With CES 2023 coming to a close, it's time to digest all of the announcements made throughout the event. We'll have editorials, hands-on coverage, and recaps of the vast range of devices unveiled, but right now we'd like to know what you think of the Lenovo Yoga Book 9i. The unique laptop has two OLED displays and can flip around into various postures. It also supports a Bluetooth keyboard that converts the PC to a traditional clamshell laptop.

At first glance, the Yoga Book 9i looks like the never-released Microsoft Surface Neo. Both devices feature dual-screen designs and aim to introduce a new form factor into portable computing. But there are key differences that separate the foldables, such as their internals, sizes, and the fact that the Yoga Book 9i will actually ship to consumers.

The Surface Neo never made it into the hands of customers. Despite officially being "postponed," the device in the form we initially saw it is dead, according to our senior editor Zac Bowden. With that being the case, many saw the Lenovo Yoga Book 9i as a spiritual successor to Microsoft's cancelled Neo.

In this week's poll, we'd like to know if you're interested in the Yoga Book 9i. Before you cast your vote, make sure to check out our announcement post for the foldable that includes hands-on photos and a full spec breakdown.

Windows Central take: A more functional foldable

While I was impressed with the design and concept of the Surface Neo, I believe Lenovo's Yoga Book 9i will be a more functional device, and not just because the Neo was never released. The Yoga Book 9i is much larger than the Surface Neo, featuring a pair of 13.3-inch displays. That means a person can use the Yoga Book 9i like one of the best Windows laptops when it's in clamshell mode. It can then show off its versatility by having the screens stacked vertically.

Some have questioned the hinged design of the Yoga Book 9i, pointing to the fact that the ThinkPad X1 Fold has a continuous folding display and can be positioned in several of the same postures as the Yoga Book 9i. While the ThinkPad X1 Fold is impressive, I find the Yoga Book 9i to be more elegant.

Its hinged design allows a soundbar to sit in the middle to fire audio at you regardless of the posture the PC is in. Lenovo using two displays rather than a single folding one should also result in a more durable device, though that won't be confirmed until we can review the Yoga Book 9i.

Ultimately, the Yoga Book 9i just appeals to me more than the Neo or the ThinkPad X1 Fold. That's not going to be the case for everyone, and that's great. One of the best things about the Windows PC ecosystem is that there are so many choices.

What you need to know

• It's been over 1,000 days since Microsoft initially unveiled the Surface Neo, and the device is unlikely to be released in the form that was first shown off.
• Microsoft could potentially release a Surface Neo featuring a foldable single screen, though that's merely speculation.
• Almost 72% of Windows Central readers want Microsoft to bring the Surface Neo back as a single-screen foldable, according to our recent poll.

Microsoft could follow this trend by releasing a Surface Neo with a single display that folds. Based on our most recent poll, that device would be popular among our readers. Just a hair under 72% of participants want to see Microsoft bring back the Neo with a folding display.

Before we dive further into the results, make sure to check out our forum thread on the topic on our official Discord.

Last week marked 1,000 days since Microsoft first unveiled the Surface Neo. The company never released the device or the Windows 10X operating system that it was meant to run. While the official word from Microsoft is that the Surface Neo is postponed, our senior editor Zac Bowden reports that the device will never be released, at least in the form it was shown off a few years ago.

"Microsoft's official word on the status of Surface Neo is that the product has been postponed, but my sources tell me that the Surface Neo that was announced is dead and will never ship," said Bowden. "That vision, with an Intel Lakefield chip and two 9-inch displays in that exact chassis is dead, which honestly shouldn't come as much of a surprise at this point."

While Microsoft will likely not release the Surface Neo as shown off previously, it could evolve its design to fit with modern trends in computing. Foldable screens have become much more common since the Neo was announced. In addition to folding phones like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3, some PCs feature folding screens, such as the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Fold.

While the voters leaned toward a single-screen foldable Neo, those that reached out on Twitter felt differently.

"No. I like it as it's original concept. The dual screen concept will always be better than a single folding screen," said Raxcental. "I don't care if they have to make adjustments or change the processor or whatever. They just need to release a Surface Pro with dual screens"

BenSM shared similar thoughts. "Regarding the question to create a Surface Neo with a single folding screen, no.  I DESPERATELY wanted the concept as presented with separate displays. I work in theatre and the ability to turn a script binder into a two-screen tablet is all I've ever wanted."

What you need to know

• 1,000 days have past since Microsoft first unveiled the Surface Neo.
• The Surface Neo is officially postponed, but reports state that the initial version of the device is dead.
• Microsoft may decide to create a Surface Neo with a single folding screen, though that's merely speculation.

Microsoft's Surface Neo was initially unveiled over 1,000 days ago. The dual-screen foldable PC never saw the light of day, however, as it was officially postponed, along with Windows 10X. While not confirmed by Microsoft, our senior editor Zac Bowden's sources state that the initial iteration of the Surface Neo is dead. 

Before we dive further into the topic, make sure to check out our forum thread on the topic on our official Discord.

"Microsoft’s official word on the status of Surface Neo is that the product has been postponed, but my sources tell me that the Surface Neo that was announced is dead and will never ship," said Bowden. "That vision, with an Intel Lakefield chip and two 9-inch displays in that exact chassis is dead, which honestly shouldn’t come as much of a surprise at this point."

As is always the case, plans can change and old ideas can be brought back to life. One possibility is that Microsoft could bring back the Surface Neo, but as a single-screen foldable PC. We'd like to know if you'd like to see Microsoft bring back the Neo as a foldable with a single display.

Foldable screens are an emerging technology in the PC space. Lenovo's ThinkPad X1 Fold gave us the first glimpse of what a folding could look like.

Back in May, our executive editor Daniel Rubino took a look at a Microsoft patent for a device with a folding display that could flip around into different postures. The 360-degree hinge would let someone use a device in tent mode, as a single large display, or flipped around to a smaller display. While many speculated that the hinge in the patent could be used in an upcoming Surface Duo, which is still a possibility, the display tech could also be used to create a folding Surface Neo.

Would you want such a device? Let us know in the poll above. As a reminder, comments are temporarily unavailable on Windows Central. If you'd like to share your thoughts, please reach out to me on Twitter or hop on over to our official Discord channel.

We've had 10 long years of Surface tablets, laptops, PCs, and phones. The product line is in a completely different place than it was when the Surface RT was first announced in 2012. In fact, the first Surface RT is considered by many to be a huge failure, leading to an almost billion dollar write-down before the Surface 2 was even announced.

So, that got us wondering, what have been the highs and lows of the Surface line over the last 10 years? Surface RT wasn't the only low point for the Surface brand, but there's also been great moments from other Surface devices that stand out above the rest. Here's our roundup of Surface products that we think mark the highest, lowest and mixed points of the Surface brand.

Surface RT: Low

It all started with the Surface RT, which ended up being a monumental failure for Microsoft at the time. With a $900 million write down not a year after launch, Microsoft bet big on the wrong product, but was it the software or hardware that let down this device?

Surface RT is the product that started it all for Microsoft. It’s the device that laid the foundation for the Surface Pro we have today. At the time, both the hardware and software were lacking. The 2-in-1 hadn’t yet proven itself, and the Windows RT platform was destined for failure from the beginning.

But the hardware did show promise. The product was praised for its incredible magnesium design, tight fit and finish, and super thin chassis. The kickstand was likened to that of a “luxury car door” and the colorful Type Cover accessories that launched alongside it made the device feel personal and productive.

But ergonomically, Microsoft hadn't yet nailed the fundamentals. Surface RT spawned the term "lapability," which was introduced because the Surface RT's kickstand and type cover design lead to an unstable typing experience when sitting the device on your lap to use as a laptop.

The Surface Pro that was announced alongside the Surface RT was a thicker and heavier alternative, with poor battery life and a much higher price tag. It was a "less-sexy" version of the Surface RT, but because it ran full Windows 8 and was compatible with all Windows apps, it was the device of choice for most people.

Microsoft only released one more ARM-based Windows RT product, that being the Surface 2 a year later in 2013. After that, the company switched to x86 with the Surface 3, and wouldn't return to the ARM architecture until Surface Pro X in 2019.

Surface Pro 3: High

It’s widely agreed that the Surface form factor didn’t hit its stride until the launch of the Surface Pro 3 in 2014. This was the first big design change for the product line, shifting from a 16:9 display and two-stage kickstand to a much larger 3:2 display and friction-hinge that allowed for positioning at any angle.

This was the point where for many, the Surface Pro form factor became a viable Windows PC. Before this, the Surface Pro line was a thick tablet with poor battery life that was too small to truly use as a laptop. The Surface Pro 3’s larger 12.-inch display, paired with improvements to the kickstand and keyboard cover propelled Surface from failure to success, and fixed most of the lapability issues that plagued the first few Surface devices.

In fact, this design would prove so popular amongst users that Microsoft ended up keeping its design with minimal changes for 7 whole years, right up to the Surface Pro 7+ which launched in January 2021. It certainly stood the testament of time. Compared to the Surface Pro 1 and Surface Pro 2, it was thin, light, portable, and much more fun to use.

As mentioned, Microsoft would make minor tweaks to this design over the next 7 years. The Surface Pro 4, which launched a year later in 2015, increased its display size by 0.3-inches and introduced Windows Hello facial recognition, something we take for granted on the Surface line today.

Then, with the Surface Pro 5, which launched two years later in 2017 (and was simply dubbed "Surface Pro" at the time) debuted with slightly rounded edges on the chassis. The final major change made to this Surface Pro design was the inclusion of a removable SSD with the Surface Pro 7+. 

Ultimately, this design was a winner for Microsoft and the Surface line as a whole. One could say the success of Surface Pro 3 is a big reason why Microsoft is still shipping new Surface products every year, and expanding its portfolio with new form factors too. Surface Pro is the money-maker, and it started with the Surface Pro 3.

Surface Book: Mixed

The Surface Book is a hard one to rank. To many, it’s one of Microsoft’s more unique and exciting products to date. When it was announced, it was unveiled in a way that built hype like no other product I’ve seen.

It was revealed as a laptop, and was demoed on stage as a laptop. But at the very end of the presentation, Microsoft decided to drop a “one more thing” moment and pull the screen away from the keyboard base. It’s a tablet too?! Just magical.

But the launch of the Surface Book was anything but smooth. The product launched with severe firmware issues thanks to the buggy launch of Intel’s Skylake chips, which led to overheating, thermal throttling, and battery draining even when the Surface Book was “off” in a bag.

Microsoft had much more success with the Surface Book 2, but it became clear soon after that this design was going to limit the kind of power Microsoft could put into it. Surface Book never shipped with more than an Ultrabook class processor, because the design and thermals simply wouldn’t allow for it.

As a result, power users looking for a Surface that had more guts in the CPU department were forced to look elsewhere, as the Surface Book couldn’t deliver that kind of power at a sustainable rate. The product design was flawed from the beginning. A cool concept no doubt, but it wasn’t able to deliver the level of power many customers expected from a flagship Surface laptop.

This came to a head with the Surface Book 3, which received mixed reviews from people who wanted a true laptop workstation, but were let down by the anemic laptop-class CPU. 

Surface Book was a beautiful product, but was flawed from a design perspective, as it was thermally limited and didn't pack enough oomph for the power users it was designed for.

Surface Studio: High

Surface Studio is an interesting one. It’s a one-of-a-kind PC for sure. You still cannot find an all-in-one on the market that offers what the Surface Studio offers from a form factor and design perspective. It has a beautiful 28-inch touchscreen display, a clean design, the ability to move between upright and drafting positions, and supports pen too. 

It’s a beautiful product that I'd go so far to say is Microsoft's best looking Surface to date, but it's one that I wish Microsoft would iterate on further with future versions. It has the potential to be great, but each one has launched with semi-outdated specs so far.

Surface Studio 1 launched with a 6th-generation laptop processor, which just didn’t have the guts to deliver true flagship AiO power. The Surface Studio 2 launched a couple of years later with an outdated 7th-generation laptop chip, which again, wasn’t enough for power users looking for a flagship desktop PC from Microsoft.

I'm marking the Surface Studio as a high because it truly is a one-of-a-kind product, and I'm still using a Surface Studio 2 to this day, even with its very aged CPU and GPU. 

The next Surface Studio needs to launch with a beefier CPU, modern GPU options, and most importantly, the ability to use its displays with other devices. That would prolong the shelf life of this beautiful panel.

Surface Laptop: High

By 2017, Microsoft had been shipping 2-in-1 PCs for a handful of years, but there's was a huge chunk of the PC market that simply doesn't want a 2-in-1 computer. Some prefer a traditional clamshell style laptop, and Microsoft delivered just that with the Surface Laptop.

The Surface Laptop is an interesting product for the Surface line, as it’s the only Microsoft PC that isn’t trying to push a unique form factor experience. It’s a literal laptop, competing head-to-head with the likes of a MacBook Air or Dell XPS 13. Its only unique aspect is that it can be configured with an Alcantara keyboard deck, something I haven’t seen offered on any other laptop to date.

It also launched with Windows 10 in S mode, a failed attempt at locking down the Windows platform to the Microsoft Store. Luckily, you could switch out of S mode with ease.

Surface Laptop's design was so iconic, Microsoft continues to use it to this day with the Surface Laptop 4. The only notable design change in the last five years is with the keyboard deck, where Microsoft introduced metal keyboard deck options alongside Alcantara with the Surface Laptop 3. It also increased the size of the trackpad, and launched a 15-inch version. 

Some would look at the Surface Laptop and consider it a "low" for the Surface line, as it doesn't try to be unique like other Surface products are. But, I'd argue it's a high because it marked the moment that the Surface brand became solidified as more than just an experiment. This is a product line that's here to stay, and I feel the Surface Laptop marked that moment for Microsoft.

Surface Pro X: Mixed

Surface Pro X was a glimpse of the future for the Surface Pro line. At the time of its announcement in 2019, the Surface Pro had been rocking the same design for five years, and critics were getting a little tired of it. So, with the Surface Pro X, Microsoft unveiled an all-new design that offered a preview of what's to come for the main Surface Pro line from a design perspective.

It was super thin, light, and featured a larger 13-inch display and new Type Cover and Pen accessories built specifically for this new design. Externally, it was a much nicer looking Surface Pro, but it was what's on the inside that drops this product down from a "high" to a mixed.

