Windows Phone is dead. You know it, I know it. Everyone knows it. As painful as it still is, the world has accepted a duopoly in mobile computing, revolving around iOS and Android.

Apple is the darling of the U.S. tech industry, and has enjoyed a privileged spot dominating the western phone landscape, but globally, things are a bit different. Google's Android platform is by far and away the most-used mobile OS, owing to the fact smartphone manufacturers of all shapes and sizes can tap into it. Apple iOS is for iPhone only, and they're not exactly the cheapest devices on Earth, giving Google's platform a significant global advantage, particularly in smaller economies. Europe and the far east also love their Android devices, with Samsung taking pole position in most markets outside of the United States. Its market share has faced headwinds though, with increased competition from Chinese home-grown high-quality solutions from companies like Huawei and Oppo.

In any case, Microsoft is nowhere to be seen among any of this. Save for a few barely-maintained Android apps, Microsoft has largely given up on all of its smartphone aspirations. I can't remember the last time the Microsoft Launcher on Android got a serious update save for a half-hearted Copilot integration, and the app has some major bugs on Samsung devices that have been unaddressed for years. SwiftKey was once the most-loved keyboard app, and now languishes largely abandoned. The Surface Duo 2 folding phone was also abandoned, never receiving the latest Android versions, and is now likely a security hazard to actually use.

Yet, having very little presence on mobile I would argue is a huge issue for Microsoft. And sure, Microsoft's early investment in OpenAI stands to generate revenue for the company effectively in perpetuity, even if it does nothing. But Microsoft's abandonment of the "mobile computing" endpoint has effectively given the keys to its future away to competitor companies. OpenAI, Apple, Google, and others are set to direct the ebb and flow of consumer AI, not Microsoft. Microsoft is also locked out of expanding its "Xbox everywhere" approach, with Apple and Google blocking Xbox Cloud Gaming.

RELATED: On the enormity of Microsoft's Windows Phone shutdown mistake

Hindsight is 20-20 of course. CEO Satya Nadella previously lamented Microsoft's hasty shut down of Windows Phone. Indeed, with no skin in the game, Microsoft has no capability to force the hand of competitors in shaping the future of mobile gaming, consumer AI, or consumer computing in general. They can't be the "default" app on a huge swath of endpoints, but perhaps there's an opportunity on the horizon that could change that.

Let's go crazy and indulge me in some thought experiments for a moment.

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The DOJ might be creating the right conditions for an actually profitable Microsoft Android phone (maybe, possibly)

While this could all (very likely) amount to nothing, the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) is recommending "remedies" to unravel some of Google's monopolies, similarly to what happened to Microsoft in the late 90s with Internet Explorer. Some of you of a certain age might remember a period where Microsoft was forced to offer a browser choice screen when opening up Windows — ending Internet Explorer's run as the world's most popular web browser forever, and MSN's (now Bing's) viability as a search engine.

With Chrome rising to dominance with Google affixed as its default search engine, Microsoft and other companies were doomed to never find the query data necessary to build viable search algorithms. Now, the U.S. thinks that allowing Google to corner the browser market in tandem with its search engine monopoly might've been a bit of a bad idea. It has accused Google of abusing its search and ad monopoly to promote its own products and services, and has begun seeking "behavioral remedies" and other solutions to promote competing products.

Google is currently appealing the ruling, but the U.S. DOJ has already recommended that the company be forced to license its search data to rivals, end paid agreements that set Google as the default search engine (such as with Safari on iPhone), and also sell off its Chrome browser. Whether or not these remedies would actually help competition remains a contested topic, given that the DOJ would effectively be forcing everyone to hitch their wagon to Google's search engine data in order to even come close, which could ironically give Google even more control over search. Google currently controls 90%~ of that market, with Microsoft Bing, at number two, with a mere 5%~ based on some analyses. But we're not here to discuss search today, although it is part of the puzzle.

We've established that being unable to set itself as the "default" app on devices is preventing Microsoft from even getting its products in front of people. There's been a lot of contention about how Microsoft has been "forcing" Microsoft Edge as the default web browser on Windows 11 for some time, but simply allowing Google to control the entire internet doesn't exactly seem like a great alternative. (And hey, Microsoft Edge is pretty great these days, damnit).

Either way, this isn't about necessarily simply railing on Google (as fun as it is). People use Chrome because it's arguably the best. People use Google because it is also the best. The issue is that competing products aren't even given the vaguest opportunity to grow and offer something different. That's why Microsoft was forced to give up Internet Explorer's dominance in the first place. It was holding the internet back. Arguably, Google could also be holding the internet back, wiping entire businesses off the face of the Earth at a mere whim when it changes its algorithm without solid explanations. What if there were other, better ways to do search? We'd never know, simply because companies can't get the data they need to build a viable global search model. What would Bing look like if it actually had the data it needed in order to offer more accurate results? Bing generally performs well for easy searches, but stumbles when it comes to granular, detailed, or local search results.

In a world where Google might be forced to give its competitors a leg up, Microsoft might have the vaguest opportunity to compete not only in search, but perhaps even in mobile hardware. A huge part of Android's profitability framework is a result of the user data Google receives from Chrome and Google Play apps. And indeed, the DOJ was also at one point considering forcing Google to divest Android itself.

What if Android was truly open?

Google's Pixel smartphone line has increased in popularity over the years, although it remains quite small compared to the likes of Samsung. One advantage Google has here is that its hardware is subsidized to some degree, since it controls the Google Play Store where apps and games are delivered. Pixel phones thus can either undercut competitors, or enjoy better margins on software sales, and by wielding the search data monopolistically (allegedly). Samsung phones have the Galaxy Store, but it's not the default app store, and it's not really something people generally use.

Google forces companies using its version of Android to set all of Google's apps and services as the default out of the box. It's easy to switch them over of course, and you can effectively turn a Samsung Galaxy into a Microsoft Galaxy by switching to Microsoft Edge, Microsoft Launcher, Microsoft Authenticator, and so on, but it's not something 99% of users are likely to do.

The "behavioral remedies" the DOJ seeks to implement into Android pertain largely to search, although Google lost a similar case recently over its Google Play Store. Microsoft prematurely announced it would launch its own Android app / game store as a result of that ruling, which was almost immediately frozen as Google appeals it. Clearly Microsoft wants to be in mobile, it's just waiting for the right time.

The issue with building devices on Google's Android revolve around those pesky rules. Google takes 30% of all transactions that run through Google Play, and its "default app" status makes it the dominant place for developers to build services. It also has very anti-competitive rules baked into it. For example, Amazon can't sell books through its Kindle app on Google Play, despite the fact Google can sell books through Google Books on Google Play. Microsoft can't sell cloud games on the Xbox app on Android, despite the fact Google shut down its own cloud gaming service.

Apps like Twitch, Spotify, and many more are stifled by Google's "default app" monopoly on this platform, and this control it has extends to its search dominance. Google controls all the data that flows through those apps and services as well, helping inform it what ads to serve you as you roam around the internet.

The cut Google takes on Google Play, the licensing model it runs for Android, and the default apps clauses make it more difficult for Android manufacturers to compete in the space. Samsung has established itself as the dominant Android manufacturer, but its margins on smartphones are nowhere near as good as Apple's, because it has to pay Google in the middle. If you were a smaller company like OnePlus or a newcomer like Microsoft, you pretty much don't stand a chance without an absolutely gargantuan amount of investment, or some kind of killer innovation that upends the market. A more open Android could help improve the margins on building a "Surface Phone," where Microsoft would be free to set up its own apps and services as the default, sell Xbox cloud games directly, and perhaps even deliver Windows 365 and other services by default. As of right now, Google's control over Android would prevent that. Microsoft could build its own operating system again, but the ship has more than likely well and truly sailed on that possibility. The app gap would just be too absurd coming in so late, making Android the last, and only viable path towards returning to mobile.

Alas, 'tis but a dream

The DOJ says that if its Chrome divestiture and search licensing model isn't enough to promote competition, it reserves the right to seek a divestiture of Android itself. A more open Android either as part of behavioral remedies or a divestiture could give Microsoft one last, final chance to build a competing phone and thus, deliver its own apps and services as the default option. It would be the last, final chance it would have to meet consumers in their palms, rather than at their desks. It would be the only way to get consumers acquainted with things like Microsoft Copilot, and would be a strong endpoint for things like Microsoft Edge, Bing Search, and Xbox Cloud Gaming too. But, even if the DOJ did spin off Android, it's heavily unlikely to happen.

Microsoft's most passionate hardware innovator and phone enthusiast Panos Panay left the company for greener pastures, after Microsoft's interest in building its own hardware ecosystem dwindled. Microsoft is still building Surface tablet PCs, but they're nowhere near as popular as they once were a few years ago. The Surface Duo 3 was cancelled, and the Surface Neo tablet never even hit production.

The Surface Duo was an oddity whose elegant hardware didn't line-up with the operating system it was designed for. But what about a more traditional rectangle phone, designed from the ground up for Microsoft apps, with a Microsoft-first Android app store that gave developers a better cut than Google? A playground where Microsoft could innovate on actually useful AI solutions that require a device you can put in your pocket and have with you at any time, rather than the device that is tied to your desk? I don't see how Microsoft Copilot is ever going to find traction tied to desktops, when smartphones have so many more use cases attached for day to day tasks. But, I also don't see how today's Google-controlled Android would ever be a viable platform for Microsoft (or frankly anyone new) to attempt to build a smartphone on. Unless, unless it was fully cracked open by the United States regulatory powers.

But with a new election behind us and priorities shifting, this entire article is likely just an exercise in "what could've been" wistful Surface Phone fantasies. This is of course ignoring a mountain of other issues, like whether or not people would put their trust in Microsoft again after so many rug pulls ... but it's fun to dream, sometimes.

What do you think? Hit the comments, let's chat.

Tech giants continued to battle this week. Arm canceled its license with Qualcomm, which could have long-lasting effects on smartphones and computers. The feud between the CEO of Salesforce and Microsoft Copilot also got a new chapter. Meanwhile, Microsoft CEO Nadella made an astronomical amount of money, thanks in large part to Microsoft's success in AI.

It's been a busy week in the land of Microsoft and Windows, and we have the latest news stories summarized right here. Catch up on the latest drama, plus the biggest deals and spiciest reviews right here.

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Arm cancels Qualcomm license

Arm canceled its licensing agreement with Qualcomm as part of an ongoing legal dispute between the two tech giants. If the cancelation stays in place, it could have a massive effect on the smartphone and PC industries. The cancelation is the latest part of an ongoing saga that began in 2021 and that centers around processors such as the Snapdragon X Elite. That processor and other chips in the same family power many of the best AI laptops.

Qualcomm has 60 days to comply with Arm's demands, but the conclusion may take a different shape.

The end result of this corporate clash could be catastrophic for Windows on Arm PCs, though I'm not sure how likely the worst-case scenario is. Qualcomm and Arm have been in a legal battle for around three years, and the latest maneuvers and statements could very well be tactics that result in a new licensing agreement. Then again, Jerry Hildenbrand argued in a piece for Android Central that "Qualcomm needs Arm more than Arm needs Qualcomm."

It appears unlikely that either side will back down voluntarily. Following initial reports of the license cancelation, both companies issued statements.

Arm offered the following:

"Following Qualcomm’s repeated material breaches of Arm’s license agreement, Arm is left with no choice but to take formal action requiring Qualcomm to remedy its breach or face termination of the agreement. This is necessary to protect the unparalleled ecosystem that Arm and its highly valued partners have built over more than 30 years. Arm is fully prepared for the trial in December and remains confident that the Court will find in Arm’s favor."

Qualcomm later shared:

"This is more of the same from ARM – more unfounded threats designed to strongarm a longtime partner, interfere with our performance-leading CPUs, and increase royalty rates regardless of the broad rights under our architecture license. With a trial fast approaching in December, Arm’s desperate ploy appears to be an attempt to disrupt the legal process, and its claim for termination is completely baseless. We are confident that Qualcomm’s rights under its agreement with Arm will be affirmed. Arm’s anticompetitive conduct will not be tolerated."

Perhaps I've grown jaded as I've gotten older and covered years of tech giants arguing over billions of dollars. I just want the best Copilot+ PCs to be excellent devices that push competition from Intel and AMD while also standing on their own as devices. I don't especially care which billion-dollar corporation gets more money, as long as everyday users get more choices when shopping.

Microsoft CEO makes millions

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella shared a letter with shareholders recently. While much of the letter focused on AI and Microsoft's successes, the main takeaway for many was the compensation figure for Nadella. The executive received a package worth $79.1 million for the last year, most of which is in the form of Microsoft stock. Many criticized the figure, since Microsoft laid off quite a few employees over the last 12 months.

It's always unfortunate to see hard-working people lose their jobs, and those affected by Microsoft layoffs are no exception. But Nadella's compensation is tied to company performance, and Microsoft became the world's most valuable company recently. While there's certainly a place for debate regarding the compensation of executives and how it compares to the salary of employees and the stability of jobs within companies, it's not surprising to see Nadella earn so much.

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Salesforce CEO calls out Microsoft again

If you've been craving a battle between tech giants, the CEO of Salesforce is here to deliver. Mark Benioff, who has been critical of Microsoft and Copilot recently, tossed more shade Microsoft's way. Shortly after claiming Copilot is "just the new Microsoft Clippy," Benioff said Microsoft is in "panic mode." Those comments came in response to Microsoft announcing Copilot agents, which automate tasks and compete with Salesforce's Agentforce.

