Microsoft's newest foldable with vinyl designs.Using a dbrand skin helps prevent scuffs and scratches on those exterior glass panels and doubles as a new colorway for the device. If you're not a fan of the all-white design, skins come in all types of materials and colors, starting at an affordable asking price.
Cloud gaming companion
Microsoft launches its Xbox Game Pass cloud gaming service this September, leaving Android availability to coincide with the Surface Duo launch. While it's productivity-geared, the device and its tent-style posture also works well with its Xbox game streaming tech.Touch controls remain in development, making it best to pick up an Xbox One controller for cloud gaming. The latest revision of the gamepad introduced series-wide Bluetooth support, making it easy to pair (and disconnect) your controller between mobile sessions, too.
Do one better with these accessories
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The Microsoft Surface Duo is out now, introducing a new dual-screen form factor, which you can find for as low as $300 these days. The device approaches the mobile market with a fresh perspective over the typical smartphone, leveraging extended screen real estate and a range of fine-tuned apps. But it's still early days, and we'll add more accessories as they become available.
The Duo does a lot differently out of the box, but if you're buying one accessory, make it the Microsoft Surface Slim Pen. Using a stylus unlocks inking capabilities, allowing for handwritten notes and annotations across supported apps. Its (somewhat) portable design better lends to pocketable devices, even if it doesn't ship with an inbuilt mounting solution.