Surface Pro X was powered by a custom Snapdragon 8cx processor, known as the SQ1. It was Microsoft's first custom ARM processor with built-in LTE, but it came at the cost of performance. Surface Pro X launched with Windows 10 on ARM, which ran most apps in an emulation later, and was completely incompatible with x64 applications.

Surface Pro X was a mixed bag because it was a beautiful product that was held back by the infancy of its silicon and platform. Today, Windows on ARM is in a much better place, with support for x64 apps and upcoming more powerful chips that will runs apps in emulation with better performance. 

In fact, I'd go so far to say the Surface Pro X launched as a low, but has transformed itself into a high thanks to Windows 11, and is only going to get better later this year with the launch of a new Surface Pro X with updated silicon. 

Surface Duo: Mixed

Ah, yes. The Surface Duo. Interestingly, the launch of this product went similarly to that of the Surface Book. It was unveiled on stage to much fanfare as a “one more thing” moment, but when it actually hit store shelves, buyers realized this product was not ready for prime time.

The Surface Duo was plagued with very buggy software right out of the gate, and it would take Microsoft more than 12 months to get the device to a point where one would consider it stable enough for everyday use.

Surface Duo 2 came along and fixed many of the original Surface Duo’s shortcomings, including better cameras and displays, 5G, a flagship processor, and NFC. I’ve been using a Surface Duo 2 as my primary phone since it launched, and I absolutely love it.

Just like the Surface Pro X, the Surface Duo line shipped as a low, but has transformed into a high for the Surface brand. It’s a great product that I'd be happy to recommend to any tech fans looking to try something new to replace their smartphone. 

Surface Neo: Low

Surface Neo was announced right alongside the Surface Duo, except the Surface Neo never actually shipped. There’s probably good reason for that, but this is certainly a low point for the brand, as it’s an example of Microsoft failing to deliver a product that it thought it could make. Going so far as to announce it to the world, only to cancel those plans just half a year later doesn't look very good.

Microsoft could still ship the Surface Neo at some point, but it definitely won't be shipping with the dedicated version of Windows they announced alongside it. Windows 10X was designed for dual-screen PCs in mind, but that OS was scrapped in favor of Windows 11, and the dual-screen PC idea was put on ice.

I have a feeling Microsoft would like the world to forget the Surface Neo even happened.

Surface Laptop Studio: High

The Surface Laptop Studio is Microsoft’s attempt at fixing the Surface Book. It was designed by the Surface Book team, and is the replacement to the Surface Book line. In almost every regard, it fixes the big issues that the Surface Book had. It has a beefier CPU, a better GPU, good battery, and a high-refresh rate screen.

It still maintains that 2-in-1 convertible functionality, albeit not as a detachable display. The Surface Laptop Studio’s display can be pulled forward into a Studio mode, which allows for use of the pen when required, but without sacrificing on thermals or CPU power.

While there’s something to be said about the design of the Surface Book, the Surface Laptop Studio is the better product from a functionality perspective.

What do you think?

So those are our picks for high and low moments throughout the Surface line's lifecycle. It's been a rollercoaster for sure, but that's what makes Surface so fun. A lot of what Microsoft puts out into the world is experimental and new, so there's bound to be teething issues along the way. But often enough, the company is able to ship great products that really do push the boundaries in design and form factor.

Here's to the next 10 years of Surface! 

In October 2019, Microsoft wowed the tech world with two new devices: Surface Duo and Surface Neo. Both were similar devices with dual screens, but Surface Duo was a phone running Android while Surface Neo was meant to be a new era of PC running Windows 10X — itself a new OS built for the experience.

A lot has changed since that fall. Surface Duo did come out nearly a year later, but it had a very rough start (something that has finally improved with Surface Duo 2). But Surface Neo, which was also supposed to come out "holiday 2020," never materialized.

Much of Surface Neo's limbo status is due to the abandonment of Windows 10X. As the pandemic gained ground, Microsoft refocused and doubled down on its desktop OS, merging the design of Windows 10X into a new OS dubbed Windows 11. The strategy worked: Windows 11 is a hit and has helped to reinvigorate the PC industry at the right time.

But what should happen with Surface Neo's hardware? Should Microsoft just put Android on it and make it a bigger brother of Surface Duo? There are some excellent reasons to do so. And a few reasons why it shouldn't.

Foldable PCs are a lot bigger

The first foldable PC is Lenovo's ThinkPad X1 Fold. It's a device that I play with occasionally, but I have had difficulty getting into my workflow. When opened, the X1 Fold's 13.3-inch flexible QXGA (2048x1536) OLED is super impressive, but it's just too small to use as a laptop. Despite the appeal, it's also not light at 2.2lbs (999g), making it not that comfortable to hold as a book for long periods.

Interestingly, the next-gen of foldable PCs arriving later this year are much more significant. These will feature screens in the 16 to 17-inch range (e.g. ASUS ZenBook 17 Fold) and, when folded as laptops, will be closer to a 13-inch one making them a bit more natural. While you won't want to hold a 17-inch folding PC for long in one hand, you could prop the screen up to have a portable 17-inch PC with you, which is intriguing.

On the other hand, Surface Neo features two 9-inch screens that create a 13.1-inch one when fully spanned. It bucks the trend of where foldable PCs are headed.

And there's still this lingering issue: Windows 11 is not great as a tablet OS. And, as of right now, there are no features in Windows 11 that leverage dual- or foldable displays (although Snap Assist helps).

In short, while I find foldable PCs curious, my X1 Fold experience has left me skeptical of its usefulness as a laptop replacement. Microsoft is going to have to do much more to convince me otherwise.

Surface Neo with Android could make sense

With no Windows 10X on the horizon, the case for a dual-screen PC seems to fall flat as the OS is not optimized for it. Technically, neither is Android, but that's changing with Android 12L due later this year. Moreover, Microsoft already has experience improving Android for dual screens with Surface Duo and Surface Duo 2. In fact, it's getting pretty good at it. With Android app development poised to start optimizing for a larger screen, dual-screen, and foldable displays, the ecosystem is ahead of where Windows is right now.

Now, I'm no fan of Android on tablets, but tossing that OS onto Surface Neo with a dash of 5G makes the Surface Neo a lot more viable. Microsoft could still preload it with its growing cadre of Android apps and services, and, in effect, it'd just be a giant Surface Duo for those who want more screen real estate on the go. That's an easier sell, especially for those who desire a secondary device and don't want to replace their phone.

Related to this, Microsoft has made some recent moves to consolidate its Android efforts. Its latest reorg puts Android development as a core within the larger Microsoft Devices and Experiences group. It also seems to be hiring many more Android developers. In other words, its ambitions in the Android space seem more extensive than its current offerings.

A dangerous game?

Of course, the risks here are not lost on me either, especially for Windows. In a previous 2019 interview with The Verge, executive VP and Chief Product Officer, Panos Panay asks "… what's the right operating system for the form factor?" when talking about Surface Duo. He answers his question with "…in this case, on mobile devices, Android's the obvious choice. But anything above that, Windows is everything." Later, when asked about putting Android on Surface Neo, Panay has an interesting response:

Panay doubles down on Windows as the right choice for Surface Neo. But those comments were made before Windows 10X was axed, and the decision to push 17-inch foldable PCs came to light. How has thinking evolved now that those things have changed? Of course, we may never know unless Microsoft decides to resurrect Surface Neo either with Android or some optimized version of Windows 11.

But if Microsoft pursues Android, the risk is evident as it starts to bleed into the area where Windows is supposed to be dominant and undercuts previous messaging. It also acknowledges what is becoming more and more apparent: Android is the superior mobile OS, whereas Windows is the better desktop (and proper laptop) solution.

This discussion raises the fundamental question: What is Surface Neo — a tablet or a laptop? Because how you answer determines which OS is the better fit.

So, what to do about Surface Neo? I'm not entirely sure. Ideally, Microsoft would have a fantastic mobile version of Windows optimized for dual screens ready to go. But they don't, and we haven't heard anything to suggest they do. That's the reality here. While far from my first choice, Android makes sense from a development and marketing point of view, especially if you think of Neo as a tablet or just a bigger Surface Duo rather than a laptop.

On the other hand, maybe Surface Neo should not exist at all — it's a device too in-between to be anything.

While 2021 was a big year for new devices and services from Microsoft, the company also ended support for several of its products. Gamers, business customers, and general consumers all lost out on at least one Microsoft-made item. Here are the biggest things that Microsoft killed off in 2021.

Windows 10X

Windows 10X was meant to be a new version of Windows made from the ground up for modern computing. It was built on top of Windows Core OS, which removed legacy components in the name of a better user experience and improved security. The new OS was even available for Insiders to try out but was canceled in May 2021.

"Instead of bringing a product called Windows 10X to market in 2021 like we originally intended, we are leveraging learnings from our journey thus far and accelerating the integration of key foundational 10X technology into other parts of Windows and products at the company," said Microsoft.

Microsoft didn't just put a new skin on top of Windows when developing Windows 10X. It took a different approach to computing. That came with some bumps in the road and sticking points about how to support legacy applications. Ultimately, the company decided to take some elements created for Windows 10X and place them in Windows 11.

While Windows 11 has legacy support and is built on the same core as Windows 10 and previous versions of Windows, it does have several of the elements seen in Windows 10X. The new Start menu, Taskbar, and Action Center all appeared on Windows 10X before making their way to Windows 11. The improved touch keyboard, voice typing experience, and several other features also made their way to Windows 11 from Windows 10X.

The end of Windows 10X also marked the likely end of the Surface Neo. Microsoft's handheld foldable PC was set to run Windows 10X. There's still a possibility that we could see the Neo running Windows 11, but there's a good chance that the device will never be available for consumers.

Minecraft Earth

Minecraft Earth was a spinoff of the popular Minecraft series that merged the iconic game with the real world. Initially revealed in 2019, Minecraft Earth brought an augmented reality experience to iOS and Android devices. Unfortunately for those that enjoyed the game, the end of Minecraft Earth was announced at the beginning of the year, and the game closed down on June 30, 2021.

While Minecraft Earth drew criticism for how it aggressively handled microtransactions and its time limits for certain tasks, there were aspects of the game that were worthwhile. Our Zachary Boddy broke down some lessons that Minecraft could learn from Minecraft Earth.

Legacy Edge

Microsoft replaced the old Microsoft Edge with the new Microsoft Edge in a Windows 10 update in April 2021. The newer version of Edge, which is based on Chromium, came out in 2020, but Microsoft took its time to roll it out as a complete replacement for the older version of Edge.

Generally speaking, the new Microsoft Edge has received better reviews than its predecessor. Because it's based on Chromium, the new Edge has better compatibility with websites and supports extensions. Microsoft also regularly adds features to the new Edge.

While the new version of Edge works well, and is considered by some to be one of the best Windows apps, it has received criticism this year. Microsoft aggressively pushed the browser on people and added buy now, pay later functionality this year. Microsoft making certain elements of Windows open in Edge despite people's default browser settings has also caused complaints.

Timeline syncing across devices

The Timeline feature on Windows is still technically around, but Microsoft removed its core functionality. Timeline lost the ability to sync across devices in July 2021, at least for those with Microsoft accounts (Azure Active Directory accounts were unaffected by the change). For most Windows users, the feature is just a chronological Task View. Timeline has its uses, but it isn't what it once was.

Syncing your timeline across certain devices required Cortana. The iOS and Android apps for Cortana have since been discontinued, making Timeline less useful. The end of the mobile Cortana apps likely factored into Microsoft discontinuing Timeline syncing across devices.

Skype for Business

Microsoft announced the end of Skype for Business back in 2019. This was done to give organizations enough time to transition to a replacement, such as Microsoft Teams. On July 31, 2021, Microsoft retired Skype for Business Online.

With two years to make the switch, many businesses were able to move over to Teams or another offering. Microsoft has a support document for organizations that still need to move away from Skype for Business.

OneGuide TV listings on the Xbox One

Microsoft has moved away from TV-centric features for the Xbox One for quite some time. That trend continued with the end of TV listings in OneGuide on the Xbox One in May 2021.

It's clear that Microsoft has prioritized gaming on Xbox consoles, which makes sense. Unfortunately, that shift has hurt the ability to use an Xbox device as a media hub. The Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S don't even support Microsoft's own Xbox One Digital TV Tuner. The new consoles also lack the OneGuide app.

Last year, our senior editor Zac Bowden analyzed if you can replace the Xbox One with an Xbox Series X or S when it comes to viewing TV.

With the death of OneGuide TV listings on the Xbox One, Microsoft's older console lost support for one of its last remaining dedicated TV functions.

More in the graveyard

These are the biggest products and services that Microsoft ended in 2021, but it's not a comprehensive list. Killed by Microsoft keeps a detailed timeline of what Microsoft ends support for. That site's timeline goes back to 1995, so you can reminisce about when Microsoft Bob reached its end of support.

What you need to know

• Intel has discontinued its Lakefield series processors.
• Lakefield series processors are in the Lenovo X1 Fold and a version of the Galaxy Book S.
• The Surface Neo also ran on a Lakefield series chip, though the device never shipped.

Intel officially discontinued its Lakefield series of processors, which could spell changes for devices including the Lenovo X1 Fold and Surface Neo, assuming the latter ever ships. Lakefield series processors weren't in many devices, and those that they were in generally had unique form factors. Anandtech broke the news about the discontinuation of the Lakefield series.

The discontinuation of the Lakefield series is a bit surprising. The chips were only announced in January 2019 and only shipped in devices in June 2020.

Comparing Lakefield processors to other chips is a complicated task. Lakefield wasn't used in many devices, so benchmarking isn't as easy as with more popular chips. Additionally, Lakefield was aimed at different types of devices, so an apples-to-apples comparison against chips like the Qualcomm 8cx or other processors from Intel isn't exactly fair.

Lakefield series processors were made to have a small footprint, which allowed them to fit into thin devices that steered away from the norm. For example, the Surface Neo and Lenovo X1 Fold both used Lakefield chips (the X1 Fold even had fans to cool it down). There's also a version of the Galaxy Book S with a Lakefield processor. That device is a traditional laptop but is exceptionally thin.

Anandtech has a deep dive into Intel's Lakefield series processors. That piece concludes by saying, "But the bottom line is that in most cases, expect Lakefield to perform similar to four Atom cores, just above Goldmont Plus, and not like any of the Skylake/Ice Lake Core products and its derivatives."