Benioff shared the following on X (formerly Twitter):

"Microsoft rebranding Copilot as ‘agents’? That’s panic mode. Let’s be real—Copilot’s a flop because Microsoft lacks the data, metadata, and enterprise security models to create real corporate intelligence. That is why Copilot is inaccurate, spills corporate data, and forces customers to build their own LLMs. Clippy 2.0, anyone? Meanwhile, Agentforce is transforming businesses now. Agentforce doesn’t just handle tasks—it autonomously drives sales, service, marketing, analytics, and commerce. With data, LLMs, workflows, and security all integrated into a single Customer 360 platform: This is what AI was meant to be."

I agree there are valid criticisms to be shared about Microsoft's Copilot branding, but Benioff is off base here. Microsoft did not rebrand Copilot as agents. Microsoft literally announced "Copilot agents." If Microsoft was moving away from Copilot branding, the tech giant would not use Copilot in the name of its new agents.

Reviews

Our experts ran a ton of devices through the ringer this week, getting hands-on experience with the latest laptops, CPUs, and games. The Razer Game Room earned the best score of the week, though several pieces of hardware received high marks.

"Razer has been making some of the best RGB-lit gaming accessories for years, but I still didn't expect the new Razer Gamer Room and its Aether family of products to be so immediately competitive with the biggest smart home lights players," said our Zachary Boddy. "Razer isn't targeting the budget end of the market, but each Aether product exudes quality in both setup and use."

The HP OmniBook Ultra 14 made a strong case to be among the best AI PCs as it went through testing. "The HP OmniBook Ultra 14 packs AMD's latest Ryzen AI chipset for incredible real-world performance, battery life, and AI capabilities," said Boddy. "On top of that, actual Thunderbolt 4 ports and HP's Wolf Security suite make this AMD laptop more versatile and secure. All the magic is on the inside, though, as the OmniBook Ultra 14's design is average and its IPS LCD display is bland."

With seven reviews the catch up on, there's sure to be a device or game worth a closer look.

Deals

Each week, our team scour the web for the best deals. Luckily for those shopping this weekend, there are plenty of sales going on. Early Black Friday deals will save you hundreds of dollars on laptops, accessories, and more.

Tech giant executives fill the headlines this week, as Salesforce's CEO dubbed Copilot the "new Microsoft Clippy" and NVIDIA's CEO called Elon Musk "superhuman." Unsurprisingly, AI continues to be the main topic on everyone's mind, but we also saw Qualcomm cancel its Snapdragon X Elite Dev Kit this week and Microsoft shadow drop two Xbox games.

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Salesforce CEO says "Copilot is just the new Microsoft Clippy"

Microsoft has several Copilots available to general users and in the enterprise space, but a major tech CEO believes Copilot is the new Microsoft Clippy. Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff claimed that "Salesforce can beat Microsoft in AI" in a recent podcast.

"When you look at how Copilot has been sold to our customers, it's disappointing. It doesn't work," said Benioff. "It spews data all over our floors, it doesn't deliver value. I haven't found a customer who has transformational work with Copilot. Copilot is just the new Microsoft Clippy."

Of course, the CEO of Salesforce is far from unbiased on the topic. Salesforce's Agentforce competes in the same space as Microsoft's AI offering. Specifically, the tool helps create custom AI agents.

It's fairly common to see CEOs promote their own products or downplay the competition, though Benioff was a bit more direct than some CEOs. We'll have to see if the Salesforce CEO's prediction about Copilot not being around for long comes true.

"Elon Musk is Superhuman," says NVIDIA CEO

If I told you a tech CEO said Elon Musk is superhuman, you would likely assume Musk said the praise about himself. But in a recent interview it was NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang lauding Musk's AI efforts.

"As far as I know, there's only one person in the world who could do that; Elon is singular in his understanding of engineering and construction and large systems and marshaling resources; it's just unbelievable."

Huang's praise of Musk focused on the xAI team setting up a powerful supercomputer in 19 days. NVIDIA's CEO said the process would normally take years, not weeks. He went on emphasize that the networking, wiring, and engineering required to create a supercluster featuring 100,000 H200 Blackwell GPUs is massive.

Usually, I remind folks on the internet that praising Musk will not make the celebrity offer a job, but that advice doesn't apply here. NVIDIA works closely with Musk, including collaborating with the xAI team across engineering, networking, infrastructure, and software. It's safe to say stroking Musk's ego is a sound strategy for NVIDIA's CEO.

Qualcomm cancels Snapdragon X Elite Dev Kit

Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Elite Dev Kit was supposed to be in the hands of consumers and reviewers this week, but the chipmaker canceled the device instead. While a small handful of people were lucky enough to get a Snapdragon X Elite Dev Kit, the vast majority of those who ordered the mini PC will not receive a unit.

Qualcomm emailed customers this week, clarifying that the Snapdragon X Elite Dev Kit did not meet its "usual standards of excellence." As a result, Qualcomm canceled the product and will issue refunds to anyone that purchased one of the devices.

Anyone who placed an order will receive a refund, including anyone who already received a Snapdragon X Elite Dev Kit. The dev kit was supposed to ship in June, but it faced delays. Ultimately, the PC did not ship at all.

The Snapdragon X Elite Dev Kit faced many challenges, including the removal of an HDMI port at the last minute and Qualcomm failing to pass FCC regulation before shipping units.

While there are other Snapdragon X Elite-powered PCs available, Qualcomm's dev kit was the only device set to run on the top-end X Elite SoC (the X1E-00-1DE) with a higher 4.3GHz boost frequency.

Microsoft shadow drops two Xbox games

While the majority of the announcements from Microsoft's October Xbox Partner Preview event focused on upcoming games, Microsoft snuck out some titles during the event. Blindfire and Animal Well are now available to play on Xbox Series X|S, though the former is in early access.

Blindfire is a PvP shooter with a unique gameplay mechanic that has defeated players able control cameras and traps in the arena. Those defeated players can exact revenge on those that slayed them, aid certain players, or help a specific team (Blindfire has both solo and team modes).

Animal Well launched earlier this year on PC, PS5, and Nintendo Switch. It's now available on Xbox Series X|S, giving those in the Xbox ecosystem a way to play the Metroidvania platformer.

Reviews

Our Senior Editor Ben Wilson got behind the wheel over the last week, literally. Wilson reviewed the MOZA R3 racing wheel, which earned a perfect score.

"There isn't anything close to MOZA's offering for Xbox gamers eager to try super-realistic sim racing with a high-end direct-drive wheelbase," said Wilson. "Some alternatives offer PlayStation support but leave Microsoft's console out in the cold, with the natural carry-over to PC support that most peripherals exhibit passively. Ultimately, it's the best racing wheel for Xbox because it offers unparalleled value for money and the best force feedback technology you can get."

Metaphor: ReFantazio also earned high marks from our Zachary Boddy, who praised the game for its "excellent worldbuilding and narrative direction, captivating and engaging characters and relationships, and fun, tactical turn-based combat with flexible strategies."

Boddy kicked off their review by saying " Metaphor: ReFantazio has cemented itself as the best game I've played this year so far." That's quite the praise from someone who spends hours playing the best Xbox games.

Deals

Prime Day and Anti-Prime Day may be in the rearview mirror, but there are still plenty of great deals going on. Discounts on the Samsung Galaxy Book4 Edge and Dell XPS provide great opportunities to upgrade to a new laptop. You can also save big on mini PCs, gaming desktops, and more.

Profits were a bit of a theme this week in the world of tech news. Prime Day and Anti-Prime Day deals dominated much of the headlines, as companies raced to present the best deals of the season to shoppers. Many would consider deals on highly rated products good news, but we also saw the dark side of chasing profits this week. A Nobel Prize winner argued that Sam Altman and OpenAI placed profits over AI safety.

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Nobel Prize winner calls out Sam Altman

OpenAI's Sam Altman was accused of placing profits above safety when it comes to developing AI; priorities which led to his firing by Ilya Sutskever (Altman was later reinstated). I doubt many are surprised to hear Altman prioritizes profits over developing safe AI, since it's a common accusation shared online. The weight of the quote comes from the fact that it was made by Nobel Prize winner Geoffrey Hinton, who used to be a Sutskever's teacher.

"I'm particular proud of the fact that one of my students fired Sam Altman," said Hinton. The Nobel Prize winner went on to discuss how OpenAI was set up with a large focus on safety, but that its leaders have gone in a different direction.

"Over time, it turned out that Sam Altman was less concerned with safety than with profits."

Altman is a polarizing figure. OpenAI are on the forefront of artificial intelligence, which places a burden of responsibility on the shoulders of OpenAI leaders. Many, including Sutskever, believe OpenAI has placed profits over safety.

Steam says you don't own games

Purchasing games through Steam now looks a bit different. A recent addition to Steam will display text clearly stating that you are purchasing a license of a product rather than owning a game you buy.

To be entirely honest, I'm not sure the change by Steam will be impactful. I appreciate honesty and transparency, even if done ahead of law changes, but Steam's message to consumers does not change the fact that people now license games rather than owning them. I suppose it's better to be upfront about what someone is buying than to hide the licensing set up.

Surface Duo is dead

This disappointing story of Microsoft-made phones fizzled out this week. After just one Android OS upgrade, Microsoft pulled the plug on the Surface Duo 2. The final security update for Surface Duo 2 shipped to the device and the foldable will reach its official end of support on October 21, 2021.

Microsoft has received plenty of criticism for its strategy around Surface Duo, but the fact that the phone only received a single Android OS upgrade is particularly damning. Smartphones in the $1,500 price range, which is where there Surface Duo 2 launched, almost always receive multiple Android OS upgrade. Generally, phone makers ship three Android OS upgrade to flagship devices. Our Senior Editor Zac Bowden called the single Android OS upgrade "pitiful," and I agree with him.

The writing has been on the wall about Surface Duo for quite a while. Microsoft chose to cut back on the Surface device portfolio, which factored into the departure of ex-Windows and Surface boss Panos Panay.

Now, the Surface Duo line is dead. Microsoft famously stepped back from smartphones when it killed Windows Phone and Lumia in 2017. While the Surface Duo and Surface Duo 2 ran Android, enthusiasts enjoyed Microsoft's novel approach to smartphone hardware.

Halo Infinite's Helldivers 2 mode

Halo Infinite players will soon have an exciting new game mode to enjoy. Helljumpers will become available on October 25, 2025, and we got to see a gameplay trailer recently. When the mode launches, it will be available to play on Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, and PC.

Inspired by Helldivers 2, the game mode made by The Forge Falcons features Banished and Covenant enemies, custom-scripted stratagem call-ins, randomized objectives, and dynamic enemy spawns. It also has a massive Halo 3: ODST-inspired map.

Since Halo Infinite's multiplayer is free, you won't have to pay any extra to enjoy Helljumpers multiplayer.

Reviews

Our team took a look at the latest tech and shared their thoughts over the past week. Several items earned nearly perfect scores, including the Samsung T7 SSD, ASUS ProArt P16, and the Alienware Pro Headset. Windows 11's 2024 Update also received praise.

"The ASUS ProArt P16 (2024) is a gorgeous and immensely powerful laptop aimed directly at creatives, artists, and engineers. It packs the latest AMD and NVIDIA hardware and AI capabilities, the 4K OLED display is wonderful, and the hardware is incredibly refined," said our Zachary Boddy about ASUS' powerful laptop for creators. "This is an excellent laptop no matter how you look at it, but it is very expensive and still suffers from the inconsistent endurance we've come to expect from such powerful PCs."

Our Richard Devine was equally effusive about the Samsung T7, stating, " The Samsung T7 portable SSD is every bit as good as the T7 Touch but at a lower price. It makes it a brilliant all-purpose portable SSD that can be used for both computers and the latest Xbox consoles. "

Deals

Prime Day and Anti-Prime Day ran throughout much of this week, slashing the prices of PCs, consoles, games, and accessories. We covered dozens of deals and have updated pieces focused on discounts that are still live, so make sure to check out our deals hub. Below are some of the best deals that are still live.

What you need to know

• Microsoft has issued what is believed to be the final security update for Surface Duo 2.
• The Surface Duo 2's support window will end on October 21, meaning no more support or updates are planned.
• Microsoft only ever delivered one major Android OS update for the $1,500 device.

The Surface Duo 2 has just received its likely final security update, marking an end to Microsoft’s brief return to the smartphone market. The company originally launched Surface Duo 2 in October 2021, and promised to support the product with software updates for three years. Microsoft was only able to deliver one major Android version update in that time, a pitiful number for a $1,500 device. 

Microsoft already dropped support for the original Surface Duo last year, but at least that device saw more than one major Android version update. Launching with Android 10, the original Surface Duo was updated to Android 11 and Android 12L during its lifecycle — still short of the usual three major OS updates most Android makers deliver but better than the Surface Duo 2, which launched with Android 11 and was only ever updated to Android 12L.

The company threw in the towel with Android phone hardware last year when it decided to cut back on the Surface device portfolio, leading to the departure of ex-Windows and Surface boss Panos Panay. Since then, Microsoft has brushed Surface Duo under the rug, and now the Surface Duo 2 has received its final security update ahead of the end of support date on October 21, meaning no more support is planned. 

And that marks the true end to Surface Duo. The product line is dead, and Microsoft has no intention of reviving it with future Android phone hardware. This is the second time that Microsoft has abandoned a phone business, the first time being with Windows Phone and Lumia in 2017.

If Microsoft ever attempts to launch a new phone in the future, I will be the first to tell you to steer well clear. Microsoft had a chance to redeem itself with the Surface Duo, and it failed miserably. Charging $1,500 for a phone that was only ever updated with a new version of Android once is inexcusable. Microsoft doesn’t deserve a third chance. 

Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me.

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What you need to know

• Microsoft shipped an update to the Surface Duo 2 this week.
• The update only includes security fixes, which continues a trend of updates without features for the Surface Duo 2.
• This is the first month that the original Surface Duo is out of support, meaning the phone did not receive a security update.

Microsoft rolled out a small update to the Surface Duo 2 this week. The update is only a security patch, making it hardly newsworthy on its own. What's perhaps more interesting is the fact that the original Surface Duo did not receive a security update. We knew that would be the case, since the Surface Duo is now out of support, but sometimes it's important to mark an occasion.

As for the update for the Surface Duo 2, it "Addresses scenarios outlined in the Android Security Bulletin – October 2023," according to Microsoft. The change log may not include many details, but it's important to keep devices patched against security threats. Microsoft releases updates in phases, so you may not see the October update for Surface Duo 2 just yet.

No more Surface Duo updates

The lack of an update for the original Surface Duo this month is not a surprise. October is just the first month since Microsoft dropped official software support for the first-generation Surface Duo. Microsoft promised three years of updates for the foldable phone that first shipped with Android 10. The company kept that promise, at least in terms of security updates.

The original Surface Duo eventually received an update to Android 12L, which was the second major OS update the phone received. Most high-end flagship phones get three major OS updates after launch, but Microsoft didn't go down that route for the Duo.

The original Surface Duo will continue to work, even without receiving updates. The issue is that the lack of security updates going forward will leave devices increasingly susceptible to attack as new bugs appear and are left unpatched.

Those with an original Surface Duo, or even a Surface Duo 2, may want to check out the unofficial Android 14 ROM for Surface Duo.

What you need to know

• Samsung launched its Galaxy Z Flip 5, Galaxy Z Fold 5, Galaxy Tab S9 family of tablets, and Galaxy Watch 6 today.
• The new Galaxy devices have launch-day offers, such as trade-ins, and many of them come with other perks like Microsoft 365 and YouTube Premium.
• Many Surface Duo owners are looking for a new foldable since Microsoft has seemingly abandoned the Surface Duo and Surface Duo 2.

Samsung unveiled a plethora of devices at its Galaxy Unpacked event earlier this year. The Galaxy Z Flip 5, Galaxy Z Fold 5, Galaxy Watch 6 family, and Galaxy Tab S9 family all refresh specs across the board and feature refined designs. We've seen quite a bit of buzz about the hardware, and some members of our team have even placed preorders. The wait is finally over, as the new Galaxy devices start shipping today.

While Samsung's phones and tablets run Android, they complement Windows well. A large number of PC users have Android phones, and Samsung and Microsoft have worked to bring those two kinds of devices closer together. Some Phone Link features are exclusive to Samsung hardware and a handful of Microsoft apps come preinstalled on Samsung phones.

Like all Android phones, Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Galaxy Z Flip 5 work with Microsoft's suite of applications. Both the Z Fold 5 and Z Flip 5 come with four free months of Microsoft 365 Basic. In addition to that Microsoft-centric perk, the phones are bundled with four months of YouTube Premium and two months of Adobe Lightroom.

Galaxy Z Fold 5

The Galaxy Z Fold 5 builds on four previous generations of Samsung foldables. It features an outer display for regular phone use and a foldable screen that lets you use the device as a tablet. It has an improved hinge over the Z Fold 4 and runs on the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy.

The 7.6-inch AMOLED display is built for multitasking and spanning content across the entire screen, though you'll get some letterboxing depending on the aspect ratio of videos you watch. S Pen cases for the device are slimmer, as is the pen itself.

Overall improvements to the hinge and processor make the Galaxy Z Fold 5 a good entry point for those new to foldables, though Android Central's Nicholas Sutrich says it's arguably not worth upgrading if you already have the Z Fold 4.

The Galaxy Z Fold 5 starts at $1,799.99. You can save up to $1,000 with an eligible trade-in.

Galaxy Z Flip 5

The Galaxy Z Flip 5 received a bigger upgrade than its folding sibling. The Z Flip 5 has a Flex Window that's dramatically larger than its predecessor's. It also runs on a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy, which "performs like a champ," according to Android Central's Galaxy Z Flip 5 review.

impressive cameras, a sleek design, and water resistance round out an all-around impressive foldable from Samsung. It's earned high marks from reviewers, many of which focus on the larger Flex Window.

The Galaxy Z Flip 5 is also a vertical foldable, meaning it flips shut into a tiny rectangle that's easier to fit into a pocket. You can then open it up to look like a "normal" phone. There are other clamshell flip phones from Motorola, OPPO, Vivo, and other companies, but the Z Flip 5 has the fastest processor in the category.

The Galaxy Z Flip 5 starts at $999.99. It also has trade-in offers, but they max out at $600.

Galaxy Tab S9

There are several Galaxy Tab S9 tablets available starting today. The lineup starts at $799.99 for the base-model Galaxy Tab S9, but you can also opt for the Galaxy Tab S9+ or Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra. The flagship Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra features a massive 14.6-inch AMOLED 2x display with a refresh rate of 120Hz. It also runs on the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy that ships in Samsung's flagship phones.

I broke down all of the Galaxy Tab S9 models when Samsung announced them last month, so make sure to check out the full specs before picking one up.

Launch offers for the Galaxy Tab S9 series are different than those of Samsung's phones. You can get a free Book Cover Keyboard that turns the tablets into a laptop when you purchase a Tab S9 or Tab S9+.

Galaxy Watch 6

Lastly, Samsung unveiled a pair of smartwatches in the Galaxy Watch 6 and Galaxy Watch 6 Classic. The Galaxy Watch 6 Classic stood out because it brought back the popular rotating bezels that were removed with the previous generation.

You can get up to $250 off the Galaxy Watch 6 or Galaxy Watch 6 Classic with an eligible trade-in. That's a considerable discount considering the smartwatches start at $299.99.

What you need to know

• Microsoft just shipped an update for Surface Duo and Surface Duo 2.
• The update includes Android's security fixes from July 2023.
• Microsoft has not shipped a meaningful feature update for the Surface Duo family of devices in almost one year.

Surface Duo and Surface Duo 2 owners have been waiting for a July security update for quite some time. Despite being well into August, Microsoft only shipped the July security update for the foldables this week. Microsoft's support document for the update labels it as an "August 8 release," so you should see the update soon as it rolls out gradually.

The update does not include any new features or major changes. The change log only has a single item.

"Addresses scenarios outlined in the Android Security Bulletin – July 2023," stated Microsoft.

The Surface Duo and Surface Duo 2 have not received a meaningful feature update in almost a year, so it's not surprising to see a simple security update ship.

Surface Duo continues to dwindle away

Today's update is par for the course from Microsoft. Earlier this year, our Senior Editor Zac Bowden outlined how the Surface Duo is in trouble. The device is still on Android 12L and updates to Android 13 or Android 14 are uncertain. Microsoft would not confirm if any major Android updates are on the way to the Surface duo lineup.

Security updates will continue to ship to the Surface Duo 2 until October 2024, but that may be all owners of the folding phone can expect.

Many of the members of the Surface Duo OS team have been moved to work on Teams Rooms on Android, according to Bowden's sources. He also reported that as of a few months ago, Microsoft did not have plans to deliver Android 13 for Surface Duo.

The lack of meaningful updates has led to unofficial projects being worked on to bring Android 13 to Surface Duo.

Many fans and enthusiasts have been disappointed by Microsoft's efforts related to Surface Duo. Our Dan Rice argued that Surface Duo is Windows Phone all over again. Jason Ward explained how Microsoft's dubious positioning of the Surface Duo killed an ambitious vision.

With Microsoft seemingly abandoning the Surface Duo lineup, I expect many to check out devices like the Samsung Galaxy Fold 5 and Google Pixel Fold.

There has been a battle raging in my mind ever since the first Duo was announced as to whether I should invest in another Microsoft mobile effort. I was excited about the hardware on offer and the vision for what the device was meant to be, and I nearly went for it. Nearly. It has been in my shopping cart numerous times, but it never happened. Congrats to myself for some self-restraint for once!

Even though I've not owned a Surface Duo I've been able to build a solid perspective on it through a number of friends and content creators who have used both of the Duo's since their respective releases. It was very clear to me that having two screens instead of one that folded was rather beneficial in many ways. 

Being able to use a solid piece of glass for each screen instead of it physically folding brings much better durability, uniformity and cheaper repair costs if required. Not to mention having no crease interfering with the output or just being downright distracting under lights. The form factor alone was far more useable, the same direction Google has gone in with the newly released Pixel Fold.

For many this set up still wasn't seen as cutting edge enough for a device costing so much. Comparisons of course were made to the Galaxy Fold; a very different concept to the Duo but of course the Microsoft dual screen device "just couldn't compete". I was told that numerous times by people who seemed to simply dismiss it without understanding exactly what it was bringing to the table.

Now this isn't the sole reason why the Duo has failed to gain any significant following outside of the Microsoft loyalists. The price, as with all foldable/dual screen devices requiring complex engineering to produce a bespoke hinge solution, was quite high. This is to be expected. The software experience is what wasn't expected. It's much better than it was right now, but the updates have really dried up now barring the usual Android security updates. Microsoft ran a very small team for Surface Duo, and it really showed. It's a shame they didn't dedicate more resources, as it could have led to more consumers having confidence that their investment in the products wouldn't just go to waste. Layoffs this year have even hit the small Duo team.

I actually liked the approach Microsoft took with the Surface Duo hardware in that they were listening to community feedback and really tried to improve the Surface Duo 2 in ways that mattered. They improved the build, added a Glance Bar display down the spine of the hinge, added 90Hz displays and the biggest change was a triple camera set up that was kind of controversial in many ways, as some Duo users said this messed up the functionality with not being able to fold the phone flat, like you could with the original Duo. Not to mention the way it affected the uniformity and balance. Many just didn't want the cameras, which were still average at best. Were they added to appease complaints from people who never used or had intention of getting a Duo in the first place? I don't know, but it seemed at odds with the original philosophy of the Surface Duo.

All of this leads to; what should you do now? Is it really time to move on from Surface Duo? Is this the end of the line? Is Microsoft really worthy of your hard-earned cash when they never seem to provide their customers with a premium experience, even though they charge a premium price? The Xbox Gamepass app has been broken for a long period of time for many users. Not to mention new cutting-edge features like Bing AI not being included in the SwiftKey Keyboard that Duo uses while Microsoft provides this function to users of Huawei phones from years ago, with their more recent phones not supporting the Google Play Store at all due to the US ban on Huawei. The lack of support sounds a little like Windows Phone doesn't it?

Rumours of the Surface Duo 3 point to an abandoning of the dual screen set-up and moving to a single folding screen with an outer screen, like a Samsung Galaxy Fold but more likely a Pixel Fold. This is the biggest change by far in moving away from the Surface Duo philosophy to the point where the Surface Duo name itself will make absolutely zero sense.

The overall picture looks bleak. I think demand for a Surface Duo 3 will be so low if they go this route, that it may end up being better for them to not release it at all. Microsoft need to stop with the half-hearted approach. Dipping a foot to test the waters is not how the Surface line turned into a massive success after a troubled start. People want to see commitment. The Duo has barely been a real attempt and it doesn't match up with the Surface brand in many regards. If it goes for a folding screen approach, I don't see how they differentiate the Duo from the likes of the Galaxy Fold and the Pixel Fold in particular.

Microsoft really needs to rethink its approach and even consider pulling out altogether, which will likely be the end of any mobile efforts. At least until they get Windows on this kind of form factor. There's also the very real possibility that this ship has already sailed, and that the few consumers of the Surface Duo are already looking for greener pastures.

I was in the room on Oct 2nd, 2019, in New York, when Microsoft's Chief Product Officer Panos Panay, like a magician pulling matter from an immaterial plane, revealed what many Microsoft enthusiasts and Window Phone fanshad long dreamt would manifest from the combined narrative of our hopes, rumors, informed analysis and leaks. Microsoft's latest pocketable mobile device, the Surface Duo, was introduced to a room full of Microsoft fans and tech media that day. Indeed, Microsoft made the Surface Duo (and its much-improved successor) a fantastic product but also made some stupid moves when bringing what was to be a category-defining device to market.

The impossibly thin, alluringly sleek, beautiful piece of dual-screen, glass-covered tech with a 360-degree hinge was finally here. The Duo was the successor, or evolution – of Microsofts previous mobile devices – Windows Phones. Many fans had fallen in love with Windows Phones because of their user-focused platform, Live Tile UI, and Microsoft's productivity-focused positioning versus the grid-of-apps focus of the competition. Despite the passion of this minuscule minority of smartphone users, however, Microsoft's missteps, poor timing, and shameful commitment, along with external market forces, led to Windows Phone's death.

Yet, despite the demise of Redmond's smartphone efforts, fans hoped that Microsoft's mobile strategy would ultimately yield the productivity-focused, category-defining mobile device the company was rumored to be working on. We were also optimistic Microsoft would strive to encourage OEM partners to follow.

Category-defining vision, historic category-defining success

We did not pin our hopes on the ether either. In 2016, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella described Microsoft's then-developing Duo as the "ultimate mobile device." He inspired us further by claiming the device would be positioned "beyond the curve" of the smartphone space. It would do more via hardware flexibility, software adaptability, cloud computing, and integration with Microsoft 365 than the slate-shaped iPhones and Android phones that saturated the even then plateauing smartphone market.  