Because of the discontinuation, some thin and light devices will have to use an alternative to Lakefield series processors. That could come in the form of CPUs from Qualcomm or other processors from Intel.

Microsoft's dual-screen PC, known as the Surface Neo was announced in October 2019 as one of the first devices that would ship with Windows 10X. Since then, Microsoft has canceled Windows 10X and postponed the Surface Neo indefinitely. It was originally supposed to ship in the fall of 2020, but that never happened. We don't know when or if Surface Neo will ever ship.

So, to keep everything in one handy place, we've written up everything we know about the Surface Neo.

Surface Neo hardware

Surface Neo is a device that features two LCDs that are joined together by a unique hinge design that allows the screens to be used together via multitasking or individually. It's designed like a book, but can be used in many different postures such as a laptop or tablet when needed as well. The displays themselves are 9-inches each, which totals 13.1-inches of screen real estate when both are in use together.

When closed, the device is 11.2mm thin, making both halves 5.6mm when open. It's also 655 grams, which is a little on the heavier side but adds to the overall premium feel of the device. On the outside, the device is covered in glass, which is a departure from other Surface products that historically use magnesium or aluminum.

The Neo also has a Windows Hello IR set up along the top bezel on the left side of the device, as well as a front-facing camera to go with it. On the left side of the device are the power and volume buttons, with a single USB-C port located near the hinge on the right side of the device.

On the inside, the Surface Neo is rocking an Intel Lakefield processor, along with an LTE modem for always-connected capabilities. We don't know anything about RAM or Storage at this time, although it's safe to assume it'll be available in your traditional 8GB/16GB RAM configurations along with 128GB/256GB of storage.

Surface Neo software

On the software side of things, the Surface Neo was announced as running a new version of Windows called Windows 10X. This was a new modern OS from Microsoft that was designed for lightweight computing and modern experiences no matter the device. It guts legacy components and features, which means everything from the Windows Shell to the underlying OS has been rebuilt with modern technologies, while still maintaining legacy app support for those who need it.

Unfortunately, Microsoft has canceled Windows 10X and is instead bringing the best of the Windows 10X UX over to the full version of Windows with the upcoming Windows 11 release. Microsoft hasn't said, but perhaps the company will end up shipping Surface Neo with Windows 11 instead? Windows 11 is expected to ship this fall.

Surface Neo accessories

In addition to the hardware itself, Microsoft also unveiled two accessories that pair with the Surface Neo. The first of which is a magnetic keyboard that attaches to the display and allows you to type with tactile feedback, just like on a laptop with a dedicated keyboard. The keyboard can also attach to the outside of the device, which is where it can wirelessly charge when not in use. The other accessory is the new Surface Pen, which also wirelessly charges on the back of the device.

The keyboard accessory, when attached to the display, enables "Wonderbar" which essentially turns half of the display into an enhanced TouchBar. You can find emojis, control functions, and even use a virtual trackpad.

Surface Neo release date

Microsoft had originally planned to ship Surface Neo at the end of 2020, however that plan has been delayed and now the product sits without a known release date. Now that Windows 10X is canceled, it's possible that we'll never see Surface Neo hit store shelves. That said, Microsoft could, if it wanted, ship Surface Neo with the full version of Windows. The upcoming Windows 11 release has a new UI that takes inspiration from Windows 10X, so I could definitely see that happen.

But we'll have to wait and see. In the meantime, what are your thoughts on Surface Neo? Let us know in the comments.

What you need to know

• Microsoft's Surface Neo store listing no longer states the device is "Coming Holiday 2020."
• The Surface Neo was already suspected to be delayed, but the page adds confirmation.
• Microsoft will release Windows 10X to single-screen devices before any dual-screen devices.

Microsoft's Surface Neo listing on the Microsoft Store no longer states that the device is "Coming Holiday 2020." Delays of the dual-screen PC were already suspected, but the update to the page provides some confirmation. You can check out the current store listing and compare it to this archived version of the page from the Wayback Machine. The only difference appears to be that it no longer states "Coming Holiday 2020."

With Microsoft shifting the priority of Windows 10X to single-screen devices, it's not a surprise that the dual-screen Surface Neo would be delayed.

The Surface Neo is a folding device with two screens and was set to be one of the first devices running Windows 10X. Windows 10X on any device, single or dual-screened won't be released this year, according to recent reports. When Windows 10X does come out, it will first arrive on more traditional single-screen devices, though it could roll out to dual-screen devices at some point in the future.

What you need to know

• The Surface Neo might seamlessly switch between input methods, according to a new patent from Microsoft.
• The patent discusses the display switching between pen and trackpad modes without manual user input.
• As with all patents, this technology might never ship on a device.

Surface Neo news is a bit scarce these days, as Microsoft's folding PC and its operating system, Windows 10X, are reportedly delayed, but a newly published patent sheds some light on how the Surface Neo could switch between input modes. The patent discusses and illustrates tech that would allow a device such as the Surface Neo to seamlessly switch between different input modes without manual user input. For example, the Surface Neo could switch to handwriting mode when you use a pen and switch to a trackpad when you touch the screen with your finger. WindowsUnited spotted the patent, which was filed for on November 26, 2019 but published today.

The Surface Neo features a unique form factor that includes two displays that can fold against each other. While people can use these displays as general touch screens on the device, Microsoft also showed off that the Surface Neo can work with a physical keyboard and a virtual trackpad. The trackpad appears above the keyboard and features some clever tricks, according to the recently published patent.

The patent explains that virtual trackpads often require user input to switch between modes. This can create a clunky workflow that makes people spend time jumping between options and modes rather than inputting data. Several scenarios are explained in the patent, but one highlights using pen input and touch input without swapping modes manually:

The patent never mentions the Surface Neo by name, but it references "a two screen hinged device resembling a traditional laptop computer." The images also appear to show off the technology on a Surface Neo.

In addition to switching between pen and trackpad inputs, the patent describes how a device can use "Modeless Gestures For Summoning User Interfaces." It breaks down a few examples, such as swiping from inside of the virtual trackpad to outside of the virtual trackpad to dismiss a UI.

As is the case with all patents, these ideas might not be part of any future device. Additionally, Microsoft might use the ideas on a different device or in a different way. If these ideas do arrive on the Surface Neo, they could streamline the input experience and take advantage of the device's virtual trackpad and touch area that's still present while a physical keyboard is attached to the device.

What you need to know

• A newly leaked video looks behind the curtain at some of the research that went into designing Surface Neo and Surface Duo.
• Microsoft used a set of wrist sensors to measure tension while using the dual-screen devices.
• The company also employed EEG tests to measure how productive people were with two screens compared to one.

A presentation apparently leaked from within Microsoft this weekend offers an interesting look at the research that went into developing the Surface Neo and Surface Duo. Specifically, the presenter showed how Microsoft used a combination of wrist sensors and electroencephalograms (EEG) to measure the comfort and productivity of using dual-screen devices. The video appeared on Twitter over the weekend from prominent Microsoft leaker WalkingCat.

https://twitter.com/h0x0d/status/1253938567656558592?s=20

With the wrist sensors, the presenter explains that Microsoft measured the hand and arm tension while working with Surface Neo and Surface Duo to determine how easy it is to hold. Beyond that, Microsoft measured brain activity to determine that productivity increased when using a dual-screen device when compared to a single-screen device.

"So that's where we found out that in a dual-screen, we saw even that there's more neural activity in the brain going on and you can process things better when you're using a dual-screen device," the presenter explains.

This type of research is something Microsoft has turned to for more than just Surface devices. The company has also engaged in research to improve the Xbox Series X controller so that it can be used by a wider range of hand sizes. That's in addition to the work it has done with the Xbox Adaptive Controller.

Surface Duo and Surface Neo are expected to launch later in 2020. Both were announced with holiday 2020 launch dates, but recent reporting indicates that Surface Neo and its operating system, Windows 10X, may be delayed beyond 2020. Surface Duo could see an earlier launch this summer.

What you need to know

• A patent shows a potential phone from Microsoft that has three screens.
• The design has a thinner third display set between two larger displays.
• As is the case with all patents, this design might never be released or used in a product.

Microsoft's Surface Duo is set to come out later this year. That device has two displays attached together by a hinge. A recently published patent from Microsoft shows off designs for a device that looks similar to the Surface Duo, but that has three screens (via Windows Latest). The designs in the patent have a thin third display set between the two larger displays. As is the case with all patents, the designs shown off might never be used in a device.

The patent illustrates and describes a design of a device that has a third display that responds to the configuration of the device. For example, if the device was folded closed, the third display could show controls or content similar to the Samsung Edge display. If the device is folded open, the middle display could bridge the gap between the two larger displays. One portion of the patent reads:

The patent also states:

It's important to note that while these designs could refer to a phone or cellular device similar to the Surface Duo, they could also be used in a mobile computer like the Surface Neo. Any mobile device could also not be a Surface device, but considering the Surface Duo and Surface Neo are under the Surface brand, it seems likely that the potential device could be a Surface. The patent reads:

The first claim of the patent gives a good summary of the overall concept:

A device with three screens could provide unique functionality for a mobile device, such as seeing notifications or controls when the phone was closed, but it would also likely have some issues. Presumably, a third screen between two other screens would have gaps on each side, making viewing content across all three screens awkward. Patent drawings are basic and aim to illustrate concepts, not final designs, so it's unclear how large any potential gaps would be.

The patent was filed on August 7, 2019, and was published on March 31, 2020.

The age-old question (that is now six months old) of which is better – folding display or dual, hinged screens – is going to get answers real soon with Microsoft's Surface Duo and later Surface Neo. I've already explored the pros and cons of each form-factor, but the question remains: did Samsung jump into foldables too early?

Here's why I think they did and why Microsoft's approach may be more affordable too.

Early tech, but high prices

The biggest complaint about something like the Galaxy Fold ($2,000) or Galaxy Z Flip ($1,380) is simply the price. Not to mention the insane Huawei' $2,500 Mate XS. They're absurd. Especially since the hardware included, while very good, is most decisively last-gen.

That's OK on some level. I've argued in the past that early adopters (including myself) are willing to fork over that money to be effectively beta testers, the canary in the coal mine. But it's more than evident that regular people are already struggling to find value in a $1,000 phone, let alone one that has a few compromises and older hardware.

A display that folds merely is more expensive. Between the years of research and development, the engineering, the manufacturing, and most certainly device returns when something breaks drives up the costs exponentially.

Dual screens, however, are much simpler to both engineer, produce, and support.

It's safe to assume that Microsoft is likely going to come into this market at a much lower price point than Samsung (maybe even at the $1,000 mark or below). That could help drive broader adoption and developer support.

Fragility is a real concern

Perhaps the biggest surprise with the second-iteration of the Samsung Galaxy Fold and latest Galaxy Z Flip is the shortage of anecdotal reports of damage. While some cases do exist, it doesn't seem to be widespread. No doubt, that's likely because Samsung sank millions into research to help ensure that result.

But there's no denying that even the Samsung Ultra-thin Glass (UTG) found on the Galaxy Z Flip results in a very sensitive display. Mine is virtually unscathed with no significant scratches, but if you look at it in direct light, you can see minor micro-thin grazes likely from the sides of my slightly rougher thumb. It's not something I see or worry about but were you to drag your fingernail across the display, well, there will be damage.

Dual-screens get away from this entirely. The reason is simple: they're glass. And not just regular glass, but they can be Corning Gorilla Glass, making them durable, reliable, and very resistant to scratches.

Finally, there is no issue with pen support and glass displays. Microsoft's upcoming Surface Duo and Neo support the Surface Pen, no caveats. One of the weirder things about the tablet-like Galaxy Fold is you can't use a pen or stylus with it. That may be fixed soon. After all, Lenovo's foldable ThinkPad X1 is plastic and uses a pen. But how it holds up in the real-world remains to be seen.

Foldables will evolve, but now is too early for mainstream

Samsung gets credit for bringing to the mass market the first displays that fold. It's a remarkable achievement. But like many new technologies, there's a good reason why it's priced so high, and no one is recommending it yet for everyday folks.

That's fine. Let early adopters take the risk and enjoy the tech today while also bearing the costs.

Microsoft's approach, however, makes the Surface Duo a bit more approachable and useful for everyday life. That's not to say it is perfect either. While the price will be lower, it also suffers from using last-gen technology and is likely many critical features that someone should expect from an expensive smartphone. We certainly are not anticipating a class-leading camera, for instance. But in terms of durability and reliability, the dual-screen approach is the safer one right now.

The good news is at the rate screen technology is evolving, both options should be cheaper and much more trustworthy in just a couple of years.

Learn more about how foldable phones and PCs are shaking things up.

• A history of the folding phone
• Galaxy Z Flip vs. Moto RAZR
• Why your next phone should be a foldable
• Why your next phone shouldn't be a foldable
• Our phones are our most important fashion accessory
• The clamshell foldable is the new 'small' phone
• All the differences between foldable devices
• MrMobile explains foldables
• Should you buy a foldable phone in 2020?
• Are foldable phones the next big thing?
• Folding phones are saving us from several years of boring slabs
• Samsung is leading the charge with foldable phones
• Microsoft's approach to foldables with the Surface Duo is better

A recent patent filing (via PatentScope) has offered us a more detailed look at some of the Surface Neo's technical capabilities, alongside some tantalizing possibilities for future user scenarios.

Microsoft's Project xCloud is a massive undertaking in the gaming division, as the teams ramp up to deliver console-quality game streaming content to any device. The service is now in-testing on Android and iOS, with a Windows version soon to follow. Thus far, the service has an avalanche of high-quality content, easily beating out rivals like Google's Stadia. Although we still don't know what the monetization model looks like, the promise and potential is clearly there.

So far, we generally think about Project xCloud as being a "mobile" affair, bringing Xbox games to handsets. I've found in my own testing that larger tablets provide a far more preferable experience, owing to UI scaling issues. Some games are simply too damn hard to see, even on a large phone like my Galaxy Note 9. It is then, encouraging, that Microsoft seems to be exploring ways to bring xCloud to tablets more ergonomically.

Surface Neo gamepad attachment?

The Surface Neo wowed us when Microsoft showed it off last year. A dual-screen folding tablet, complete with a new OS dubbed Windows 10X, that revolves around the touch-first form factor.

Naturally, Windows 10X comes with some drawbacks. As a stripped-down version of Windows, it will most likely lack many of the APIs necessary to run full Win32 games from Steam or the new Xbox Store on PC, for example. This is one area where Project xCloud could really help devices like Neo to shine.

The patent in question details many of the features Microsoft showed off in the original Surface Neo trailer, but tantalizingly also references the fact the magnetic keyboard portion could be used as a "game controller."

The patent-ese lingo is vague enough to avoid any hard specifics on what a "game controller" input device might look like. In the Surface Duo trailer, for example, we see the "input device" manifest as a touch-based virtual gamepad on the second display. I'd argue that no Xbox gamer on earth would prefer to play this way, given the choice. The lack of tactile controls is simply not what Xbox games are designed for, generally.

Given that the patent diagrams refer directly to the physical keyboard as the "input device," the patent could be referring to a magnetic physical gamepad, similar in function to the physical keyboard shown off in the Neo trailer. It's a bit of a stretch to assume that it is in active development, given that the only example we have is a single line of reference in a patent, but it would more than make sense.

xCloud opportunity for low-power Windows devices

xCloud is going to hit scale on Android and iOS, but there are also millions of low-power PCs out there that can't run contemporary games even on their lowest graphics settings. xCloud also liberates Windows from decades of legacy APIs, allowing a streamlined OS like Windows 10X to gain some gaming chops of its own, via streaming.

The obvious question boils down to ergonomics. Playing xCloud titles on a squished screen isn't a pleasant experience and the phone clips on offer feel like a bandaid solution to a bigger problem. Even if the "game controller" references in the Surface Neo patent turn out to be nothing, it is encouraging that Microsoft is at least thinking about ways to bring more tactile controls to XCloud on its future devices — without having us carrying controllers and clips around.

Xbox Game Streaming

Main

• Xbox Project xCloud: Everything We Know
• How to play Xbox Project xCloud Preview
• Best Project xCloud Accessories
• Best Phones for Project xCloud
• Best Controller Mounts for Project xCloud
• Xbox Project xCloud Games List

What you need to know

• Windows 10X is an optimized version of Windows built for dual-screen devices.
• Microsoft showed off Windows 10X at Microsoft Developer day and released an emulator of the OS.
• Developers have responded positively to Windows 10X so far, though they state UWP still faces challenges.

Microsoft showed off Windows 10X at Microsoft Developer day yesterday. In addition to showing off the snazzy operating system, Microsoft discussed optimizing apps for dual-screen devices like the upcoming Surface Neo. Windows 10X will be able to run UWP apps, MSIX apps, and Win32 apps, and every app that runs on the operating system will run within a container. Microsoft released the Windows 10X emulator so developers can share feedback with Microsoft and optimize their apps for dual-screen devices. After about a day since Microsoft's demos and the release of the emulator, here's how UWP developers feel.

Arlo, the developer behind Spotimo and a well-known UWP Community leader states,

Niels Laute, the developer behind Huetro states,

Yair, the developer behind QuickPad states,

Felix-dev, a member of the UWP Community Discord and UWP/WinUI developer says,

Sergio Pedri, the developer behind Legere states,

Rudy Huyn, a principal software engineer at Microsoft, shared his thoughts on the Windows 10X as a platform for UWP apps on Twitter. Huyn developed a wide range of UWP apps before joining Microsoft, including Dropbox's official app and 6tag.

A shiny new Windows

Windows 10X is still in relatively early stages of development, at least in terms of what developers have had a chance to play with, so opinions might shift over time. The initial reaction from the UWP developer community seems to be positive while acknowledging that UWP still faces challenges.

Read more about Windows 10X

• Microsoft shares its vision for dual-screen apps on Windows 10X and Android
• 5 things you need to know about Windows 10X containers, UWP, and Win32 apps

What you need to know

• Microsoft's on-demand sessions offer a deeper dive on developing for dual-screen experiences.
• There are a variety of sessions that cover everything from how Windows 10X runs Win32 apps to cross-platform development.
• You can check out all of the sessions at Microsoft's event page now.

Microsoft wrapped up its keynote for its dual-screen Developer Day, but that isn't all the company had to share. On the event page for the Developer Day, you can now check out several on-demand sessions that cover a variety of topics. The main thrust of all of them, however, is building apps for Windows 10X, Surface Duo, and Surface Neo.

There are 10 pre-recorded sessions to watch, and they cover everything from security and deployment to building dual-screen experiences with Windows UI. There's also a session that takes a look at how Windows 10X runs UWP and Win32 apps, one for bringing Android apps to Surface Duo, and building cross-platofrm experiences with React Native. If you're a developer, there's a lot to take in here.

These sessions come alongside the launch of the Microsoft Emulator and Windows 10X imge today. This follows up on the launch of the Surface Duo SDK and emulator in January. Microsoft now has all of the tools in developers' hands to start creating and porting apps for its dual-screen lineup due out later this year.

For more, be sure to check out Microsoft's full list of on-demand sessions.

What you need to know

• Microsoft Emulator and the image for Windows 10X are now available.
• The emulator allows you to experiment with Windows 10X and Surface Neo ahead of their launch.
• You can download Microsoft Emulator and the Windows 10X image from the Microsoft Store.

Alongside its Microsoft 365 Developer Day focused on dual-screen devices, Microsoft launched the Microsoft Emulator for Windows 10X today. The emulator allows you to emulate Windows 10X and the Surface Neo experience ahead of their launch, letting developers get their apps ready for dual-screen devices.

You can check out all of the development tools you'll need to get started developing for Windows 10X at Microsoft. However, the Microsoft Emulator and the Windows 10X image are both available via the Microsoft Store. You can grab Microsoft Emulator here, while the Windows 10X image is available here.

As of this writing, it appears the Windows 10X image isn't quite ready to download, but it should become available later today.

The emulator comes as Microsoft showed off how developers can easily create dual-screen experiences for both Windows 10X and Surface Duo. We also got more information on how Windows 10X will run, including 90-second updates, the ability to run Win32 apps in containers, security, and more. For more, check out our breakdown of the biggest news from Microsoft's dual-screen developer day.

What you need to know

• PicsArt developers and leaders discuss optimizing PicsArt for the Surface Neo in a leaked video.
• The video is likely set to run as part of Microsoft's Developer day.
• A motion graphics designer featured in the video says that it's nice to have two screens on the go like when she's in the office.

Updated February 11, 2020: This article has been updated to reflect that Microsoft showed the video during Microsoft Developer day.

A leaked video showcases PicsArt working on the Surface Neo. PicsArt worked with Microsoft to optimize its app for the Surface Neo's dual-screen setup, including separting components of the app to spread across the device's two separate screens. Well-known leaker WalkingCat shared the video on Twitter. Microsoft also shared the video as part of Microsoft's Developer day, which focuses on optimizing apps and content across dual-screen devices.

The video features designers, developers, and members of the PicsArt team discussing how the Surface Neo provides a unique experience for PicsArt. Peter Butler, PicsArt's director of product management and platform says that "adapting the PicsArt app from single to dual-screen is a lot easier than [they] thought."

Lilit Batikyan, PicsArt's product manager states that the "Surface Neo is a game-changer."

Microsoft partnered with PicsArt on the Surface Neo and Adobe with the Surface Duo to build up the dual-screen experience on the upcoming Surface devices. The Surface Neo and Surface Duo represent new form factors. Rather than creating a folding device with a single folding display, Microsoft created the Surface Neo and Surface Duo to promote and improve multitasking using two screens side by side.

Watch Microsoft discuss Surface Neo, Surface Duo experiences at today's Developer Day

Make sure to check out all of our coverage from Microsoft's Developer day. The day focuses largely on dual-screen devices, including the Surface Neo, Surface Duo, and the Windows 10X operating system.

What you need to know

• Microsoft has details plans around dual-screen app development on Windows 10X and Android.
• Developers can test their apps on Windows 10X today via an emulator.
• More details about Windows 10X have been unveiled.

Microsoft has today shared more information regarding app development for the upcoming Windows 10X operating system, as well as how developers can adapt Android apps to support Microsoft's Surface Duo. Foldable and dual-screen devices offer new ways for app developers to present their apps through functionality such as spanning, and Microsoft wants developers to be ready for when these devices start shipping.

Whether it's a Windows, Android, or web app, Microsoft is making it easy for developers to adapt their apps to take advantage of the new capabilities introduced with dual-screen and foldable devices. During the Microsoft 365 Developer Day livestream, Microsoft detailed three key areas that developers can focus on to enhance their apps for these new form factor devices.

• Expansive workspaces: This is an opportunity to show more detail as your app spans across two screens and allows you to highlight your content on a bigger, more expansive canvas. Whether your users are reading an article, scrolling a feed, or browsing a gallery, having more real estate helps your users to see more of your content.
• Focused screens: Dual-screen devices are more than just a bigger screen – they allow you to take advantage of the defined screens and accomplish what you need without interruption. You can see your app on one screen and your tools on the other and stay in your flow.
• Connected apps: When your apps can work together across screens you can achieve broader and bigger tasks without losing context. Your work flows naturally for app-to-app launches, or if your app opens a new window – content will be placed naturally across screens making side-by-side comparisons and multi-tasking easy and natural.

All apps are welcome

Even web developers can get in on the action with Windows 10X and Surface Duo, allowing web apps to take advantage of the new dual-screen and foldable APIs. Microsoft has also detailed Windows 10X handles running both UWP and Win32 programs, powered by new container technology that's more secure and keeps OS performance fresh when not running legacy programs.

Another area that Microsoft has talked about today is how developers can build cross-platform apps using Xamarin. Microsoft is releasing a new dual-screen SDK for Xamarin.Forms that makes it easy to build apps across Windows 10X and Android, with a new TwoPaneView control and APIs such as the DualScreenInfo helper class that enables access to important information. Microsoft showcased a TV app that it built with Xamarin as an example.

Developers can begin testing their apps on Windows 10X today via an emulator that's available now. This emulator features a pre-release build of Windows 10X, and allows developers to virtually manipulate the OS as if it were running on real hardware. This is key for developers who might want to take advantage of the different postures that are possible on a device with foldable or dual displays.

Microsoft is also updating the already available Surface Duo SDK with a new build that's more up to date. This new SDK includes all the samples that Microsoft showcased today and APIs that allow developers to support drag and drop capabilities.

Microsoft's documentation for dual-screen app development has been updated with much more information, and the Microsoft 365 Developer Day agenda has many deep-dives into critical areas that developers might be interested in. What are your thoughts on Microsoft's push for dual-screen app development? Let us know in the comments.

What you need to know

• Microsoft's Developer day will show off the Surface Neo, Surface Duo, and Windows 10X experiences.
• The event starts at 11:30 ET and will be live-streamed by Microsoft.
• There's a full day of developer sessions scheduled, and you can check out the agenda at Microsoft's event site.

Today's Microsoft Developer Day is a chance for developers to learn how to optimize app experiences for the Surface Neo, Surface Duo, and Windows 10. Microsoft will discuss using SDKs and emulators for the devices and operating system, designing apps for dual-screen devices, and building dual-screen experiences for the web.

Microsoft first shared information about Developer Day when it announced the dual-screen preview SDK. Microsoft summarized some of the key points it will discuss at the event:

• Get the most out of these SDKs and emulators
• Use cross platform tools and languages
• Design apps for dual-screen devices
• Build dual-screen experiences on the web
• Connect your apps with Microsoft 365

You can get a full look at the agenda at Microsoft's virtual event site. The day kicks off with Microsoft discussing how Windows 10X runs UWP and Win32 apps. Later, Microsoft will show developers how to get started with Microsoft Emulator and Windows 10X.

Microsoft will also discuss how to build dual-screen experiences with Windows UI and Windows 10X and dual-screen app UX guidance. Several items on the agenda cover using different methods to create apps, including creating cross-platform dual-screen experiences with Xamarin, building cross platform experiences with React Native, and how to build dual-screen experiences for the web and web apps.

2020 is shaping up to be a year of new PC (and phone) form factors, with foldable displays garnering most of the attention. However, dual-screen devices like Microsoft's Surface Neo (Windows 10X) and Surface Duo (Android) are also stealing some spotlight.

It's clear the industry is (and will be) experimenting with both category for the foreseeable future, and there is no right way to make these devices. They each have their advantages and disadvantages, and some users will prefer one over the other. Here are a few strengths and weaknesses of each that I learned of when talking to various companies that make these devices.

Do more with two

Dual screens: Glass, less likely to fail, and trusted

Dual-screen design is the route Microsoft is taking for the Surface Neo and Surface Duo. A recent patent, though, suggests that Microsoft was also at least considering a single foldable display for the Surface Duo phone (powered by Android). Whether the company will revisit the concept later remains to be seen.

Microsoft claims from its internal research that dual screens are better at productivity. The analogy is like how some desktop office users run double (or triple) display setups for their PCs. Data is separate on different screens; the user can look at one display and glance at another and keep going.

Microsoft also claims, again based on internal research, that users had an easier time completing tasks on dual screens compared to a single foldable display, or just a single screen. They measured this "effort" through electroencephalography (EEG), aka brain waves.

Pros

• Lower cost
• Made from glass
• Less likely to fail
• Supposedly better for productivity
• Device can fold both ways

Cons

• Worse for media
• Heavier than plastic
• Apps need to be coded to use both screens

I've been told by one company that dual screens are cheaper to manufacture than a single, foldable display. That seems likely due to their design and the technology (and research) needed to make them work properly (including hinges and reinforcements). That means there's a good possibility that the Surface Duo should run cheaper than the pricey $2,000 Samsung Galaxy Fold.

Another "win" for dual screens is that they can let a device fold back onto itself. This allows the Surface Duo to function as a regular single-screen phone when closed (even though the second screen is still on the back). Foldable displays only work one way (closed), not two ways (closed and reversed).

Perhaps the most prominent feature for dual screens is a simple one: glass. That means no odd bumps, divots, or creases in the display. You can also use a pen, though Lenovo has also proven you can ink on a plastic screen.

Apps should be coded to leverage the different possibilities with dual screens for different postures, in landscape, portrait, or productivity modes, for example. But apps don't have to be coded to be used on dual screens, as can they default to a single pane and span across both if needed.

The real and only major downside to dual screens that I'm aware of is that they won't be as good for watching movies or consuming some media. To use the full span of both displays, you'd need to tolerate a seam running down the middle. That's going to be hard for some users, especially since may also be letterboxing around the edges to adjust the aspect ratio to fit the screen.