Pragmatic evidence that proved Microsoft, if committed, could pull it off also inspired us. The company had succeeded (after two failed attempts and negative press) in establishing an industry-wide 2-in-1 PC category with Surface Pro (that integrates productivity, software and hardware flexibility, touch, inking, and leisure), which competitors like Apple who once mocked it, now embrace. 

So, despite the disheartening record of abandoned products left in Microsoft's wake, the Surface Duo inspired hope that Redmond was all in with its dual-screen productivity-focused mobile device vision. But, with its reported abandonment of two displays for version three in favor of a single folding display, a 180- versus 360-degree hinge, and its waning support of Surface Duo, Microsoft has proven its reliability in disappointing supporters. 

Staking new mobile ground beyond smartphones…or not 

Android as the OS of choice rather than a pared-down version of Windows was the first disappointment the Duo delivered to hardcore Windows Phone fans. Still, it was here, there was a partnership with Google to make Android at home, efficient and flexible on this dual-screen device, and Microsoft's dreaded mobile app gap was finally bridged.  

OS choice aside, the fundamental design and use cases for the inordinately thin pocketable productivity-focused dual-screen Surface that could take different postures, supports inking, run Microsoft's and all Android apps, and makes phone calls was a unique play by Microsoft in the mobile space that overlapped but more importantly extended beyond the smartphone space. 

This point of overlapping but extending into the mobile space beyond the smartphone space was important for consumers, tech reviewers, and OEM partners to understand. Still, Microsoft did a horrible job communicating it. The company's initial messaging differentiating the Duo from smartphones was evident. However, against stubborn market headwinds that made it difficult for many to conceptualize a productivity-focused pocketable device that could make calls being anything but a phone, Microsoft acquiesced, and the messaging collapsed. 

You say phone, Surface Duo creator says “Surface” 

Notably, when Surface Creator Panos Panay introduced the category-defining Surface Duo, he did not call it a phone. Indeed, as I observed the presentation with a clear view of the teleprompter from my seat, the carefully scripted presentation never included the word phone. The absence of the word phone from the script precludes any chance that Panay's omission of the word was an unintentional oversight. He even seemed to anticipate how the device would be perceived and raised this preemptive defense: "I want to be super clear about this, you're going to talk about this as a phone and I get that. And you're going to talk about it as a communication device and it does both of those things incredibly well, for sure. For sure, you can text, you can write, you can do what you want. But make no mistake this product is a Surface." 

This echoes, Nadella's own words, "I didn't come at [the Duo] from 'Let's recommit to phones' or go back in time and enter the same market that we quote-unquote 'exited,'" says Nadella. "We're looking at what's next."

Surface Duo’s dubious position

There has been and still may be a debate about what the Surface Duo is and isn't. This debate manifests Microsoft's core problem with Duo's positioning and marketing. Some swear it is a phone; some assert it is not. Some think of it as something somewhere in between, labeling it nebulously "more than a phone." If Microsoft had done its job correctly, this debate likely wouldn't exist to any meaningful degree. Microsoft made the Duo, and it is responsible for definitively defining to the masses what it is, what it does, what the company believes it will do for a user, or what users should do with it. 

Sadly, I've since seen Microsoft employees refer to the Duo as a smartphone despite Panay's and Nadella's initial "beyond the curve" not-a-phone allusions and how it's currently and conflictingly still categorized as a dual-screen computer on the company's website. Talk about confusing. 

Furthermore, in a 2021 Unbox Therapy interview, even Panay acknowledges how he gets into trouble because he has answered this question differently at different times. In fact, in response to the hosts' inquiry about what the Duo is, Panay begins his response: "I look at it as a Surface. And that's my mind; that's not even a trick. That's not a marketing tool." He continues, "This is Surface; it's a product that's going to adapt to what you need to do - period." Within the context of explaining the Duo's adaptability, to become what a user needs and its ability to replace one's phone, Panay continues: "This is my phone now, I don't have a problem saying [that]. That's where I kind of get in trouble; like you just said it wasn't a phone. I promise you, for many, it will be their phone; for others, it'll be a replacement for their tablet."

I note that even in this discourse, Panay does not assert the company's categorizing of the Duo as a phone or even a tablet. He stresses its adaptability to become whatever the user needs it to be. The fact that he calls it first a Surface, followed by a description of its context-conforming capabilities, concluding with stating that for some it would be a phone and others a tablet, while never definitively (for many) answering what the Duo is, predictably leaves some filling in the blanks for themselves. 

To be fair, it is challenging to name a new category for a category-defining "ultimate mobile device" that tries to do it all. But the daring use of a new word, or an old word unapologetically and consistently used in a new way (Surface perhaps), was needed for Microsoft to define and stake a claim in the new mobile category it hoped to pioneer with the Duo.  That’s what Apple would have done.

Ambition begone let’s make a smartphone

Microsoft's inconsistencies confused the market, which likely helped deliver a potentially fatal blow to its hopes of establishing a new category of dual-screen productivity-focused mobile devices. In fact, with Surface Duo 3, Microsoft is reportedly abandoning the dual screen, 360-degree hinge form factor, which allows for multiple postures, which were core to Microsoft's productivity vision for the Duo. 

Microsoft will instead pursue a single folding display with a less versatile 180-degree hinge. It seems Redmond is ceding ground from the "beyond the curve" portion of the mobile space in which it hoped to set its stakes and is instead setting up camp firmly in the smartphone market Nadella asserted he was not recommitting to with the Duo. 

Frankly, with single-display folding devices Samsung and others dominate mindshare in the smartphone portion of the still infantile yet broader folding mobile device space. Sadly, rather than remaining committed to its ambitious dual-screen productivity mobile device vision with the third iteration of the Duo, Microsoft is following the smartphone market.

Surface Duo 3 and the unambitious path of least resistance

Microsoft was either too lazy or their ability to execute too incoherent to educate consumers, tech journalists, and OEM partners of the Duo's merits, positioning, and purpose. Perhaps explaining how two displays keep a user's mind "in the flow, per Panay, how apps interact across two screens, how multitasking is optimized using two displays, how the device has different postures using its 360-degree hinge, how digital journaling across the broad displays and more makes the Duo a category-defining productivity powerhouse.

I suppose it was easier to make it a smartphone the third time because everyone understands smartphones, even fancy, expensive cutting-edge folding display smartphones. There's little to explain –and unlike the Duo, there is no significant learning curve. They're smartphones that get bigger when you unfold them. Simple. 

Conversely, Panay explained the Duo like this, "To be clear, there's a learning curve—it's new." But he added, "I don't think you'll be able to trade it in once you get productive on this product. And that, I think, is how a category is established." 

Panay is right. My Surface Duo 2 is hard to put down, and going back to a single-screen device is almost unthinkable – though perhaps inevitable as Microsoft ends Duo support. I wish Microsoft had done its part to help the market through that learning curve before pivoting to a less ambitious, potentially less productive, and in my opinion, more mundane mobile vision.

What Microsoft should do

The Surface Duo entered the market plagued with frustratingly buggy software. Microsoft's release of a costly device with such imperfect software made many users, reviewers, and perhaps OEM partners question Microsoft's seriousness about the category. Still, the Surface PC line had a tough beginning, but Microsoft was committed and educated the market on the merits of 2-in-1s. The company convinced OEM partners it was serious with its reference device positioning of the Surface Pro as it relentlessly pushed through two failures and substantial financial losses. Through commitment, industry education, and OEM support, a new category of 2-in-1s was born.

Microsoft should push through the initial failures of gen 1 and 2 of the Duo and aggressively stir consumer interest, educate the market, convince OEM partners the company is serious, and remain committed to the vision of the Duo with dual-screens, a 360-degree hinge and a productivity focus that encompasses but extends beyond the smartphone space. Will users immediately ditch their Android phones and iPhones? Nope. But Microsoft may succeed in educating the market that there is another way to "do mobile." 

Microsoft may convince OEMs it is serious, and, over time, these partners may use the Duo as a reference device for their takes on the new category and provide diversity and options across price points. I know Microsoft has no OS to license here. Still, it does have a play in leading a new category of mobile computing, with dynamic hardware, flexible Android, and evolving ways to integrate AI, Microsoft 365, and Microsoft Launcher in creative and powerful ways on a dual display productivity-focused Android device that makes calls.

Interestingly Lenovo's Yoga Book 9i dual-screen PC (a better Surface Neo), though a laptop, demonstrates some of the benefits and flexibility of dual-screen computing. The device has aroused a lot of interest and much excitement. Given the positive response to this dual-screen laptop, Microsoft may be exiting the dual-screen model too soon with the Surface Duo.

I'm a Rocky fan. And one of the most inspiring lines in that movie that encourages pressing forward despite how beat up one may be is, "One more round." Microsoft, keep the Surface Duo's dual-screen approach in the fight for one more round. 

What you need to know

• Microsoft recently released the May 2023 firmware update for Surface Duo and Surface Duo 2.
• According to users on Reddit and Twitter, the update causes several issues, including devices randomly restarting and failing to boot correctly.
• We have reached out to Microsoft regarding the issues to see how widespread they are.

Update 5/31/23 at 3:30 PM ET: Microsoft has responded to our request for comment with the following statement: "Microsoft is aware and is looking into it. For additional information please refer to our Microsoft’s Q&A community page: Surface Duo 2 - permanent reboots after Update may 30 2023 - Microsoft Community"

Microsoft shipped the May 2023 firmware update for Surface Duo and Surface Duo 2 in May, albeit on the last day of this month. That's an improvement over the release of the April 2023 security update that did not become available until May. Unfortunately for Surface Duo owners, there appear to be issues with the foldable's most recent update.

According to reports on Reddit and Twitter (1, 2, 3), the update includes a bug that can cause the Surface Duo and Surface Duo 2 to restart randomly. The device then suggests a factory reset. People have had mixed results working around the bug. Some have been able to use their Surface Duo by restarting it once or multiple times.

It's difficult to determine the extent of an issue like this with the information we have available. Three posts on the internet aren't a large sample size, even if some of those threads include several people that have run into the issue.

I've reached out to Microsoft about the issues. We'll update this post if we receive any information.

Windows Central take

I have to assume that anyone who still has a Surface Duo is an enthusiast. But even those who are most passionate about the Duo lineup appear to be losing faith in it. That's not surprising, as Microsoft seemingly abandoned the Duo. The device hasn't received a major update since October 2022 and even firmware and security updates ship late or with issues.

"Constantly random reboot with the try again message. It just happened while reading on Reddit. I just want to make it to the end of June, hello Pixel Fold. I'm really disappointed with Microsoft," said jlira65 on Reddit.

My guess is that's a common sentiment among those who have held onto the Duo this long.

Our Senior Editor Zac Bowden follows development of the Surface Duo closely and explained why the family of devices is in trouble. Microsoft has reportedly made major shifts to its plans for the Duo, including scrapping a dual-screen Duo coming out in 2023. Instead, the company will focus on a single-screen foldable that may come out in 2024.

Many members of the Surface Duo OS team were shifted to a different Android project as well.

Microsoft doesn't have plans to ship Android 13 to the Surface Duo, based on info as of late 2022. The company will reportedly focus on Android 14 instead, though plans are subject to change.

We'll have to see if Microsoft can recover the reputation of the Duo and show improved support for an extended period of time.

What you need to know

• Microsoft has released a new OS update for Surface Duo and Surface Duo 2.
• The update brings last month's security update to Duo users. 
• Microsoft hasn't delivered any bug fixes or quality of life updates since 2022.

Microsoft has released a new OS update for Surface Duo customers that brings with it last month's security update for Android 12L. Yes, you read that right. Microsoft has released the April 2023 security update for Surface Duo devices in May, a month behind most other flagship phones.

Just like the last several months, this month's OS update looks to bring nothing more than Google's security patch as the update is only around 25MB in size. The company is yet to publish a changelog for the release, but a quick poke around the OS after the update confirms there are no new features to note. 

For those keeping track, today's update brings the OS build number to 2022.827.29 on Surface Duo 2. 

Microsoft hasn't shipped new features, fixes, or quality of life updates to Surface Duo customers since December last year. It seems like the company has abandoned any efforts to build out the Surface Duo with new features and fixes, as much of the team was recently moved over to a new Android product dubbed Teams Rooms on Android.

In January, we reported that Microsoft had decided to cancel plans to ship a dual-screen Surface Duo 3 in 2023, and is instead moving to a traditional single-screen foldable style for its next phone, which likely won't see the light of day until the end of 2024 at the earliest. That means existing Surface Duo customers will be without a successor for quite some time, and Microsoft's lack of new software features and fixes isn't making the wait easier. 

Microsoft’s dual-screen foldable smartphone has seemingly been abandoned. At least, that’s how it looks on the outside. The last major software update the Surface Duo received was in October 2022, when the company delivered Android 12L. Since then, movement on new features and bug fixes has pretty much ground to a halt.

A major OS update often comes with a couple of months of bug fixing afterward to iron out any new issues that may have popped up with all the new changes that a major OS release brings. That’s not the case with Android 12L on the Surface Duo. Microsoft pushed out this update and has fixed just one bug since.

Android 12L for Surface Duo was not a perfect release, and it did introduce new issues users assumed would be fixed in due course, but that hasn’t happened. The company has continued to release Android security updates, but the changelogs for these monthly updates make no mention of general OS fixes or improvements, which implies Microsoft is doing the bare minimum for these releases.

Even then, the bare minimum clearly wasn’t enough in April, as the Surface Duo failed to receive the April 2023 security update, marking the first time since the device launched that Microsoft has failed to issue an up-to-date security patch for the device.