Another small but minor drawback with dual-screen devices, especially if they fold back onto themselves, is there doesn't seem to be an obvious way to put on a case for added protection. When coupled with dual glass displays, this could make dropping such a device more damaging.

One giant screen

Displays that fold: Plastic (for now) but better for video

Currently, foldable displays are more in vogue than dual-screen devices. There are multiple Android phones with screens that fold expected in 2020, and Lenovo's ThinkPad X1 Fold should launch this summer for PC.

Folding displays are cooler-looking and are better at achieving a shrinking effect since you can take a 13-inch PC and reduce it by half the size. The main benefit of these devices will be watching media like movies or videos across the entire screen. You get one uninterrupted, glorious display.

For the X1 Fold, Lenovo also cites how the PC can be used propped up (by its kickstand) and, when paired with its Bluetooth keyboard and a dock, it turns into a full 13-inch "desktop" PC. The Surface Neo can't do that.

Pros

• Plastic won't shatter
• One large display
• Lighter than glass
• Better for media, movies, and games

Cons

• More prone to failure
• Can only fold one way
• Could initially be more expensive
• Potential for bumps, divots, and creases

While Microsoft says dual screens let you be more productive, Lenovo also correctly states that ultra-wide single displays are now displacing dual-screen setups at the office. People are getting used to and even preferring one screen again, and a device like the X1 Fold follows that trend.

While a flexible display is not nearly as satisfying as a glass one, in my opinion, there have one significant advantage: Plastic doesn't shatter, making these devices more drop resistant (and lighter).

Even an objection to the feel of plastic is likely temporary. Corning, the makers of Gorilla Glass, is in the advanced stages of mass marketing bendable glass, making this whole point moot.

Being that foldable-display technology is so new, the idea that it is more prone to failure is a valid concern. But without firm numbers, it's hard to pin too much on this potential issue. Samsung initially had a lot of problems with the Galaxy Fold, but it's four months out from release and failure rates have been surprisingly low. Likewise for complaints of the crease, bumps, or divots, which are more likely on the first generations of this technology but could be solved later.

Unlike the Surface Duo, phones that have a single foldable display are basically just tablets (opened) and clamshells (closed) because they only fold one way. The Duo can turn into a single-screen device, which gives users a more in-between experience.

Finally, there is, in theory, less for an app developer to have to worry about with a foldable display. There are no modes or postures to contend with, though odd screen dimensions could make this advantage a wash.

An exciting future

Foldable- AND dual-screen devices are packed with potential

I'm not convinced that when it comes to dual versus foldable screens, one form factor will necessarily win. Just like how 2-in-1 laptops and Surface Pro-type PCs did not wholly disrupt regular laptop sales, people will buy what they feel works best for them.

For some users, the proposed productivity enhancements and data management of dual screens will be a reason to go for those devices. It's not a surprise Microsoft would go down this route first as the company does everything around the concept of work and "empowering everyone on the planet."

The Surface Duo and Neo also seem less "risky" than a foldable display, but at the rate at which technology advances, this could be a short-lived concern.

Regular consumers and those who prefer watching media may be best served with a single foldable display for either their phone or PC (or both). These experiences may be more familiar to use, and they certainly have more wow factor going for them.

Today, it may seem like dual screens are for work and a foldable display for pleasure. But Lenovo is betting on the latter for its ThinkPad X1 Fold, which is 100 percent business-focused, suggesting that boundary is not so clear cut.

Companies like Dell are experimenting with both designs. Other firms have hinted they will likely follow suit and let buyers decide which they prefer.

For now, it's all really exciting, and the evolution both form factors should be of interest to anyone who loves technology. Which one do you prefer and why? Let me know in the comments.

What you need to know

• A newly published patent by Microsoft shows a design for a device with a folding display.
• Similar patents have appeared from companies such as Dell.
• Several devices with foldable displays will be available in 2020.

A newly published patent by Microsoft shows off potential designs for a device with a folding display. WindowsUnited discovered the patent, which shows off a design that expands into a single large screen. Microsoft filed the patent on May 6, 2019 and it was published yesterday. While the design appears similar to the Surface Duo, the patent only refers to it as a "hinged device," so it could be a phone or PC.

2019 was the year that companies dabbled with foldable devices. Samsung released the Galaxy Fold, and Huawei countered with the Mate X. 2020 appears to be the year that the foldable market could take off. Lenovo will release the first ever foldable PC, and Microsoft will release the Windows 10X operating system that's designed to take advantage of dual-screen and folding displays. While Microsoft opted to go with split-screened devices in the Surface Neo and Surface Duo, it at least dabbled in the idea of foldables according to the recently published patent.

The patent describes a hinged device with a flexible display. The designs appear somewhat similar to the Surface Duo, but instead of having two separate displays, the designs show a single flexible display. The patent's abstract reads, "One example relates to a device that has a hinged first and second portions and a flexible display positioned over the first and second portions."

Microsoft likely decided to go with a dual-screen design in its first generation of folding devices for several reasons. Flexible displays are expensive and not as durable as fixed screens. Additionally, Microsoft can emphasize the importance of optimizing apps for two screens if the screens are clearly split.

As with all patents, these designs may never be used by Microsoft to make a device. They do show, however, that Microsoft at least looked into the idea of a device with a foldable display and gives a glimpse of what that device could look like.

We're back with another exciting episode of the Windows Central Podcast, and this week, developers can start writing apps for Surface Duo thanks to a newly released SDK, and the Windows 10X SDK isn't far behind. Enthusiasts can even check out a Surface Duo emulator on Windows 10 to get a feel for what the device will be like.

Some people are very concerned about the potential camera quality, but Daniel isn't worried and he explains why.

Zac and Daniel also talk briefly about the ports on a leaked Xbox Series X prototype, and the dock from Kensington for Surface Go. They close the episode with build 19551 and its lack of new features as the next version of Windows inches ever closer to release...

This episode of the Windows Central Podcast was recorded on January 24th 2020.

Links:

• As an early adopter, I really don't care if Surface Duo's camera is bad. Here's why. | Windows Central
• 5 things we're hoping to see in Microsoft's Surface Duo | Windows Central
• How to install Surface Duo emulator on Windows 10 | Windows Central
• See the Microsoft Surface Duo's dual-screen Android OS in action | Windows Central
• Microsoft announces dual-screen preview SDK for Surface Duo | Windows Central
• Xbox Series X prototype leaks, reveals ports | Windows Central
• Kensington SD6000 Surface Go Docking Station review: Max productivity on a mini PC | Windows Central
• Windows 10 preview build 19551 rolls out to Fast ring Insiders | Windows Central

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Hosts

• Daniel Rubino
• Zac Bowden

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What you need to know

• A Microsoft patent shows how the keyboard could work for the Surface Neo.
• The patent shows a setup with a keyboard and screen communicating through electrical conductors.
• The same design could also be used for other devices and form factors.

A recently published patent from Microsoft shows off how a mechanical keyboard could work with touch screen devices like the Surface Neo (via WindowsUnited). While the patent does not specifically mention the Neo, the device in the illustrations looks very similar to when Microsoft showed off the Surface Neo last year.

The patent describes a system that has a mechanical keyboard and a device's touch screen work together through electrical conductors. Going strictly off this patent, it appears that the Neo or any device that used this design would do more than just have Bluetooth or connected keyboard rest on top of a screen. While a Bluetooth setup could work, the approach shown off in the patent seems more direct.

The patent's summary explains each part of the system, starting with the mechanical keyboard:

The patent continues with a summary of the touch screen and device portion of the setup:

As with all patents, this design could only be a concept or theory. It does appear similar to what we've seen from the Surface Neo, though. The patent states that this design could be used on a laptop computer or a flip phone in addition to the foldable tablet design shown off in its illustrations.

This year is shaping up to be one of the biggest for Microsoft in terms of how much tech it's readying for launch. Gamers have a new Xbox to look forward to at the end of the year, while Surface fans will see their dreams of a Surface phone realized with the Surface Duo. Then, of course, there's Windows 10 X and dual-screen PCs in general, along with so much more.

One thing's for sure: 2020 is going to be an expensive year for some of us. Here's a look at all of the tech and software we're looking forward to this year, and just why we're excited about it.

Xbox Series X

Jez Corden, senior gaming editor

2020 is a huge year for Microsoft when it comes to general hardware. Like many others of us here at Windows Central, I'm overly excited for the Surface Duo, and the possibilities of a modern, streamlined Windows running on the Surface Neo. For me, though, the big one to watch is Microsoft's Xbox Series X strategy.

We've heard that Microsoft will ship not one, but two consoles for its next-gen Xbox offering, with modern CPUs that drive ray traced lighting and reflections for more dynamic visuals. On top of that, the two-pronged approach has been viewed by some as a risky proposition, as Microsoft pits itself in direct opposition to Sony's singular PlayStation 5 model. With digital lock-in making it less likely than ever for people to switch from their current preferred ecosystem, it remains to be seen whether features like Project XCloud, and Microsoft's increased investment in first-party games can realistically make a dent in Sony's console marketshare.

The Xbox Series X (and its possible Xbox Series S cousin) are only a part of Microsoft's gaming aspirations for 2020 and beyond. As mentioned, the Project XCloud game streaming service will begin rolling to the masses in 2020, allowing users to turn their home console into a personal game streaming server. In our testing, we've found that console streaming works extremely well for turn-based games on a modest home network infrastructure, but it's really XCloud itself that will prove itself more intriguing. Microsoft's more Netflix-like XCloud service will stream games directly from their high-power data centers, which, so far, has proven itself to be viable for more demanding 3D games such as shooters, fighting games, and sports titles.

Microsoft is also working hard to court PC gamers with its high-value Xbox Game Pass for PC offering, although some of its other social tools, such as Xbox Clubs remain in limbo. It's unclear whether Microsoft will continue to push its own Xbox-branded PC gaming ecosystem into the future, or simply double down on Steam, where Halo: Reach for PC has already seen massive success.

This generation will be the first that is fully representative of Phil Spencer's vision for gaming at Microsoft. With Xbox Game Studios offering more exclusive titles than ever before, huge hardware commitments, and a bigger budget for practically everything gaming at Microsoft, it will be fun to see what Xbox can truly do when it stands on its own, unrestricted by the Windows division and Microsoft at large.

Dual-screen and foldable PCs

Daniel Rubino, executive editor

Two years ago, I wrote how Microsoft – and its OEM partners – were going to try to push the 2-in-1 category forward with dual-screen PCs. Many of the comments were dismissive and even doubtful, but it is evident that 2020 is the year of dual-screen and foldable-screen laptop PCs.

We know now that Lenovo has an X1 PC with a foldable display set for release sometime in 2020. Microsoft, too has its Surface Neo launching for next year's holiday season. Microsoft even let it be known that ASUS, Dell, and HP all have contributions to this push for dual-screens. We also understand that these devices support magnetic physical keyboards to help with that whole typing problem.

So, will they a hit or a flop? At least Windows 10X will help with the new user experience, but like the original 2-in-1 category, it is likely to take a few generations before everyone figures it out. Either way, it's officially happening. For those who yearned for Microsoft's original 2009 Courier concept, it's about to become a reality. And that's super exciting.

Windows 10X

Zac Bowden, senior editor

2020 is going to be a pretty big year for Windows, as Microsoft is expected to debut a new version of Windows 10 built from the ground up with a modern core, designed for modern devices such as foldable PCs. Known as Windows 10X, this new version of Windows 10 features a brand new user interface that's quite the departure from the Windows we know today, along with new features and changes for a more modern experience.

Windows 10X will be the first consumer version of Windows to be based on Windows Core OS, a restructuring of Windows from the ground up that's much more modern and lightweight, compared to the bloated, legacy version Windows we have today. Windows 10X is a modular OS, meaning many legacy features and components that most users don't need today have been stripped out in favor of a far simpler user experience.

Even though many legacy components have been removed from Windows 10X, users will still be able to run legacy desktop applications thanks to emulation and sandboxing. Legacy desktop applications are sandboxed on Windows 10X, which means they run in a secure environment that can't as easily affect the rest of the system. If you're not running a Win32 program, legacy components are shut down and aren't called upon until necessary, meaning improved system performance and battery life too.

Windows 10X will be launching first on foldable PCs at the end of 2020, but we understand that Windows 10X will be coming to more traditional form factors at some point in the future as well. Microsoft wants Windows 10X to be the new default version of Windows for most people. Similar to how Apple treats iPadOS and macOS: iPadOS is for most people, macOS is for power users. Windows 10X is the OS that Microsoft wants most people to use, with existing Windows 10 becoming the option for power users and enterprises who need legacy features and support.

Surface Earbuds

Dan Thorp-Lancaster, news editor

Something I'm pretty excited to get my hands on in 2020 is Microsoft's Surface Earbuds. It may not be as exciting as a new OS, foldable PCs, or a new console for most, but the accessory was one of my favorite takeaways from Microsoft's October 2019 Surface event. That's why I was pretty bummed out when Microsoft ultimately delayed them to Spring 2020.

I was waiting to see if Microsoft would jump into the premium wireless earbud space before buying any for myself, so I'll be happy to at least test a pair whenever they end up launching. I'll admit I'm still coming around to the design, which features a rather large touch area on each bud, but the promise of excellent audio quality, a comfortable fit, and some interesting Office and translation integrations is tempting.

That's not to say I'm handing my money over just yet. Apple's AirPods Pro and Google's Pixel Buds 2 are mighty interesting as well. Then there's the raft of much cheaper earbud options out there that could fit the bill. Still, I'm stoked to go hands-on with a pair once they're available.

Though, if Microsoft ever manages to launch the fabled black Surface Headphones, I might be swayed that direction as well.

Surface Duo and Microsoft's Android efforts

Sean Endicott, news writer

2019 was arguably Microsoft's biggest year ever on Android, and it sets up for an even bigger 2020. Microsoft continues to expand its library of apps and services on Android, with several apps reaching one billion installs in 2019. In 2020, we'll see the rollout and next steps for xCloud, Your Phone, and the Office suite. Microsoft is unifying the look of apps across platforms, bringing dark mode to more apps, and delivering a growing number of services to mobile users.

It feels like years of Microsoft shifting its mobile strategy is coming together in 2020.

On top of all of the apps and services that Microsoft builds for Android, it is also entering the hardware space with the Surface Duo. While this dual-screen phone won't be a direct competitor to the likes of OnePlus and Samsung, it will give us a glimpse into Microsoft's vision for Android.

I'm curious to see what and Android phone from Microsoft looks like. What will its launcher look like? Will it have an upgraded version of Next Lockscreen? Will Microsoft add any features to stock Android? These are just a few questions we'll have answered in 2020. Samsung already integrates Your Phone directly into the Note10. I'm anxious to see what Microsoft will do when it has deep access to the software and hardware of an Android device.

What about you?

What's the tech you're most looking forward to checking out this year? Do you agree with our picks, or is there something else that's caught your eye? Let us know in the comments.

What you need to know

• A new blog post from Microsoft discusses developing for dual-screen devices.
• The blog discusses developing for the web and optimizing apps.
• The blog discusses both Windows 10X and Android.

A new blog post from Microsoft discusses developing for dual-screen devices. It covers how developers will be able to get website and app code to work across dual-screen devices, including the Surface Duo and Surface Neo. The post also helps developers who want to adopt early get in touch with the right channels.

The Surface Neo and Surface Duo introduce a relatively new form factor of devices, folding devices that utilize two separate screens. Because of this, users and developers will view the device differently than devices like the Galaxy Fold. Rather than having a single canvas to work on that can expand, the Surface Neo and Surface Duo bring two separate canvases that can work in conjunction or completely separately.

While this form factor is different than most devices on the market, developers won't have to start from scratch to get their websites and apps to work. Microsoft's blog post states, "Your code is important, and you will not have to start anew on these devices. Our goal is to make it as easy as possible for your existing websites and apps to work well on dual-screen devices." On Windows 10X devices, developers will be able to utilize current tools for the web, including UWP and Win32. On Android, websites and apps will work on a single screen.

Surface Neo and Duo offer a unique — and challenging — opportunity for developers

In order to take advantage of the dual-screen nature of upcoming devices, Microsoft will identify "key postures and layouts across dual-screen and foldable PCs so that you can take advantage of both." Microsoft will also work to create a "common model layered onto existing platform-specific tools and frameworks for Windows and Android."

Development for dual-screen devices is in relatively early stages. Microsoft asks developers that want to adopt the technology early to reach out to dualscreendev@microsoft.com.

What you need to know

• A new patent shows a potential heat transfer system for the Surface Neo and Surface Duo.
• The patent shows a vapor chamber extending across the hinge of a device.
• As with all patents revealed, this design might never be used in a device.

A newly revealed patent shows off a potential cooling system for the upcoming Surface Neo and Surface Duo (via Windows United). The patent shows heat pipes and vapor chambers extending across the hinge of a device.

The Surface Neo and Surface Duo appear to be very thin devices, which could increase the importance of well-designed thermal dissipation.

The patent was published on November 21, 2019, and filed for on May 17, 2018. Its description explains how a vapor chamber could help cool the device by extending through the hinge.

As with all patents, this design could not be used in the future. It could also be used in a different way or as part of a different device.

When Microsoft unveiled the dual-screen Surface Neo and Surface Duo last month, it took everyone off guard. Not only was the Andromeda concept, which had been rumored for years, alive and well, but Microsoft went even further by revealing a PC and a phone.

While phones like the Samsung Galaxy Fold and Huawei Mate X have already shown us some of what we can expect from devices with folding screens, the Neo and Duo are different beasts. Instead of utilizing folding screens and all of the problems that come with them, Microsoft opted for two separate screens while still embracing the folding form factor. And from its presentation, it's clear the company is focusing hard on productivity with both devices.

The result is a set of hardware that, at first glance, impresses with Microsoft's usual Surface touch. But some burning questions remain: How are developers going to best take advantage of these two screens, and how can Microsoft entice them to embrace its dual-screen approach?

Is two really better than one?

Aside from the tech behind them, the differences between foldable and dual-screen devices might not appear to be major, but they present different challenges in how apps can best take advantage of the screen real estate. For one large folding display, for example, it's easy to envision something like a YouTube video expanding across the entire screen when open. But when you slide a bezel between two screens, as in the Neo and Duo, that idea doesn't work nearly as well.

Instead, Surface Neo and Duo are likely to invite app interactions that improve workflows, says Frank Gillett, a vice president and principal analyst for research firm Forrester. "Think of workflows where you need to be able to see the big picture, work through a sequence, or switch among options," Gillett said. "Those will benefit from a left/right notion of overall visibility or control on the left, with a drill-down or focus on the right."

The dual-screen approach may prove more useful for workers in the field, rather than those working at a desk job, Gillett added. But whether that boost in productivity will actually be measurable or subjective will be an interesting thing to examine once the devices are on the market, he said.

Sasha Krsmanovic, chief marketing officer for Uno Platform, agrees that users may frequently view devices like the Surface Duo as a multi-tasking device, rather than one large device. "Dual screen tablets and phones lend themselves naturally to a mode that's common on desktops and traditional laptops but rare on existing handheld devices," Krsmanovic says. "At a technical level, it's 'multi-tasking,' but from a user perspective, it's not really that – it's more like 'multi-app single-tasking,' like having a term paper open in one window and Wikipedia open in another. "

Apps are often used in conjunction with each other on laptops and desktops. Jumping between tasks and apps is a natural part of workflows on PCs, but can feel awkward on phones because you're entirely switching between apps, rather than having things open side by side. Krsmanovic highlights how a common multitasking setup from PCs could translate well to the Surface Duo. "When watching [an] NBA basketball game on a mobile device via NBA app, the user has an option to slide out real-time stats via a slider, which usually comes from the bottom or from a side," Krsmanovic says. "We love stats. We crave stats. This is what announcers on TV do for us all throughout the game. However, on the app itself, when those slides are slid out, they take away a good chunk of the screen real estate, getting in the way of following the actual game. In this scenario, a split-screen real estate can have a great and positive impact on user experience."

Media apps like YouTube and Netflix would benefit more from a phone like the Galaxy Fold that can unfold to have a larger screen, but there are many apps that could benefit from a bezel between two displays. Non-media apps that expand onto tablets often just add extra space between elements. While developers could optimize their apps better for larger screens, extra features and elements of the app could also be placed onto a second screen. For example, Reddit wouldn't benefit that much from just having a larger screen, but being able to jump in and out of continued threads on one display, while having the main thread open on another, would streamline browsing comments and posts.

Lauren Guenveur, a senior research analyst at IDC, agrees, noting that any app that can be used across multiple screens, such as Outlook, is going to represent a major bump to productivity. "I kind of see foldables and dual-screen devices, as opposed to using one app, [using] more than one app," Guenveur says. She also sees creative apps being a place where dual screens can "shine," particularly "anything where you need a large control panel, versus a full screen for what you're controlling."

Is it worth it for developers?

In 2019, ecosystems of apps are often more important than the OS itself. The story of the failed Windows Phone is a familiar one for Windows Central readers, but the same principles apply to any company trying to make a phone today. When Huawei began discussing shipping a phone without the Google Play Store, analysts and potential buyers immediately started looking for ways that Android apps could run on the device.

In 2019, people want apps and services, and if developers aren't on board, a device may be doomed from the start. Fortunately for Microsoft, the Surface Duo will run Android apps. The only question is if developers will optimize their apps for Android and if that's important to consumers.

Arlo Godfrey, a developer and one of the heads of the Universal Windows Platform (UWP) Community Discord, points to a potential pitfall for Duo's ability to attract developer attention. "Since the Surface Duo is currently one of a kind when it comes to the split in the screen, it's entirely feasible that devs could just ignore the device and bank on something like the Galaxy Fold, which doesn't require extra work to take advantage of the extra real estate."

While the Surface Duo comes with the power of the Surface brand, it is still a unique device. Developers might not consider it worth the investment to make apps that take advantage of one device. Godfrey believes that more devices within the same category might be key to swaying developers. "With Microsoft and Google partnering on this device, and Android 10 and 11 getting native support for these type of devices, I think we might see more like the Duo in the coming years (since it's easier to manufacture than the Fold)," Godfrey says. "If devs haven't made accommodations for the dual-screen format by then, they'll be much more inclined to."

The head developer of myTube at Ryken Studio, Christopher Blackman, points out that different categories of apps benefit from dual screens in different ways. "For consumption apps, I think giving the user one screen to browse and the other to consume would be the best way forward," Blackman says. "For creation apps, having controls on one side and the canvas on the other could work, or stretching the canvas across both screens to give the user a larger area to manipulate. Personally, though, I think 80 percent of apps would benefit more by having a different app run on the other screen."

Convincing developers and companies to optimize their apps for different form factors and shapes can be tricky. Apple excels at this. From little things like supporting a notch to larger things like support for macOS Sidecar, Apple can swing the hammer and get developers to jump on board. Microsoft has had less success in this sphere, and it will have to see if the Surface brand and other manufacturers making dual-screen devices can sway developers.

However, because foldables are such a new category, Microsoft may fare better in this regard than it did with Windows Phone, which was entering a space in which smartphones, and what they do, were already a known quantity.

"It was kind of brilliant on Microsoft's part to not just introduce these two new products on a smaller scale just to developers, but to excite the entire tech community and otherwise anyone who would watch or pay attention to Microsoft," Guenveur said. Being early to foldables and getting the broader tech community excited for them well in advance of their launch could have the net effect of driving developer attention to the new platform.

Taking advantage of the screen real estate

Some apps seem like a natural fit for a dual-screen device. Microsoft's xCloud could have game controls on one display while having gameplay on the other. The LG G8X ThinQ already has a setup like this. Apps like Adobe Photoshop or Affinity Photo could have a panel of tools or features on one display with the image being edited isolated on the other. Other apps will need more thought to take advantage of the extra screen real estate provided by a second display.

Blackman gives some creative examples, such as games like Battleship. A two-player board game like Battleship might not be what the makers of dual-screen devices had in mind, but it's a clever idea that could make such devices stand out. He also points towards ereaders as an optimal app for two screens, offering either a standard book-reading experience or using the second screen as space for notes or related web content.

Ultimately, it will depend on whether developers take advantage of the extra space, and how well. Every time a new form factor comes out, there's a learning curve for app and content creators to take advantage of the new space. The benefit of devices like Surface Neo and Surface Duo is that while developers figure things out, many current apps will scale and be useable.

A unique opportunity

The Surface line has always been about driving innovation. The Surface Pro pushed the 2-in-1 form factor that has since been copied and built upon, in one form or another, by many Windows device manufacturers and even Apple. Surface Neo and Surface Duo present an opportunity for Microsoft to innovate in the mobile and Android spaces and push a new OS, in the form of Windows 10X.

Dual-screen devices provide additional screen real estate for developers, providing room for expanded interaction and more information. While developing for these devices makes perfect sense for some apps like xCloud and Outlook, the makers of other apps may have to think outside the box to utilize the extra space.

According to Guenveur, it's likely we'll see the professional and prosumer spaces take advantage of these new device types first before they expand to the consumer space. "To start out with, the leading edge is going to be your enterprises, your more creative professionals — your prosumers that are looking for new form factors to become productive, versus your consumer masses," she says.

Like the Surface Pro line, success for devices like Surface Neo and Surface Duo likely will not be immediate. Instead, it might take years for Microsoft to see real success, and if it does, other manufacturers will likely have made similar devices based on the form factor.

As for Microsoft, it's staying tight-lipped on the whole thing for now. "On October 2, we shared just a taste of the innovative app experiences that will be available on Surface Neo and Surface Duo," a Microsoft spokesperson told us. "We look forward to seeing what developers create."

In January 2015, I presented an analysis claiming Microsoft would bring an inking focused, telephony-powered pocketable PC to market. I even suggested Microsoft-branded earpieces would be a practical accessory for this device. In 2016 leaks regarding Project Andromeda, a Windows Core OS-powered (or Windows 10X) pocket PC, confirmed this analysis. As information continued to surface, I incorporated those details into my ongoing analysis of Microsoft's Pocket PC mobile strategy.

Microsoft has sought to converge the power of Windows and the broader Microsoft cloud, apps, hardware, and services ecosystem on a pocketable telephony-enabled mobile device for years. Windows Mobile, Windows Phone, and Windows 10 Mobile were all mobile OSes that flirted with Microsoft's mobile vision but failed to bring the "power" of Windows and the synergy of Microsoft's ecosystem to a touch-focused mobile experience. Thus, Microsoft designed the modular, lighter and context-conforming Windows 10X, for duo screen PCS like Surface Neo (a versatile tablet) and partner devices from Dell, HP, and Lenovo coming next year. It was even planned to power the now Android-based Surface Duo (a pocketable device), formerly known as Project Andromeda.

The surprise introduction of the Android-powered Surface Duo at this year's Surface event is a manifestation of Microsoft's work toward a telephony-enabled, Windows 10X-powered pocket PC. After all, Surface Duo was being developed for years - like the Surface Neo, which shares its design - with Windows 10X in mind until a relatively recent shift resulted with Android as the OS of choice. According to Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, Microsoft is meeting users and developers where they are with this "miniature Surface Neo" that runs Android and makes phone calls. And meeting them where they are is key to leading them to the Windows 10X-powered telephony-enabled pocket PC I believe Microsoft also wants them to eventually embrace. And it may coexist with the Android-powered Duo.

Satya Nadella's empathy-driven Microsoft is relationship-focused

Like many of the tough decisions Nadella has made (at a cost), an Android-powered Surface Duo is about forging relationships. Through these relationships, I believe, Microsoft hopes to bring a Windows 10X telephony-enabled PC to our pockets.

Microsoft was once notoriously Microsoft- and Windows-centric internally conflicted, and routinely leveraged its market dominance to force developers, partners, and consumers to accept the Microsoft way. Driven by empathy Nadella "hit refresh" and embraced his predecessors Steve Ballmer's "One Microsoft" vision to heal internal divides. He also reached beyond Microsoft to build relationships that have helped Microsoft expand its ecosystem across a multiplatform world.

Nadella open-sourced .NET, embraced Linux, made Azure and its cross-platform goals the "new Windows or the world's operating system," prioritized cross-platform apps, focused on tying Windows, Android and iOS together through Microsoft Graph and much more. Now the company has partnered with Google and is soliciting the support of android developers to create unique experiences for a first-party dual-screened android device. Nadella's empathy-driven, people-focused leadership style is attributed to his experiences raising his son Zane, who has severe disabilities; and this cannot be overlooked as a factor in Microsoft's mobile strategy.