And it’s not just the OS that’s being neglected, Microsoft’s own Android app teams seem to have abandoned the Surface Duo too. SwiftKey just recently got updated with Bing AI capabilities, which is awesome and it works across a wide range of Android smartphones, including the latest Samsung devices. But the feature is not available on Surface Duo.

I asked Microsoft if Bing AI would be coming to SwiftKey on Surface Duo, and got a “nothing to share” comment back from a spokesperson. That’s frankly shocking. I also asked Microsoft if it could say whether Android 13 was in the works for Surface Duo devices, to which I received the same “nothing to share” response. Unbelievable.

So what's happening?

I reported in January that Microsoft had scrapped plans to ship a dual-screen Surface Duo 3 in 2023, and instead refocused its efforts on a single-screen foldable design that would target a late 2024 release window. Throughout 2022, the Surface Duo OS team were tasked with modifying the experience for a single-screen foldable, laying the groundwork for this next-generation Surface foldable.

Alongside this effort, many of the Surface Duo OS team were moved over to a new Android project, which was just recently announced as Teams Rooms on Android.

Teams Rooms on Android is Microsoft’s attempt at becoming an AOSP vendor for device makers building Teams-powered conferencing devices like desk phones. Previously, OEMs built their own software for these devices and licensed the Teams integration, but now, Microsoft has full control of the OS from the ground up.

For whatever reason, Microsoft considers this effort more important than supporting the Surface Duo with new features and bug fixes, so work on Android for Surface Duo has slowed while the team focused on Teams Rooms on Android. That’s why Android 12L launched in October and has received pretty much no fixes or improvements since.

What’s worse is I’m told that as of late 2022, Microsoft had no plans to ship Android 13 for Surface Duo, with the thinking being that the company would wait for Android 14 first. That might have changed since, but I’ve not been able to confirm it.

Microsoft + Google partnership isn't helping

I have heard from many sources now that Microsoft’s highly touted “partnership” with Google on the Surface Duo extends no further than a standard OEM partnership that Google holds with all Android manufacturers. In fact, I hear that the partnership has turned a bit sour, with Google refusing to offer Microsoft access to Android source-code ahead of general availability like it does with other OEMs such as Samsung.

This is why Android 12L for Surface Duo took so long, because unlike Samsung and other OEMs, Microsoft had to wait until Android 12L was finished in March 2022 before it could start working on porting the OS to Surface Duo. Samsung was able to begin that work for the Galaxy Fold 3 and Galaxy Fold 4 a few months earlier.

My sources don’t know why the partnership between Microsoft and Google isn’t working. Perhaps it has something to do with Microsoft’s rumored mobile app store?

Surface Duo 3 has an uphill battle ahead of it

Designing hardware is all well and good, but unless you can get the software teams to fully invest in the hardware, there's really no point. That's the Surface Duo and Surface Duo 2's ultimate downfall. Google, heck, not even Microsoft wants to properly support a dual-screen foldable, which is why the company is pivoting to a traditional foldable design instead.

But that means Microsoft needs to fully invest in the Android OS side of things to differentiate a foldable Surface Duo from the competition. Why buy a foldable Surface Duo 3 over a Pixel Fold or Galaxy Fold? That's a question Microsoft is aware it needs to answer.

As it currently stands, it doesn't look like Microsoft has the resources to fully invest in this vision. Recent layoffs haven't helped, and I hear many orgs have been asked to focus on projects that are more likely to make a profit, which means devices like the Surface Duo 3 are being temporarily placed on the back burner.

I think it's fair to say that the Surface Duo is in trouble, and it's going to need all the important Android software teams at Microsoft to get behind any future vision if it really wants to ship a Surface Duo 3 next fall. 

Despite having started my journey in this industry covering phones, I'm just not interested in them anymore. And so, initially I dismissed the Surface Duo, no matter how impressed I found myself with its design and potential. I'm just bored with phones now. That's why I use an iPhone. Because it's boring and just does the phone things I want. 

However, I have now, finally, actually tried the Surface Duo. It's the first-gen model, so not the latest and greatest, but that's absolutely fine. I only care about horsepower on my PC. The form factor and potential use cases in my daily life are what I'm more interested in, anyway. 

I've been playing with one for just over a week now, and I'm already convinced. Not that it could be my phone, my only device. Not at all. There's no way that I, personally, could use a device like this as a phone I use to call people with and do other mundane phone things. But the Surface Duo has completely consumed me as a replacement for a tablet. And my Kindle. And now I want the Surface Neo to become a real thing again.

Two screens are better than one

I've used every sized iPad from the Mini up to the iPad Pro 12.9, and none have ever stuck. I'll use them for a while and then just get bored. Part of that is iOS, it just doesn't do what I wish could be done on larger screens. But mostly it's because even the smallest one is still quite a large thing and doesn't really feel like something I want to carry around alongside my iPhone. 

But the Surface Duo has two screens. And with that comes so many possibilities. I generally use a tablet to relax, but occasionally for more boring tasks like checking email, social media, etc. However good split screen or multi-app support has been on the iPad or the few times I've tried living with an Android tablet, having two distinct screens is just better. 

It's like using two big-screen phones at once. So using more than one app doesn't ever feel like I'm being distracted. And of course, folding it around and turning off one display means I can focus when I want to. 

It's been really awesome for watching media content, too. Daily, now, if I'm washing the dishes or eating lunch at the kitchen table, the Duo comes with me. Folding one display up to watch Netflix or YouTube without needing a case with a kickstand is more convenient than I ever thought possible. It's just nice. Really nice. 

More portable than a tablet or a Kindle

The real gem of the Surface Duo is that it folds in half. And I, for one, am glad it isn't a folding display with an unsightly seam down the middle. Those things drive me crazy. 

But the Surface Duo fits in any pocket on any of my clothing. It hasn't been beaten once. I can't say the same for an iPad Mini or my Kindle. That's the other device that has been replaced by the Duo. 

I never enjoyed reading on an iPad. Or my phone. So I bought a Kindle. Naturally, it still has many advantages, but the Kindle app is properly optimized for the Duo and so you get two pages on it at a time. And you can hold it like a real book. These little details mean the Kindle has now retired to a drawer and the Surface Duo is the main reading device now. 

But it's not just a fancy e-reader. The fact it runs Android, the fact it can seamlessly run two apps side by side, is incredibly portable, and has huge screen real estate when required has been a game changer for me. I guess I really did just need to bite the bullet and try it for myself to see that. 

Now I just need one with Windows

The Surface Neo was always interesting to me and I was really disappointed when it got canned. While that might not be happening anymore it does at least give me hope for the future to see folding devices from the likes of Lenovo and ASUS. 

I still think that I would personally prefer to have two separate displays over a single folding one. I'm still a little unsure about the longevity of folding displays for the length of time I traditionally like to keep a device that would cost so much, and I guess I'm going to have to get over the crease that inevitably seems to follow these things. Especially if the Surface Duo 3 is going to go down this path. 

While Microsoft may not be getting into the larger devices itself, we are in good hands it seems when it comes to getting these types of devices from others. Lenovo is already well into it, even now experimenting with rollable displays for its laptops. The ASUS folding ZenBook also looks incredible, and there's bound to be even more selection coming in the future. 

I guess using the Surface Duo finally has been a transformative experience. 

There’s no hiding that I’m an advocate for dual screens regarding Surface Duo. While I certainly appreciate and think single-screen foldables are fantastic, I respected what Microsoft attempted to do with Surface Duo and its follow-up Surface Duo 2.

A new report from our own Zac Bowden says Microsoft has finally decided to move away from dual screens to a single-screen foldable for whatever follows Surface Duo 2. We’ve discussed a potential move like this since last summer on our weekly podcast, so it is hardly surprising if you’ve been paying attention.

Microsoft’s decision disappoints me, but I also agree with it. Here’s why.

First off, I’m a believer in the market. And while I’ve vouched for niche devices in the past, which is effectively the entire PC laptops industry with its various form factors, that device also needs to be at least somewhat popular.

Surface Duo was not that because it has a severe image problem.

Bowden noted on Twitter that most people see Surface Duo as a Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 with a huge flaw: A gap down the middle. I feel that’s the wrong way to view Surface Duo, and those who use the device will back me up here. Still, despite my attempts to get people to think differently, I agree with Bowden’s assessment — people who don’t own Surface Duo don’t understand Surface Duo.

Many also didn’t get Microsoft’s Windows Phone. While we can blame the public, we can’t ignore them.

Maybe that’s all a flaw in Microsoft’s marketing, or lack thereof, in educating the public about the virtues of a dual-screen phone. That’s true, but I also don’t believe it wouldn’t have mattered much. A device like Surface Duo would have been much more successful if Samsung’s foldable wasn’t already on the market competing in mindshare. The comparisons, while superficial, were inevitable.

I’ll also note that Microsoft canceling Surface Duo’s bigger brother — Surface Neo — did not help. If both devices came out simultaneously, people would at least see some synergy (even if they run different operating systems) and not some one-off device. That would have helped the cause for dual screen acceptance, but even there, I questioned the size of the Surface Neo as being too small for a PC. (Luckily for us, Lenovo is swooping in with its lovely Yoga Book 9i).

There’s also the more significant problem that Surface Duo and Surface Duo 2 came out of the gate with terrible reviews. Putting aside how many of those reviewers didn’t understand the function of dual screens per se, the buggy OS experience most certainly made the matter much worse.

They say first impressions matter for a reason.

Why going single foldable screen is a good thing

Microsoft’s choice to go to a single foldable screen garners some new advantages that may not be clear. Sure, the concept is now much more familiar, so it is not combating that perception problem it had previously. Of course, that’s already huge, but I think most people can figure that benefit out without help.

But the more significant advantage is that Microsoft will likely source on-market display options from either LG or Samsung. That’s a shift from Microsoft having to have custom dual screens made to its specifications that no other company in the world was using. Doing boutique, custom parts from a production standpoint is costly. In addition, complexities make it more likely to hit supply constraints or other production problems.

The cost decreases significantly if Microsoft uses a foldable display that other companies are already leveraging. We see this all the time in the PC industry. For example, only Microsoft uses 3:2 displays in its Surface devices. Other OEMs didn’t jump on board right away because of the cost. However, as display makers began ramping up production, we saw more OEMs adopt the aspect ratio (I’ve heard this firsthand from OEMs). The same goes for 4K screens, OLED, fast refresh rate displays, full HD webcams, and more.

Trickle-down tech is a thing.

Not only does this choice of display tech reduce costs, but it makes availability much better too. That’s important if you want to control volume and have a product that has fewer issues.

That cost saving is likely to be passed down to the consumer. For a good reason, many balked at the price of Surface Duo and Surface Duo 2. But all the custom hardware (batteries, board components, wiring, displays) drove up costs (our sourcing says Microsoft was barely making a profit on them).

By adopting a “me too,” strategy Microsoft could make “Surface Duo 3” much more competitively priced. That’s another piece of the puzzle to sell more devices for obvious reasons.

But now there’s a new problem …

Not everything is turning up roses with a single-screen foldable from Microsoft. You likely already thought of the million-dollar question: How does Microsoft make this thing different from Samsung's foldable and better?

That I don’t know.

I’d like to see Microsoft replicate the dual-screen experience on a single screen as a default behavior. This behavior already happens when you plug Surface Duo into an external display since Android doesn’t actually “see” two screens, just one with a software gap in the middle.

Being just software, Microsoft could give users a toggle to make that dual-screen experience optional. But, of course, that’s trivial to solve if you want every app to launch full screen.

Microsoft could also make the phone work better with Windows 11. It’s already reportedly working on such a project, but it seems Android-wide and not device-specific, so I’m not sure how it one-ups Samsung here.

For some, simply having a stripped-down Android experience with preloaded Microsoft apps is a good enough reason. I think that’s fine for the fans, but I don’t see that as a winning solution against Samsung’s installed user base and advertising machine.

How Microsoft solves this differentiation problem will be the thing to watch.

Some of this may be moot, however. While I was covering the smartphone revolution in 2007, I don’t recall people saying LG, HTC, Samsung, OnePlus, Huawei, etc., shouldn’t make a smartphone because we already had a single-screen winner with Apple.

It’s weird to believe that only one company can make a single-screen smartphone, and the same applies to foldables. Imagine if Samsung (and only Samsung) made one traditional Android phone! I think people may want a bit more variety.

But to wrap this up, Microsoft made the right choice if its only concern is making Surface Duo a viable product line worth continuing. If going single-screen foldable helps that cause, as I believe it does, then that’s a good thing, as I’d rather have a foldable Surface Duo 3 than nothing, given a choice. I just hope Microsoft fixes the things Samsung got wrong.

What you need to know

• Surface Duo 2 is out of stock in several markets, and has been for weeks.
• Microsoft says it's aware of the issue, but won't confirm if production has ceased.
• The company has reaffirmed its commitment to the Surface Duo line.

Surface Duo 2 is running out of stock worldwide, and it's starting to look like there are no plans to produce more units anytime soon. Over the holidays, people have noticed the Surface Duo 2 go out of stock at the Microsoft Store in multiple regions, with only a handful of markets left with one or two SKUs available to buy.

In fact, it’s been difficult to find new Surface Duo 2’s in stock for months, with Microsoft blaming the component shortage as the reason for this originally. Surface Duo 2 has since been trickling in and out of stock, but now it appears the company isn’t currently producing more units. We reached out to Microsoft for another update on Surface Duo 2 availability, and here’s what a Microsoft spokesperson told us:

"We are aware supply is currently falling short of demand in several markets. While we do not have inventory information to share at present, Surface Duo remains an important part of the Surface portfolio."

Microsoft would not confirm if production on Surface Duo 2 has ended, though it’s certainly looking that way. The device is over a year old now, and most potential buyers on the market for a new phone are liking looking at phones released more recently with better specs for the same price as a new Surface Duo 2.

Although the company has sold through its stock of Surface Duo 2 units, Microsoft does say its Android efforts remain an important part of the Surface portfolio. The hardware is just one part of the story, with software features, updates, and more still in the works for existing users throughout 2023.

My sources also tell me that Microsoft isn’t quitting the Android hardware business, with a “third generation” Surface Android phone in the works as we speak. I’ll have more to share on this soon. In the meantime, if you're looking to buy a Surface Duo 2, you'll have to look for it at third party retailers or buy used from sites like eBay.

What you need to know

• Microsoft is rolling out the Android December 2022 security patch for Surface Duo and Surface Duo 2.
• This month's update also includes one crucial fix that has been plaguing devices since 12L launched.
• This update fixes the issue where phone calls were not coming in or going out.

Microsoft is now rolling out the final firmware update for Surface Duo and Surface Duo 2 for 2022, this month featuring an important fix in addition to Android's usual security patch for this month. That fix addresses an issue on Surface Duo 2 where users weren't able to receive or make phone calls after updating to Android 12L, a pretty big problem.

Now, with this month's update, that issue has been resolved. The build number for Surface Duo is 2022.819.16 and 2022.819.57 for Surface Duo 2. Both updates are around 16mb in size.

Here's the short changelog for this month's update:

• Addresses scenarios outlined in the Android Security Bulletin – December 2022.
• Fixes scenario following upgrade to Android 12L when incoming calls would go directly to voicemail and outgoing calls would end immediately. (Duo 2 only)

How to check for updates on Surface Duo

Want to get the update as soon as possible? Here's what you need to know.

• Connect to a Wi-Fi network.
• Open Settings in your app drawer.
• Select System.
• Select System Update.
• Select Check for update.
• Select Restart now.

What you need to know

• Developer Gustave Monce has released the initial package to install Windows 11 on Surface Duo 2.
• Monce has previously released tools to get Windows 11 on the original Surface Duo, which now is mostly working.
• The release is still incredibly early as only one core of the SoC is working and there is no touch support yet for the dual displays.
• The full project is viewable on GitHub

You must give it up to those who bravely tinker with expensive hardware to get it to run software it wasn’t intended for. Such is the case with the Microsoft Surface Duo 2, its dual-screen Android smartphone, which is getting some early tools to get it to run the full Windows 11 operating system.

Gustave Monce, also known as @gus33000 on Twitter, released Version 2211.16 of his Surface Duo 2 drivers. The entire project is posted on GitHub including directions on how to get it all to work – it’s not for the faint of heart.

This project is one of a few Monce has been working on with the Surface Duo series. Since both devices run Qualcomm Snapdragon processors getting Windows 11 on ARM to run on them is doable. The problem arises with all the other hardware like sensors, cameras, touch displays, cellular, GPS, and more, which require drivers and a lot of testing.

Monce notes that this is just version 1 of the project, and while it is still exceedingly early, “there's also some cool things working.” On the GitHub status page for the project, you can see that the left display panel, thermal sensors, lid hall sensor, Modern Standby, USB C, buttons, and charger are all working. While the processor works (obviously), only one core from the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 is running out of eight.

As to what is not working, well, it’s a lot. Cellular (calls, data, texts, LTE), GPS, touch, pen digitizer, Wi-Fi, vibration motor, Bluetooth, camera, NFC, and more are all on the list. As such, Windows 11 on Surface Duo 2 is not even close to being a usable operating system for everyday use.

Monce also remarks on some serious caveats to the installation that you should be aware of:

• You will have to back up your data, as the installation process wipes it.
• You will lose NFC payments with an unlocked bootloader.
• It isn't really ready for you to use outside (no touch etc).
• No warranty of any kind.

That last part is crucial because if you get your Surface Duo 2 in an unusable state, there is little recourse for official support. That said, Monce is more than willing to help anyone who runs into issues via his Telegram channel or Twitter.

Getting Windows 11 on Surface Duo 2 is a bit ironic. As we’ve noted in the history of the original Surface Duo, Microsoft had intended these devices to be running a new version of Windows internally dubbed “Andromeda OS.” That project, however, fell apart due to missed milestones. But instead of scrapping all the development of the hardware, Microsoft decided to put Android 11 on it with the blessing of Google.

While Surface Duo was never intended to run full Windows 11, like this project, it’s still a fun thing to see working, even at this early stage. Questions remain if such a device would be practical for everyday use due to the small displays, but it goes to show you just how versatile Windows can be.

Last year, I grabbed a Surface Duo 2 from the Microsoft Store as my professional, and personal curiosity reached a fever pitch. The original Surface Duo was a decent first attempt, but the buggy software, horrible camera, and odd price point really blurred the value proposition for me. Fast forward to the Surface Duo 2; did the Surface team learn anything? At least at launch, apparently not. 

The Surface Duo 2, much like its predecessor, launched with software I wouldn't mind calling half-baked. The touch response hadn't been improved enough from the first phone, and performance on side-by-side apps was simply not as good as my Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3, which I had also just purchased. In a battle between the two flagship foldies, I ended up opting for the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 and returned my Surface Duo 2. That was then, though. This is now. 

My Galaxy Z Fold 3 flexible screen just randomly died on me a few weeks ago. Now I know these new-fangled flexy-screens are fragile, but I had expected my phone to break due to a fall or some other unfortunate accident. Hilariously, the screen died while passively using Twitter, which was not at all expected. To Samsung's credit, they replaced the screen for free within two weeks, and that's the reliability I've come to expect from the company. However, in the interim, I still needed a phone. 

Having heard my pleas and complaints on Twitter about the Galaxy Z Fold 3, Microsoft offered me the chance to go hands-on with their latest updates and improvements for the Surface Duo 2. Indeed, we've been documenting just how hard Microsoft has been working to update its flagship mobile device over the past year. So, I was naturally curious to see the extent to which Microsoft had improved the experience. 

It's still far from perfect. And, honestly, quite spectacularly impossible to recommend at the current retail price. But I am in the unique position to choose between both the Galazy Z Fold 3 and the Surface Duo 2. I was stunned at how close it came between the two. 

Two screens IS better than one

Do foldable phones need to exist at all? The markets don't yet seem entirely sure, but Samsung at least has plowed ahead into its fourth iteration of its foldable, and we expect Microsoft to follow up with a Surface Duo 3 maybe next year. When my Galaxy Z Fold 3 broke, I asked myself if I shouldn't just get a regular Samsung Galazy S22 or something. I've always babied my Galaxy Fold. The plastic-feeling screen has always been anxiety-inducingly fragile. When I went to the seaside this summer, the terrifying crunch of getting air-borne sand trapped in the hinge mechanism gave me pause. 

The compromises on the Galaxy Fold line are pretty clear. A fragile display meets an "average" battery and arguably a sub-par camera array in exchange for a phone that can double as a mini tablet. I loved this thing for gaming, with its large and clear display ideal for arranging touch controls and also consuming media. But the downsides are numerous, notwithstanding the fact that the screen died simply from being looked at. 

This is where the Surface Duo 2 presents a clear advantage. This thing is made of good ol' regular glass. I don't need to worry about dust getting trapped in the hinge mechanism, nor do I need to baby the screen with protectors. I don't need to worry about a grain of silt cracking the display if I fold it at the wrong time. It feels safer to use, and it actually folds flat when closed, unlike the Galaxy Fold 3. 

The downside here, of course, is that the bezels are chunky, reducing the body-to-screen ratio fairly unpleasantly. And the big split down the middle means you can't use all of that combined screen real estate for media consumption. However, the multi-tasking experience on the Duo 2 is definitely a cut above what Samsung is able to offer with its flexible option, with Android itself being partially to blame here potentially. 

Samsung uses virtual containers for its multitasking experience. You can drag and drop apps for a side-by-side experience, which is useful and intuitive. However, if you interact with a text box, the on-screen keyboard shifts everything around if it's docked, and typically you'll want it to be docked. The Surface Duo 2 screens work largely independently of each other, however, and I'd argue that the wider aspect ratio generally makes for a better side-by-side portrait experience, anyway. 

One thing I've found myself doing regularly is putting a Udemy art course on one screen while using Autodesk Sketchbook on the other. The split between the displays means I don't need to consider how interacting on one side would impact the other since they're completely isolated unless I'm directly actuating the display. 

I've also found myself pleasantly surprised by the hardware experience after months' worth of updates. Inking on the Duo 2 feels great, and the Surface Slim Pen feels a cut above the small and squashy nib found on the Galaxy Fold's S-Pen. The Duo 2 has even impressed me with its camera array, which is at least comparable to the Galaxy Fold 3, if not superior, in certain situations. 

I also love the Xbox Game Pass implementation on the Surface Duo 2. Using the second display as a virtual gamepad is a stroke of genius. It's simply superior to other touch solutions since the gamepad isn't laying on top of the gameplay elements. The positioning of the USB-C port also means I can add a gamepad like the Razer Kishi V2 or the GameSir X2 Pro without creating a top-heavy, unbalanced device, which is impossible with the Galaxy Fold 3 due to its off-set USB-C port in tablet mode. 

Being able to fold the display backward also has some fun advantages. Setting the phone into a "tent" configuration for watching content on a train or plane while also angling the phone with a timer for taking photographs or selfies. 

It's also just generally more elegant than the Galaxy Z Fold 3. It's sexier, with a stark unique design and unrelenting physical polish from its robust hinge work to that gorgeous and slim glass body. 

Yet still, the experience is far from perfect. In a lot of ways, Surface is still playing catch up with its implementation of Android. 

Polish is everything in 2022

While I've ended up preferring the dual-screen implementation in the Surface Duo 2, the same cannot be said for the OS experience in general. Without a doubt, Samsung's version of Android is still the more polished and feature-complete version of the two designs, although the gap is quite rapidly closing. 

Microsoft unleashed a fairly large update for the Surface Duo range based on Android 12L. The update is supposed to bring new design standards for app developers making experiences for dual-screen phones, but it will also bring a range of new quality improvements to the Duo on the side. We'll finally have some (frustratingly limited) accent color customization for the OS layer, for example. We also got some refreshed design language to bring it in line with Windows 11, with a new settings app, among other tweaks. Still, the overall experience is vastly improved from the first time I went hands-on with the Duo 2. But no phones live in isolation. It's tough not to draw direct comparisons to Samsung's Galaxy phones or Apple's iPhones, given that they bear similar costs and features and exist in the same space. In a world where all devices are equal, it does come down to things like polish alongside unique exclusive features. 

I was saddened to discover the Xbox Game Pass implementation on the Surface Duo 2 was broken and had been broken for several weeks. While a fix is rolling out now, I can't help but wonder if anyone at Microsoft had even noticed it. Had it not been for Windows Central amplifying complaints, would it have ever been fixed? There's very little dialogue between Surface and its community, unfortunately, so we have absolutely no idea.

I'm also not a fan of how multi-tasking works while the phone is in landscape mode, with the keyboard taking up the entire display, shoving the top app out of the picture entirely. It defeats the positives I mentioned earlier about having more control over what happens on each display and makes me wonder if Surface engineers are actively using the device for media consumption. 

I was also disappointed to discover that the Surface Slim Pen 2 haptics do not work on the Surface Duo 2, which is a big bummer considering how expensive the Surface Slim Pen 2 (and the associated magnetic Duo cover) is. And finally, the radios on the Surface Duo 2, again, do not seem as powerful as the Galaxy Z Fold 3. When in my pocket, the Surface Duo 2 cannot connect adequately to my Bluetooth earbuds, which has led to me piling on another expense to get a 3.5mm USB-C connector for music. However, the recent Android 12 L update may have improved the situation there. 

Either way, therein lies the central criticism of the Surface Duo 2, ultimately. While I have come to feel like it's giving me a better overall "phone" experience than the Galaxy Z Fold 3, it's still tough to recommend due to associated costs. Based on pure form factor, I think the Duo 2 is the correct road to travel for Microsoft. But, if it's the form factor keeping prices this high, I can't help but wonder if there isn't a regular ol' one-screen phone in Microsoft's future. A Surface Solo, if you will. 

I am a Surface Duo convert, almost

I sort of "got" the Surface Duo 2 when I stopped trying to use it like a tablet and instead started using it more like a laptop with dual-screen monitors. You don't always need two displays, and I was somehow trying to force myself to use both displays simply because I had them. Once I started trying to use it like a regular phone, opting for dual screens only as needed, I ended up preferring it to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3. That's part of the problem, potentially. I had to actively try to figure out how to best enjoy this device since it's such a departure from what we're typically used to as consumers. At least the Galaxy Fold 3 is a little more familiar in its tablet configuration. But this is what Surface is all about — punching holes in convention. The iPad itself has started co-opting the Surface Pro's kickstand design, proving that, in reality, Microsoft was right all along. 

As PCs have gotten more powerful and more capable, adding second displays to your setup has become increasingly commonplace. Maybe the same is becoming true for phones as well. There are rumors Microsoft may be exploring building its own Android store, too, akin to Samsung's Galaxy Store, and I would argue any serious competition in an Apple-Google-dominated mobile world is a good thing at this point. 