Nadella who admitted to initially perceiving Zane's disabilities as something that happened to him rather than to his son, through empathy learned to see and meet his son's needs, by first meeting him where he is. This is not unlike Nadella's evolving strategy to push developers, consumers, and partners further into Microsoft's ecosystem by first meeting them where they are. The android-powered Surface Duo is an example of Microsoft meeting developers and users where they are with the hope of expanding support across the broader ecosystem (i.e., Window 10X on a pocketable device). This "human" approach to leading technological innovation places how users, developers, and partners feel as a priority. Nadella's more "open" Microsoft arguably makes users and developers feel better about Microsoft's ecosystem than the less accommodating Microsoft of old.

The Surface Duo feel-good path to Microsoft's ecosystem

Apple's iPhone didn't succeed because of the number of apps in the App Store. The relationships Apple built with developers, users, and others (along with other factors), which made them feel good about being a part of Apple's ecosystem, led to a populated App Store, which in turn contributed to the iPhone's success.

Surface Duo is an expression of Microsoft's ecosystem of hardware, software, cloud, and other services. The device is meant to make Android developers and those who want to use an Android-powered, telephony-enabled pocketable device feel good about Microsoft's ecosystem.

Over the next year, Microsoft is expected to nurture relationships with Android developers and Google to create tailored dual-screen experiences and apps for Surface Duo leading up to its holiday 2020 launch. Microsoft will simultaneously be cultivating relationships with Windows developers who are tasked with creating tailored experiences and apps for the larger dual-screened Windows 10X-powered Surface Neo, which shares the same form factor and launch time as the Surface Duo.

Surface Duo's and Surface Neo's shared form factor and Microsoft's goal to optimize dual-screen experiences for their respective platforms over the next year is telling of its mobile strategy:

• Windows 10X provides the powerful, context-conforming, mobility-focused OS Microsoft has always envisioned for a pocket PC with telephony.
• The android-powered, telephony-enabled Surface Duo offers mobile developers a device in Microsoft's ecosystem for which they will potentially be excited about developing apps - unlike Windows 10 Mobile. This strategically creates an opportunity to secure the long sought after but never achieved favorable relationship between mobile developers and Microsoft.
• The Surface Neo, which shares the same form factor as the Duo, will potentially be used by Microsoft to demonstrate to its Android developers that Windows 10X can achieve the same dual-screen experiences developers produce on Android and the Duo.
• Microsoft can highlight the advantages its integrated services bring to dual-screen experiences using Windows 10X within Microsoft's ecosystem.

Microsoft has never been better positioned to accomplish its pocket PC goal.

Shrinking the Surface Neo

As the Surface Go is a miniature Surface Pro, the Surface Duo is a small Surface Neo. Though the Duo was initially meant to run Windows 10X, in the short term, Android makes sense to get developer and consumer support for Microsoft's ecosystem on all Surface form factors including a pocketable device.

If these devices hit the market on schedule next year, that won't be a culmination of a plan – it'll be a beginning. I've highlighted in the past that iOS and Android are mobile OSes that Apple and Google are trying to evolve into more capable OSes to support more complex computing demands and desktop scenarios.

Conversely, Microsoft has been coming from the opposite direction, trying to make Windows lighter, more versatile, and mobile-friendly while retaining its desktop strengths. This seems to have significantly been achieved with Windows 10X on the Surface Neo. Consequently, Android on the Surface Duo is not the full realization of Microsoft's pocket PC vision.

Surface Duo is so much more than a phone

Microsoft asserts that Windows 10X is designed to power dual-screened PCs. Thus, I believe Surface creator Panos Panay's effort to distance Surface Duo from a traditional smartphone is important. It is, I believe, in part to ensure that when Windows 10X finally comes to a Surface Duo-like device, that that device will be viewed as what Panay said Surface Duo is during its introduction – a Surface, albeit one with a new form factor occupying a new product category.

Panay knew that many writers would dilute this narrative by categorizing the personal and productivity-focused Surface Duo as a phone – as he gave subtle guidance on how (not) to classify it. If (because there are no guarantees Microsoft's strategy will succeed or that developers will respond) Windows 10X does come to a Surface Duo-like device, Panay's assertion that the Duo is not a phone will be more apparent as that Windows 10X powered device will be more aligned with the Surface Neo PC category with which it shares a design.

Sadly, the "phone" narrative that has already begun for the Surface Duo category will make it more challenging for Microsoft to assert its messaging that that potential telephony-enabled Windows 10X-powered pocketable PC is more than a phone.

Related

• Microsoft invited me to its biggest Surface event ever — and it was AWESOME!
• Surface Neo and Duo: First Impressions from our hands on

What you need to know

• Intel revealed details about the new Tremont microarchitecture.
• Tremont microarchitecture has higher performance than previous generations while using little power.
• Tremont will integrate with Lakefield CPUs to power the Surface Neo and other devices.

Intel revealed details about its new Tremont microarchitecture at the Linley Fall Processor Conference today. Tremont is the latest low-power x86 CPU architecture and has a "significant performance boost over prior generations" according to Intel. Tremont will integrate with Lakefield CPUs to power the Surface Neo and other devices.

Intel states that Tremont microarchitecture brings significant IPC (instructions per cycle) gains when compared to previous generations of Intel's low-power x86 architectures. Intel designed Tremont Microarchitecture for low-power and compact packages. Intel will integrate the new microarchitecture with Lakefield processors to power devices with new form factors.

Intel Tremont Chief Architect, Stephen Robinson, expands on the new microarchitecure,

Tremont microarchitecture will integrate with Lakefield CPUs using Intel's Foveros technology. This packaging technology allows manufacturers to combine several pieces on a smaller motherboard.

What you need to know

• The Surface Neo and Surface Duo may not have 5G support when initially launched.
• Microsoft is working on bringing 5G support to the devices in the future.
• Panos Panay also states that the first generation of the devices will have good cameras.

Panos Panay spoke about the upcoming Surface Neo and Surface Duo at an event in Berlin yesterday (via WinFuture). At the event, Panay spoke on bringing 5G to the upcoming Surface Neo and Surface Duo and mentioned that the first generation of the Surface Duo will have a good camera.

Based on the report from WinFuture, the first-gen of Surface Duo and Surface Neo will likely support LTE advanced, but 5G support likely won't come until future devices. Panay explained at a panel discussion that there is an ambitious roadmap to introduce 5G devices. He would not comment on any specifics, including on if the first generation of the Surface Neo and Surface Duo will support 5G.

There's a chance that the Surface Neo and Surface Duo could initially ship while supporting 4G LTE, and then a version that supports 5G could be released later. Microsoft has released versions of Surface devices in the past without 4G LTE support and then later released versions with support for 4G LTE, so it wouldn't be an unprecedented move. That is, however, only speculation at this point.

What do you think - do the Surface Neo and Duo need 5G to be successful?

Last week, Microsoft unveiled two new foldable devices that are expected to start shipping at the end of next year, which push forward Surface as a brand into new categories. One sticking point amongst fans, however, has been the decision to use Windows on the bigger Surface Neo and Android on the smartphone-sized Surface Duo. Some people don't understand why Microsoft has chosen two different OS's for these devices, and I continue to receive these kinds of questions on Twitter.

I want to explain why Microsoft has chosen to use different operating systems across the Neo and Duo, and how it's important for certain form factors to be running the OS that makes the most sense for that device.

The difference between Surface Neo and Surface Duo

While Surface Neo and Surface Duo look similar externally, they are actually very different devices. One is a PC, and one is a phone. This is the key reason behind why these devices run different operating systems. It appears there's some confusion around this, with many people on Twitter asking me why Neo isn't running Android like the Duo is, and vice versa. It's because they are different form factors at their core.

Yes, they are both foldable devices with dual-screens, but they are fundamentally different in all other aspects.

It all comes down to size. You use the right OS on the right size form factor. Anything smaller than 8-inches should run Android. Anything above 8-inches should run Windows. Android is excellent on small devices, but not big ones. Surface Neo is a large device that lets you do PC related things on it. That's why the Surface Neo runs Windows 10X, and not Android. No one in their right mind would buy a PC running Android, because Android isn't a platform that's very good at doing PC things.

This same reasoning can be used with the Surface Duo not running Windows. Unfortunately for Windows fans, Windows has no ecosystem on screens smaller than 8-inches, and as such, is not a viable platform for a phone. Android has mobile apps, all of which have been designed for small screens. Windows primarily has PC apps, which are designed for much larger screens, and as such, don't run well on phones.

A smartphone needs apps

Although Microsoft is trying to steer away from calling the Surface Duo a phone, at a fundamental level, that's pretty much exactly what it is. For it to be successful at being a smartphone, it needs apps. As mentioned above, Windows doesn't have mobile apps. Windows is great at having PC apps, which work best on screens larger than what a phone offers, even with dual-screens in the mix.

Android has a vast ecosystem of mobile apps, which is the number one priority for a device that goes with you in your pocket. The reason Windows Phone failed was that it didn't have the apps people want. Yes, it had the big ones, but it didn't have everything, and that's what ultimately killed off Windows on phones. Android does have everything: It has your banking app, it has your taxi-hailing service, it has your social apps, it has your games, it has everything you want.

If Microsoft were to put Windows 10X on the Surface Duo, the device would lose out on this vital ecosystem of apps that a phone needs. This isn't a want thing. This is a need. For a phone to succeed, it needs apps.

What about Android emulation on top of Windows 10X?

One question I've seen from Windows Phone fans is why didn't Microsoft use Windows 10X on the Surface Duo, but with Android app emulation on top to fill the app gap? This is something Microsoft considered and even started work on, but there are issues around doing Android app support in this way.

The primary reason against doing this is Google does not allow Play Store services on devices that are emulating Android (excepting their own Chrome OS). This means that if the Surface Duo shipped with Windows 10X with Android emulation on top, it wouldn't be a Google Play Store certified device, and as such, wouldn't be able to run many Android apps out of box. It wouldn't support Google Pay either.

Users could technically sideload Google Play, but they shouldn't have to and that wouldn't solve all these issues. It still wouldn't be certified and wouldn't receive support from Google. That's the primary reason why Microsoft decided not to go with Android emulation on top of Windows 10X for the Surface Duo. The other reason is allowing Android apps on Windows 10X discourages developers to build native Windows apps.

It makes more sense for the Surface Duo to run Android, and have Microsoft create a bridge between Android and Windows that allows developers to build native apps for both platforms easily. Microsoft doesn't want to enter a world in which most Windows apps are just Android apps running in an emulation layer, which is what would have happened had Microsoft enabled Android emulation on top of Windows 10X.

What about making Windows 10X an option for the Duo?

Another suggestion I've seen from Windows Phone fans is asking Microsoft to make Windows 10X an optional thing for those who want it. This would make more sense, but there's little reason to do it. Windows 10X is a PC platform, designed for PC apps. Die-hards who want to run Windows on the Surface Duo would not have an optimal experience trying to run PC apps on screens of that size. Besides, Microsoft shouldn't waste the resources in trying to make that a good experience for the few who do want it.

Debloating Windows has been a constant goal for Microsoft, and keeping around legacy phone call support for the few who want to run Windows 10X on a phone makes no sense. That, paired with the app problem Windows has, means there's no reason for Microsoft to make Windows 10X an option for the Surface Duo. It's just unnecessary for the small group of people who want it.

Clearing up the confusion

Surface Neo runs Windows 10X because Surface Neo is a PC. Microsoft is positioning this device as something that can do PC-related things, and as such, needs to run Windows. Surface Duo runs Android because it's a phone, and needs to have mobile apps that work well on small screens that can fit in your pocket.

It's as simple as that. Windows is great at PC stuff, and Android is great at phone stuff. The Neo is a PC, and the Duo is a phone.

Luckily for Surface fans, Microsoft doesn't see the platform as a key-component to its overall strategy anymore. The beauty of the Microsoft ecosystem is that it's cross platform, and Microsoft adopting Android means Windows users are about to have a better cross-device experience with their Android phone. That's a good thing overall, and I can't wait for the Surface Duo because of it.

I can already hear the wider tech press groaning at this title. I HEAR YOU, tech press, and guess what, I don't care.

I gave up my Lumia 950 XL, moved onto Android, begrudgingly, when Twitter UWP became a crash-fest. Deep down, though, I always believed. One day, Windows on phones would rise again like a phoenix from the ashes, to reclaim its place as the greatest mobile OS above all. And it would be glorious.

Okay, that's a bit dramatic, maybe, but hear me out. It's pretty apt that the Windows 10X-powered folding tablet is called "Neo." While most are probably fawning over the Android-powered Surface phone-like "Duo," it's Matrix-monikered Neo that could prove itself to be the one for Windows Phone fans. And here's why.

Windows 10X is the path of Neo

Neo, previously known to us by its codename, Centaurus, is Microsoft's upcoming dual-screen folding tablet, powered by an all-new Windows 10X operating system. This new OS experience is based on Windows 10 itself, complete with Win32 programs that PC users know and love. It will additionally come with a different type of user experience, designed first for touch and dual-screen experiences.

Duo conversely is powered by raw Android, complete with Google Play support. It's not Android on top of Windows, as some have speculated/hoped, it is just literally Android, complete with the same developer environment, and Google's ultimate control. It will bridge between Windows-like no other phone in existence, thanks to Microsoft tools like Your Phone and OneDrive. However, like Samsung and Huawei have noticed over the years, Google ultimately has final control over the environment. Regulatory pressures thankfully will stop Google interfering in Microsoft's efforts too much. However, even with Your Phone and other cloud-based Android-to-Windows experiences, it's still never going to feel as integrated as a full Windows OS.

That's where Windows 10X comes in. This lighter version of Windows still has the power to run Win32 PC apps, but it also comes with a touch-optimized experience for mobile-like devices. In this incarnation, Windows 10X powers the Neo tablet, and presumably other OEM tablets that will likely make themselves known at a later date. A lot of the apps Microsoft demonstrated during its showcase were explicitly built for this platform, however, using the full suite of UWP APIs that are ARM-friendly. And thus, phone friendly.

With Windows 10X, I'm starting to believe

If Windows 10X truly takes off with developers, it could finally be the catalyst Microsoft needs to get app developers interested in building touch-optimized experiences that are fully compliant with a mobile use-case on Windows.