The Duo 2 has a lot of drawbacks and downsides, especially baked into that price point. But increasingly, I think Microsoft has gotten it right in essence. Where my choice between the Duo 2 and the Galaxy Fold 3 boiled down to a litany of problems, this time, it's simply because I can't stand the Surface Duo 2's limited accent color options. The gap has closed so much that it's essentially only trivialities keeping me off the Duo line at this point. 

It's with that in mind that I think the Duo line could be poised to go broader. Perhaps all it needs is that true "Surface Pro 3" moment — where the compromises are eliminated, and the software experience reaches full maturity, complete with a more affordable option. Either way, I'm coming along for the ride. Long live the Duo. 

If you own a laptop or smartphone, you probably have heard of Dbrand, which also sponsors many podcasts and YouTube videos. The company has been at it for years, making some of the best skins for your products, especially since they are made from high-quality 3M vinyl, which is thicker and lasts longer.

The company recently released a new “camo” series and sent us over a few for the Surface Duo 2 to go with our fresh Android 12L update (although they are available for nearly every other Surface or smartphone on the market).

Two camos – Navy and Arctic – are similar to the US military’s “digital camo” Battle Dress Uniform (BDU) and are pretty tame. Indeed, Arctic Camo seems perfect for the upcoming winter months if you like to match your device to seasons. Navy Camo is also eye-catching, but without drawing too much attention, and the darker hue goes well with black devices.

(We’re also tossing in the new Gray Carbon, which is very conservative but gives your device a mix of black and white colorways. Plus, the texture is fantastic.)

But the new Glitch Camo is really messing with our heads.

But the new Glitch Camo is really messing with our heads.

Like the Navy and Arctic, the Glitch Camo is “digital” with blocky black, gray, and white color patterns. But it’s the addition of yellow, blue, and red “glitched” that forces our eyes to take pause.

Glitch is an increasingly popular art form where people take existing images and add a video-like glitch effect to create a retro-dystopian vibe. I use a lot of glitch artwork as wallpaper for Surface Duo 2 and my laptops, as it’s both abstract and often mesmerizing.

There’s no doubt Glitch Camo is a bold choice only for the brave. But surprisingly, it has quickly grown on me, and I plan to stick with it.

If you are interested in the new Dbrand Camo-series, you can find them on their site starting at $22.95 for Surface Duo 2 (which includes front, back, and camera housing). There are also the brilliant “Teardowns,” which show the inside of your device as if your phone is transparent.

Dbrand’s skins are also now available for Surface Pro 9 and Surface Laptop 5.

What you need to know

• Microsoft's big Android 12L release for Surface Duo and Surface Duo 2 is now available.
• It features a new UI based on Microsoft's own Fluent design language.
• There are also new fluid animations and pen features, and is 3.2GB in size.

It's finally here! After months of waiting, Microsoft has released its big Android 12L update for the Surface Duo and Surface Duo 2, which features an updated user interface that incorporates Microsoft's Fluent design language in many areas of the system, such as the notification shade, Settings app, and Microsoft Launcher activity feed.

Android 12L for Surface Duo also introduces a new Pen menu feature, which functions similarly to the Pen menu on Windows 11 by clicking the top button on a Surface Slim Pen 2 to reveal a quick launch panel for four apps of your choice. The new pen menu on Android 12L also shows your pen's battery percentage.

A big theme with this release is UI polish and consistency with Windows 11's current design language. Many areas of the OS, such as the notifications pane and multitasking switcher, now incorporate blur effects, and many gesture animations have been updated to appear more fluid and integrated with the Microsoft Launcher. 

Of course, all the stock Android 12L enhancements are also here, including wallpaper accent color theming, more privacy controls, microphone and camera usage indicators, and more. Interestingly, Microsoft is not adding the Android 12L taskbar experience to Surface Duo.

The update is 3.2GB in size for Surface Duo 2 and 2.6GB for Surface Duo 1. 

(Note: If you have an AT&T-branded Surface Duo 1 you may have to wait a few days for that update to be greenlit by the carrier.)

You can read more about the update on the official Microsoft Blog. 

Here's the official changelog:

• Upgrades the Android operating system to Android 12L for foldable devices. For general information about Android 12, see Android 12.
• Addresses scenario outlined in the Android Security Bulletin—October 2022.
• New Fluent UI—redesigned Quick Settings and Settings, refreshed Microsoft feed design, new acrylic system effects.
• Windows accent color styles and dynamic theming based on chosen wallpaper.
• New Windows inspired wallpaper.
• Pen menu for Surface Slim Pen 2.
• Transfer Microsoft Teams meeting through the Time widget.
• Optimize battery usage and performance for Microsoft Teams through hardware offloading.

How to update Surface Duo / Surface Duo 2

• Connect to a Wi-Fi network.
• Select Settings on your Surface Duo's home screen.
• Select System.
• Select System Update.
• Select Check for update.
• Select Restart now.

What you need to know

• The Surface Duo is a dual-screen Android phone from Microsoft. 
• The Surface Duo line supports a unique feature with Xbox Game Pass and Xbox Cloud Gaming, allowing for the second display to act as a touch gamepad. 
• Sadly, the feature has been broken for a while, but Microsoft says a fix is on the way. 

One of the coolest unique features of the Surface Duo is the Xbox Game Pass implementation. On a Surface Duo or a Surface Duo 2, spanning the Xbox Game Pass app across both screens transforms it into a Nintendo DS-like experience, giving you a gamepad on the bottom display. 

This is awesome primarily because it removes the touch controls from the screen, meaning that your thumbs no longer obscure gameplay. Xbox console games are generally not designed with phones in mind, and the Surface Duo's unique form factor went a long way to solving this problem with Xbox Cloud Gaming titles. Or at least, it did. 

For quite a few weeks now, Xbox Game Pass has been broken on the Surface Duo line. The second screen functionality went missing in an update a while back, and more recently, the app itself won't even launch at all in some instances. You can grab the Xbox Game Pass (Beta) app as a temporary workaround, but that doesn't solve the missing dual-screen functionality. Moreover, you can't use Xbox remote play features either on the Surface Duo, likely as a result of the same bugs. Thankfully, Microsoft is working on a fix. 

In a statement to Windows Central, a Microsoft spokesperson said that an update will solve this problem hopefully quite soon.

"Microsoft is aware that Surface Duo 2 users are experiencing issues using Remote Play and the second screen experience with Xbox Cloud Gaming. The team is investigating the issue and working to provide a fix in the coming days."

The Surface Duo is a truly unique smartphone in a world of boring rectangles, bringing additional functionality and multi-tasking capabilities that other devices simply aren't capable of. Even the more popular Galaxy Fold line falls over when it comes to side-by-side app usage, given that regardless of what app is currently in focus, the keyboard will still shift everything around as you're trying to work. I recently tried using a Galaxy Fold 3 as my sole device with a Bluetooth keyboard for covering an event, and found it to be quite painful when attempting to do anything beyond the bare basics. With the Duo 2's independent screens, it was far easier to work on one display without disturbing the content on the other, which I found to be a vastly improved workflow. 

I'll have a bigger article with some of my experiences switching to the Surface Duo 2 in the coming days, but it's encouraging to see Microsoft's willingness to fix what is quite likely a very niche feature for current Duo users. But I for one will be happy to see it return, as one of the Xbox Cloud Gaming faithful. 

Microsoft recently announced a mountain of new Surface products and features, so be sure to take a look at our recent Surface event roundup right here. 

What you need to know

• Microsoft has provided us a first look at the new Surface Duo.
• The update brings Microsoft's Fluent design language to Android.
• Microsoft says the update is coming "later this year."

Microsoft has given us a first look at the upcoming Android 12L release for Surface Duo, which features a new design that's more reminiscent of Windows 11's Fluent design language. It features an updated notifications panel, new blur effects, and a redesigned Settings app with Windows 11-style icons.

Microsoft has been working on the Android 12L release for Surface Duo since March, and marks the first time the company is applying its own design language to the Android OS. This is part of an effort to better represent the Surface Duo as an extension of Windows PCs, while still being a familiar Android experience.

The release also includes Android 12's new accent color system, which can apply an accent color that's based on the wallpaper you have set. This should offer more customizability compared to the Android 11 release, which was devoid of color in many areas of the interface.

Microsoft is giving no firm date for when Android 12L will arrive for Surface Duo, only saying that it will begin rolling out "later this year." We'll be sure to cover the update in-depth when it's made available in the coming weeks. We expect the update to be available for both Surface Duo 1 and Surface Duo 2 users.

The company just unveiled a handful of new Surface products, including a new Surface Pro 9, Surface Laptop 5, and Surace Studio 2+. It also unveiled a new Audio Dock and Teams remote, though sadly we didn't get any info on a new Surface Duo. Microsoft remains committed to the line, and we expect the company to return to the market with a new Duo late next year.

Be sure to check out our roundup of all the announcements to come out of the Surface event today!

What you need to know

• Surface Duo 2 has a prominent camera bump on the rear preventing it from reverse-folding without a gap.
• Some Surface Duo 2 owners are unhappy with the design choice.
• One brave man (with some mad talents) showed how he completely removed the Duo 2’s camera housing.

When it comes to hardcore Surface Duo fans, one of the dividing points is over the Surface Duo 2’s prominent camera bump. Microsoft did some brilliant engineering to get the triple-camera array onto the rear of such a thin device while also addressing one of the biggest complaints of the first Surface Duo.

But not everyone is happy with the decision, including those who love Surface Duo for dual-screen multitasking and reverse folding it completely flat.

One brave user, Phil Knall, has gone where no one has gone before by removing the entire camera module from Surface Duo 2, pasting it back together, and creating his dream device.

As you can imagine, the process is not for the light-hearted (or technologically challenged). Knall has skills and not only showed off the resulting photos but made an excellent 22-minute video detailing every step of the process in case you wanted to try this yourself (he notes, however, this video is not a tutorial).

(To be fair, Knall bought this cracked Surface Duo 2 for $430, which is still a financial risk, but not as much as if you originally paid the total $1,500 or more.)

During the process, Knall devised a clever solution for the gaping hole left by the camera module’s removal (he used an old circuit board and some extra phone parts to insulate against any electrical current).

Knall also used a dbrand skin to cover all his work, including the cracked front cover, to make the device look new. He notes he may switch out that back skin for a Surface Duo 1 version, which doesn’t have the camera cutout, so it seems flusher (in my experience, this will work as the two devices are close in size).

So, besides not having rear cameras anymore, are there any other downsides (including voiding your warranty)? Well, the Surface Duo 2’s camera app won’t even load and crashes. You may think, “no big deal,” but that also means the remaining front-facing camera is useless, which is a shame.

There are exceptions, however, as Instagram and Lightroom both can access the front camera, so not all is lost.

Of course, the irony of this whole project is this new camera-less Surface Duo 2 technically still doesn’t entirely reverse-fold as there is still a gap from the dbrand skin.

Despite some drawbacks, Knall seems quite happy with his work as he notes at the end that Surface Duo 2 now lays completely flat on a table, and it is now easier to use the pen for writing. 

And that is pretty awesome.

As to the future of Surface Duo 2 for regular people, we're still waiting on Android 12L, which we hear is coming in October or November. Perhaps Microsoft will talk about it during its upcoming Surface hardware event on October 12th. 

• Windows Central recently reported that Surface Duo 2 availability was depleted at Best Buy and Microsoft.com
• Best Buy took down Surface Duo 2 kiosks, and potential customers cannot order a device
• Microsoft has responded, remarking that supply constraints are the leading cause, and Surface Duo 2 is not being discontinued

Windows Central recently detailed how Microsoft’s Surface Duo 2, on its first anniversary, is almost nowhere to be found. Local Best Buy stores reported that specialized Surface Duo 2 kiosks were coming down, inventory was depleted, and even Microsoft.com had no stock to order.

Our speculation suggested that Microsoft may pull back on Surface Duo 2 until Android 12L drops in the coming weeks. However, the possibility that production was halted due to a lack of sales could not be ruled out.

Now, Microsoft has responded to Windows Central about the status of Surface Duo 2, and it appears to be good news:

“We are experiencing supply constraints that are impacting stock of Surface Duo 2 units. The product is not being discontinued. We continue to update and to innovate on this form factor and are excited by customer interest.”

As Senior Reporter Zac Bowden and I discussed on a recent episode of the Windows Central Podcast, supply constraints could also be an explanation. After all, most of the components in Surface Duo 2 are custom, including the displays themselves, the hinges, and the board design, requiring specialized production techniques that only Microsoft uses.  

That theory turned out to be correct.

More interestingly, Microsoft doubled down on the statement by emphatically stating that Surface Duo 2 is not discontinued. The company goes further by noting it will continue to “update and innovate on this form factor,” suggesting that Surface Duo and Surface Duo 2 receive more significant updates, and a third version is also very likely.

Recent sourcing by Zac Bowden has claimed that Microsoft is currently deciding whether to go with another dual-screen design or lean into a single-screen foldable akin to Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 4, but likely with a different aspect ratio and thinner design.

We’ve also heard that the new Xiaomi Mix Fold 2 has shaken the industry and likely impressed the Surface team. Not only does Mix Fold 2 fold without a gap, but it is a hair thinner (0.1mm) than Surface Duo 2 while also packing a substantial 4,500mAh battery.

When Surface Duo 2 will return to store shelves is up in the air, but we’ll continue to follow this story and update accordingly.

Microsoft is purportedly in the final stages of validating Android 12L for release for Surface Duo and Surface Duo 2. That update should bring some of the first UI customizations that more closely match the design of Windows 11, along with better OS and support for dual-screen apps.

Microsoft could have more to say about the Android 12L update if it holds its annual Surface event, typically in late September or October.