As of right now, Windows 10's tablet mode is in a sad, sorry state. And perhaps, now we know why. Instead of trying to beef up Windows 10's tablet mode, they've simply been spending their resources on 10X instead. The lack of touch-optimization in Windows 10 led to a lack of interest in tablet-optimized apps and services for Windows 10 devices, which in turn, has led to a fairly anemic market for pure Windows 10 tablets. Generally, any Windows 10 device with a touch screen is a 2-in-1, since you'll want to run away screaming from tablet mode as soon as you're finished with the task at hand.

10X will hopefully change all of that. We won't know for sure until it ships in its final form in 2020, but if it's anything like what was demonstrated on stage at the Surface event, it looks like a big step up above what we have now.

Inspiring consumers to buy will hopefully kick off more interest from developers and companies whose apps arbitrarily sidestep Windows. You don't have to look far to find examples of staple apps that are painfully absent on Windows, that flourish on iOS and Android's more touch-friendly platforms. Instagram on Windows hasn't been updated in 5 billion years (disclaimer: possible exaggeration), and we've seen more significant companies leave Windows than arrive. The lack of a mobile endpoint is, in my opinion, to blame for all of that. 10X won't be a silver bullet, but it's a crucial step forward.

As Windows 10X grows, it could also shrink

Therein lies the obvious endgame. If Microsoft and its OEM PC partners can make Windows 10X a success where RT, Windows 10 Mobile, and other touch-oriented efforts have failed, there's no reason to envisage a world where Neo could shrink down, and fit into your pocket.

All the APIs for telephony and LTE are there already. It just needs those damn apps. Win32 is a huge boon, but so much of the modern consumer computing and entertainment experience lives elsewhere.

There's a world where both the Android-powered Duo phone and Windows-powered Neo can perfectly co-exist, too, of course. Many people may just prefer Android, even if Microsoft manages to entice significant apps and services over to Windows. As long as you're using Microsoft services, Redmond is ultimately happy.

If you're a fan of the concept of Windows on phones, however, Neo is the path back to that reality. Will it happen, though? If 10X takes off, I'd say it is inevitable.

Related: Everything Microsoft announced at its Surface event

The big shocker from today's Surface event was the debut of not one, but two dual-screen foldable devices. The Surface Neo is Microsoft's take on a foldable PC, offering up a detachable keyboard, Surface Slim Pen inking, and a new version of Windows 10 dubebd Windows 10X. The Surface Duo, meanwhile, marks Microsoft's entry back into the phone market as a dual-screen, foldable Android device.

Yeah, you read that right.

While neither device is set to launch until the holiday 2020 season, we got a chance to go hands-on with the prototypes after the showcase was over. Check out the video above for our full first impressions.

Microsoft Surface fall 2019 event: Everything announced

Microsoft wrapped up its October Surface event with a surprise unveiling of the Surface Neo, a new foldable entry to its in-house hardware line, built around its new Windows 10X modern OS. The dual-screen device sets out to deliver portable productivity with its hinged design, accompanied by native inking support and a slimline physical keyboard. Our Executive Editor Daniel Rubino is on the ground, catching the latest on Microsoft's latest ambitious device.

The Surface Neo is comprised of two 9-inch LCD displays, strung by a 360-degree hinge for considerable flexibility. It results in a 13.1-inch spread once expanded, with each half measuring 5.6mm thin. An Intel chipset powers the new form factor, while onboard LTE solidifies the device as a portable companion. Wrapped up with USB Type-C connectivity and Windows Hello facial IR, its composition results in a 655-gram package, primed for daily use.

Microsoft's new Surface Slim Pen pairs with the device for signature inking. Be aware that the Surface Slim Pen will be an add-on purchase. Magnetic charging allows the pen to affix to the rear, offering a streamlined charging solution, akin to Surface Pro X. A separate slimline hinged Bluetooth keyboard also magnetically bonds to the device, usable both snapped to the screen and standalone. This also opens Microsoft's new "Wonder Bar," displaying an on-screen trackpad and shortcuts.

Four postures hit the Neo with Windows 10X – a tablet experience spreads apps across two displays, double landscape and double portrait with two apps, and composition mode.

The Surface Neo is set for a holiday 2020 debut, although formal pricing and a release date is yet to be confirmed.

What you need to know

• Microsoft announced the Surface Neo, a dual-screened Windows 10 PC at an event in NYC.
• A video debuting alongside the Surface Neo gives us a first look at how it works.
• Surface Neo is expected to launch in the holiday period 2020

The Surface Neo is real and it's awesome. It feels like we've been talking about, dreaming about a device like this for an eternity, and at the big Surface Event in New York today, Microsoft showed it to the world. It's no phone (though there is also one of those!), instead something quite unique.

The Surface Neo will run Windows 10X and should be on sale in the holiday period in 2020. That's about the only disappointing thing about it, the long wait. It uses a custom processor from Intel, has two 9-inch displays, Windows Hello, USB-C, and an incredible keyboard attachment.

It's sad we have to wait so long, but give the sizzle reel a watch to pass two minutes of that wait. It's worth it.

For years, we've been talking about folding Surface devices and the possibilities therein, and today, Microsoft finally delivered on all of those rumors. We now have the Surface Neo tablet, powered by Windows 10X, and the Surface Duo phone, powered by Android.

During the event, Microsoft showcased various ways you could use these devices in a productivity context, explaining that they're announcing them a year ahead of their Holiday 2020 launch window to bring developers along for the ride. Office, side-by-side browsing and typing, and multi-app multitasking were demonstrated on stage, but the Surface team snuck a little bit of Xbox in there as well.

During the Neo/Duo teaser trailer, we saw Project xCloud Xbox game streaming running on the dual-screen display, showcasing Microsoft's upcoming APIs that allow developers to make bespoke touch experiences for their games. Today, you need an Xbox Bluetooth controller and a janky aftermarket clip to play xCloud on your phone effectively. In the future, developers will be able to leverage special APIs that detect when a game is streaming to a small-screen device and bring up the necessary controls to make it work. That also includes folding devices.

Related: Xbox Game Streaming app is available now on Google Play Store

When folded out, as we've previously speculated, the Surface Duo would gain touch commands for Project xCloud on the lower portion of the screen, creating an experience remarkably similar to that of a Nintendo 3DS of yesteryear.

The possibilities here are enormous for both Microsoft and developers, as it will bring high-fidelity console gaming to small-screen, low-power mobile devices, streamed over the cloud, rather than requiring the use of a local computer. You won't even need an Xbox controller either, in the future, simply unfold your device, and play. It might not be the best experience for a twitchy shooter like Call of Duty, but as we've seen from Fortnite on mobile and the popularity of the Nintendo 3DS, many games can be played this way effectively.

Hopefully, we'll hear more about the Surface Neo/Duo gaming possibilities shortly.

Related: Everything Microsoft announced at the Oct 2 Surface Event

After all of the rumors, the leaks, the hopes, and the dreams, Microsoft finally pulled the covers off its first dual-screen Windows 10 Surface device, the Neo. It's a teeny tiny Surface with two screens, a nifty keyboard and a brand new version of Windows 10 to go with it. You're excited, naturally, so when can you get it.

Microsoft Surface Neo available Holiday 2020

The good news is you get plenty of time to save up because the bad news is you're going to have to wait until Holiday 2020 to get your hands on one. Microsoft wasn't prepared to be any more specific, but the ever flexible "holidays" period would suggest sometime in November or December.

It's a good job you've got until then to save up as well since the Neo will launch in the same period as the Android-based Surface Duo and the Xbox Project Scarlett.

Microsoft Surface Duo with Windows 10X

One of the reasons we have to wait so long is likely to be the new version of Windows 10 that Microsoft is developing to work across its two-screen Surface. Windows 10X is its name and naturally, the big story is the customizations done to what we already know of as Windows 10 to work on the smaller form factor with twice as many displays.

Other tasty tidbits about the Neo include built-in LTE, a pair of 9-inch displays that expand out to a total of 13.1-inches and has a variety of different modes, including a tablet experience, double portrait, double landscape and composition mode. The Surface Neo will also have at its heart a custom Intel processor, details of which are currently sparce.

At today's big Surface event, Microsoft unveiled the expected Surface Laptop 3 with AMD graphics support, the Surface Pro X with a unique ARM chip co-developed with Microsoft, and the long-rumored Surface Centaurus, now known as Surface Neo. Unexpectedly, though, Microsoft also unveiled the Surface Duo, effectively a next-generation Android phone, in partnership with Google. Microsoft also showed off some of the features of Windows 10X for folding Windows devices, along with Surface Earbuds, a partnership with Adobe, and a new "slim" Surface Pen.

Related: Everything Microsoft announced at the Oct 2 Surface Event

If you were able to catch the stream, we'd like to hear from you, what was your favorite announcement from the show? Vote in our poll, hit the comments, let us know!

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Microsoft has today taken the wraps off a new edition of Windows 10 that has been rebuilt from the ground up using Windows 10 Core Technologies. This new edition of Windows 10 is based on Windows Core OS, a modular version of Windows 10 that aims to modernize and componentize the OS for all kinds of device form factors such as HoloLens 2, Surface Hub 2X, and more. Today, Microsoft announced Windows 10X, a version of Windows Core OS that's designed for new foldable PC device form factors coming in 2020.

Windows 10X features a brand new UX with a modern Start menu, taskbar, and user experience. The UX has been rebuilt from the ground up with foldable PCs in mind, redesigning core system elements such as the Start menu, Taskbar, Action Center, and more. It introduces a modular shell experience that can adapt and change on the fly, depending on how you're using your device. The OS overall is much more consistent in its design thanks to the removal of legacy components and shell bits.

Microsoft says Windows 10X is for new foldable PCs only, and won't be coming to users already running Windows 10 today. Those who wish to use Windows 10X will have to buy PCs that have the OS preinstalled, which won't be until Holiday 2020 at the earliest. Microsoft has already confirmed that it, along with Dell, HP, and Lenovo, will be shipping Windows 10X foldable PCs in Holiday 2020.

Modern OS, legacy apps

Crucially, Microsoft says that Windows 10X can run all your usual programs, including Win32 programs. This is a big deal, as it means Windows 10X won't be gimped from the start via a lack of apps. Users will be able to download and use Win32 programs from the Microsoft Store, or from third-party storefronts like Adobe where applicable.

Win32 support on Windows 10X is somewhat different from how Win32 programs operate on regular Windows 10 however. Microsoft says that since Windows 10X is a modern OS, many of the legacy components required for Win32 apps to run have been decoupled from the core of the OS. But, thanks to Windows Core OS being a modular OS, users that need to run Win32 programs can do so as the OS will spin up the components required to run Win32 programs when required. When the user isn't running a Win32 program, those components are put back to sleep so that they don't affect OS performance.

End users shouldn't notice anything different in running their Win32 programs on Windows 10X, but it is a significant change to the OS. It also makes Win32 applications more secure by sandboxing and containerizing them so that they can't reach out and affect or damage other parts of the system. It's a huge step forward in security for Windows as a whole, and it's coming to Windows 10X first.

Foldable PCs are coming

Microsoft says these new PCs are an innovative new form factor, introducing foldable and dual-screen technologies to laptop devices. Microsoft announced its dual-screen PC today as well, and it will be one of the first products to ship with Windows 10X next year. Lenovo has already shown off its foldable PC, which will also be running Windows 10X when it ships. Dell, HP, and ASUS are also expected to ship foldable PCs in Holiday 2020, all running Windows 10X.

For now, Microsoft says Windows 10X is exclusive to foldable PCs, and won't be coming to traditional form factors like laptops or desktops. That could change in the future, and I think that will depend entirely on how well Windows 10X does on the foldable PC form factor first.

Modularization of Windows

Windows 10X is built on top of Windows Core OS, which Microsoft insists is not a new OS and sits under the Windows 10 umbrella. What's unique about Windows Core OS is that it's a modular platform that can adapt and change on the fly. Because of this, Windows 10X is based on the same universal OS that HoloLens 2, Surface Hub 2X, and even the Xbox is based on, with little changes to the core to make the OS run across these devices. The significant differences across these different editions of Windows Core OS come in the form of varying shell UX.

The shell UX is what users interact with, and on Windows Core OS, it's different across the many different device form factors it runs on. HoloLens 2 looks different from Surface Hub 2X, which is different from Windows 10X, and that's by design. It means although Windows Core OS is the same OS across these different devices, the user experience doesn't degrade because of it, and that's how Microsoft is differentiating these different editions of Windows Core OS.

Modularizing Windows also allows Microsoft to build features and functions once, and share them across different form factors. For example, Microsoft's work around HDR and framerate improvements on Xbox One were built using these Core Technologies, meaning those same improvements can now easily be applied to other devices that also run Windows Core OS.

A year away

Microsoft says Windows 10X won't be coming until the fall of 2020, giving hardware makers, and Microsoft itself plenty of time to finalize both hardware and software efforts. I asked Microsoft if Insiders would get the chance to test Windows 10X before it starts shipping, but Microsoft was unable to comment at this time. Several UX changes first introduced with Windows 10X may find their way to Windows 10 over time, as these Core Technology components can also run on top of regular Windows 10 where applicable.

What are your thoughts?

So that's Windows 10X, a new modern version of Windows 10 built on a modular version of Microsoft's OS. Let us know in the comments what your thoughts are, and whether or not you're interested in buying a foldable PC with Windows 10X preinstalled.

Here's everything Microsoft announced at its Surface 2019 event

What you need to know

• Microsoft unveiled the Surface Neo at the October Surface event.
• It's a foldable Surface device running a variant of Windows Core OS.
• The Surface Neo won't be available until next holiday.

Microsoft has unveiled the Microsoft Surface Neo, the latest entry among its premium in-house hardware line. First debuted on-stage at Microsoft's October 2 event by Surface lead, Panos Panay, the compact device is a hinged dual-screen device, framed as "next category" among its family.

The Microsoft Surface Neo sets out to deliver a portable Windows experience, between lightweight foldable hardware and accompanying software. The 2-in-1 utilizes its screens for productivity, inking, and more, pairing with the newly unveiled Surface Slim Pen, and a compact keyboard. Although formal specifications remain unclear, long-rumored device packs an Intel chipset, with each of its displays clocking at 5.6mm thin, weighing 655 grams total.

Windows 10X lies at the heart of Surface Neo – a new flexible take on Windows 10, designed for new device form-factors. Internally dubbed Windows Core OS, the platform better accommodates the new dual-screen experience, framed as a future-facing flavor of its experiences.

Here's everything Microsoft announced at its Surface 2019 event