Things are ramping up in the world of tech. While we aren't quite into Techtober, announcements are aplenty these days. Over the last week, we saw Intel share the specs of its upcoming Arc desktop GPUs, Microsoft unveil a new color for the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2, and got a first look at the revamped Xbox user interface that's in the works. Here are the biggest stories from the last week.

Intel shares Arc GPU specs

Intel has teased its Arc desktop GPUs for quite some time. We've seen ray-tracing benchmarks and a drip feed of details since the graphics cards were announced, but Intel hadn't shared full specs before this week. The tech giant took the wraps off its upcoming GPUs by sharing the full specifications of its Arc A-series lineup.

The Intel Arc A770 is at the high end of the A-series, closely followed by the Arc A750. While we'll have to use the cards in the real world for complete testing, they look like they'll compete with the best graphics cards from AMD and NVIDIA.

Apple unveils iPhone 14

While not directly Microsoft or Windows related, Apple's annual iPhone event is the big news in the tech industry. Any announcement Apple makes has ripple effects throughout the industry, so you can expect the smartphone market to be shaped by the newly announced iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro.

Apple also unveiled the Apple Watch Series 8, Apple Watch Ultra, Apple Watch SE, and AirPods Pro 2. Our friends over at iMore covered everything announced at the Apple event live and after the fact.

If you're really into Apple announcements, you can even listen to the music from the event. The best part? It's not a forced U2 album.

Microsoft unveils white Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2

The Xbox Elite Wireless Controller is one of the best Xbox controllers, but it is rather pricey. Thankfully, Xbox enthusiasts will have a more affordable way to get an elite controller soon. Microsoft announced the white version of the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2.

While the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller has an impressive feature set, it has been plagued with malfunctioning shoulder buttons and other issues. Microsoft said that it's heard complaints "loud and clear" and that it will improve the quality of the components in the controllers.

The Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 is also on the way to Xbox Design Lab, allowing players to customize the design of their controllers.

Xbox dashboard being revamped

In what appears to be an annual occurrence, Microsoft is working on a revamped dashboard for its Xbox consoles. The UI has a refined home screen that makes it easier to access the settings menu and other content, all while requiring less movement from a user. Here are some of the biggest changes

• A revamped "Jump Back In" row populates a list of your most recent games and apps at the top. 
• A visual search bar and settings menu button can be found right at the top, which should improve ease of access for new users who aren't familiar with the Guide menu. 
• A new permanent Microsoft Store button will be found on the home screen, next to three dynamic content tiles as is typical. 
• Microsoft is updating other aspects of the dashboard to fall more in line with the new styles. We've seen this recently with a revamp to the Xbox Games & Apps screen. 
• There will be new curated content categories below the main screen as you scroll down. 

Microsoft is asking for feedback to help shape the new dashboard through the Insider program.

Windows 11 on Surface Duo can now play 3D games

Microsoft's Surface Duo is supposed to run Android, but that hasn't stopped people from forcing Windows 11 onto it. The Windows 11 on Surface Duo project is run by an independent developer that's determined to get Windows to work on Microsoft's foldable phone. This week, we saw a major step forward for the Frankenstein foldable.

The Surface Duo can now natively run 3-D games, including Minecraft and Skyrim, when running Windows 11. The impressive feat was accomplished when developer Gustave Monce smoothed out graphical glitches with the setup. Even after the fix, you shouldn't expect much in terms of performance. Titles often drop to single-digit FPS rates. But hey, what do you expect from an Android phone being forced to run Steam on Windows 11?

Who needs Xbox Cloud Gaming?

Review roundup

Games, gadgets, and more get reviewed each week by our team of experts. Here's a look at everything we reviewed over the last seven days.

• Roccat Kone XP Air wireless gaming mouse review: Rapid charging with a gorgeous RGB dock
• Lenovo Slim 7 Pro X review: A feature-laden Yoga alternative for creators that costs less than you might think
• Steelrising Xbox review: Can this steampunk soulslike live up to the real thing?
• Anycubic Photon D2 review: Longevity at all costs
• TP-Link Deco XE75 Pro mesh Wi-Fi review: Cutting-edge 6E wireless in every room
• Ooblets Xbox review: Even the glitches are wholesome
• Keychron Q5 review: Easily customize this full-size behemoth mechanical keyboard
• Razer DeathAdder V3 Pro review: This wireless gaming mouse ticks every box

Let’s get something straight: This isn’t going to be a hit piece on Samsung’s expensive but impressive Galaxy Z Fold 4. I think it’s a great tablet that folds to reveal a narrow but usable external display for quick tasks. It’s fast, it has great cameras, and the 7.6-inch display is magnificent.

It’s also not for me.

After eight days of using the Galaxy Z Fold 4 as my primary phone, I finally gave up, moved my SIM back to Microsoft’s Surface Duo 2, and sent the Z Fold 4 back to Samsung. It’s not because I feel obligated to use Surface Duo 2 or even write this article (actually, switching to Fold 4 and ditching Duo would be more spicy and newsworthy).

I simply just like Surface Duo 2 more.

I already laid out my main gripes with the Z Fold 4, along with numerous things I loved about it. But fundamentally, Fold 4 and Surface Duo 2 are radically different experiences. I understand the urge to compare them, but they’re just not the same.

The Goldilocks problem

One meta issue that bothered me with Fold 4 was always choosing which display to use.

Do you want the small outer display or the big, glorious internal one?

With Surface Duo 2, there is no choice. You open it and have two displays, and the experience is always consistent.

And the Fold 4 display choice is weird. You either get a narrow, cramped, somewhat compromised cover screen or a massive 7.6-inch tablet where the app is enormous. It’s like the story of Goldilocks, where I wanted something more in the middle.

Usability and speed

Here’s one I didn’t see coming: I’m faster with Surface Duo 2 than Galaxy Z Fold 4. By this, I mean opening the device, checking a notification, and doing quick work like responding to an email, sending a photo, or responding in Slack.

Running apps side by side also helps triage incoming data where multitasking becomes king. I can do more, faster on Surface Duo 2.

Part of it is related to choice, as noted above, being a problem. On Fold 4, you get a notification, turn on the cover display, see it, and now if you want to respond to it, you must either use the cramped outer screen or open the phone for tablet mode. That constant back-and-forth experience causes a split second of hesitation.

At this point, I wonder why not just have a regular phone but with a better, bigger screen like a Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra.

And while you can multitask on Fold 4 by splitting the screen, it's a somewhat cumbersome experience that slows me down. 

As noted previously, I find it clumsier to open and hold Fold 4 than Surface Duo 2. This complaint seems trivial and maybe even dumb, but I consider it a usability issue. I’d often feel forced to use the cover screen for basic tasks, including responding to messages, because I don't like opening Fold 4.

Many people will rightly argue that you use the Fold 4’s cover screen for the basics, and when you sit down or have some time, you can pop into tablet mode for a more immersive experience. And I get that — it’s just not something I had to pick between when using Surface Duo 2. I opened it, did my tasks, and closed it with less effort. There was no compromise, as I always had two appropriately sized displays to accomplish my goals.

I also love opening Surface Duo 2 and even reverse folding it — Microsoft’s hinge work here is astonishingly perfect.

Another complaint is how tall the Fold 4’s displays are: I’m doing a lot of reaching to the top for interactions and low for typing or menus. Surface Duo 2’s two displays are much shorter, especially with those large (but functional) bezels. 

Ergonomically, I found touch navigation better on Microsoft’s design because Surface Duo 2 is not a tablet. That seems obvious when written, but I'm not sure it is something people comprehend when comparing these two devices. 

Thinness > Weight

Surface Duo 2 is 21 grams heavier than the Z Fold 4, but you’d never know it holding both in your hands. Microsoft leaned in the right direction by making Surface Duo 2 (especially Surface Duo) absurdly thin as it hides its weight.

Due to its density, I never became accustomed to carrying the Fold 4 in my pocket, and putting a case on it made it worse. When I removed the Samsung Silicone Grip cover, I had second thoughts about returning Fold 4 as it feels better without any case. I think those who go caseless will enjoy the Fold 4 more, so long as they can keep anxiety at bay with potential damage.

Because of how wide Surface Duo 2 is, it never bothers me in my pocket by comparison.

Oh, pen, where art thou?

Samsung is far ahead of Microsoft regarding pen interactions on Fold 4. Not only does the S Pen feel good with negligible latency, but there are many more apps and uses for that pen, thanks to Samsung’s clever software add-ons.

The issue is how to carry that pen; a problem Surface Duo had that Surface Duo 2 mostly solved. With Samsung, you can get the S Pen case, which was “free” with my purchase to add a silo to the back. It works and even adds a bit more grip to the Fold 4 — it also made the Fold 4 even more massive to carry. The tradeoff wasn’t worth it as I rarely use the pen, but I like having one.

Slim Pen 2 on Surface Duo 2 is flat and magnetically sticks to the front. It’s simple. Need it to charge? Grab the Surface Duo 2 Pen Cover. Microsoft’s flat pen design is just better.

Fewer distractions

Like Surface Duo 2, this will be a niche opinion: I prefer how when I close the Duo, I am no longer distracted by a cover screen lighting up with incoming notifications.

This position is likely a losing battle in the long term. I know that. A Surface Duo 3 may go the way of a single-screen foldable, requiring an external display. But, for now, I like how Surface Duo 2 closes like a book because I’m finished.

I'll enjoy this feature while it lasts. 

Surface Duo 2 could also be much better

None of this is to sugar coat Surface Duo 2 and some of its downsides. Still, most of the things I liked about the Samsung Fold 4 were hardware related: Newer, more efficient processor, more RAM, better cameras, superior touch experience, etc. It made everything faster and smoother.

But there is no reason that newer tech can’t be incorporated into an updated Surface Duo.

Typing was the one meaningful thing I thought Fold 4 did much better than Surface Duo 2. I loved typing on the Fold 4 with the split thumb keyboard. 

Microsoft could benefit from slightly narrowing the Duo’s displays to make it more comfortable to hold and type on, in addition to simply using a better touch digitizer (or better software).

Moving on and choice

The big takeaway here is not that I would substantially change Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 4, but me recognizing that I am not the target audience for it.

And that's OK. The same can be said about Surface Duo 2 for many people as well. But I've argued before that "niche" is not a negative in technology. Not everything has to be for everyone. 

I am glad to have experienced what a “tablet that fits in your pocket” feels like to use daily, and to those who adore it, I hope you continue to do so. For a good reason, Samsung is the top Android maker, and its continued development and support for the Fold series will be fun to watch.

But for me, I want what Surface Duo 2 offers. Two ordinary, albeit wide, phone screens that fit in my pocket like a digital notebook. I’m not sure Microsoft will continue down the path of dual screens versus giving into the single-screen foldable trend. However, for now, this is the only phone for me.

• Surface Duo 2 is “out of stock” for consumers or businesses on Microsoft.com
• Local Best Buy stores have also begun removing Surface Duo 2 kiosks, with limited availability remaining
• But a Surface Duo 3 is not expected for this year
• Microsoft could be waiting until Android 12L is out to ship re-flashed devices

Update: 9/20/2022 (1 PM ET)

Microsoft has finally responded to our inquiry about the status of Surface Duo 2. You can read that article here, including the quote from Microsoft. 

The short of it is there are current supply issues in stocking Surface Duo 2, but it is not discontinued. 

Microsoft’s Surface Duo 2 — on the verge of receiving its Android 12L update — is nearly impossible to find in some markets, especially the United States.

Reports of limited stock at Best Buy began weeks ago, and local stores removed the unique Surface Duo 2 kiosk, which advertised the device and let people play with the hardware in person.

Microsoft.com, both for consumers and businesses, has also run out of Surface Duo 2s to sell. When potential customers hit “configure,” the button is inoperative for consumers. Surface Duo 2 is also listed as “out of stock” and cannot be purchased on the Surface for Business website.

Usually, this is where speculation about a new Surface Duo model begins. Microsoft typically has “Surface events” in New York City in the fall, where it announces refreshments to its lineup, often with significant improvements, and sometimes entirely new Surface devices.

That timing matches with a new “Surface Duo 3.”

However, reporting by our Senior Windows Reporter Zac Bowden says there is no Surface Duo 3 due this fall. Instead, Microsoft is focusing on current software support and improvements for Surface Duo and Surface Duo 2, including delivering Android 12L.

There are also reports that Microsoft is weighing shifting Surface Duo from a two-screen device to a single-screen foldable like Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 4 or, more likely, the new Xiaomi Mix Fold 2.

The Xiaomi Mix Fold 2 is just 5.4mm thin, which is 0.1mm thinner than Surface Duo 2. That device also folds without a gap and a minimal crease and packs a sizeable 4,500mAh battery, making it a worthy form factor that meets Surface standards.

But such a device from Microsoft is not expected until October 2023 at the earliest, leaving Surface Duo 2 as its primary phone, especially since the Surface Duo 2 “Light” was canceled.

Surface Duo 2: What’s really happening?

If I had to guess, what is likely occurring is that Microsoft is letting current stock run out until Android 12L is finalized.

The Android 12L update for both Surface Duo and Surface Duo 2 is expected in the coming months, possibly tied to October, when Microsoft makes big announcements.

It’s rare for a company to sell a hardware product that, out of the box and during setup, must pull a significant OS update that completely changes the device. It’s also why OEMs time product releases to software ones, e.g., the Galaxy Z Fold 4 ships with Android 12L.

Current retail boxes of Surface Duo 2 are flashed with Android 11, and logistically, it doesn’t make sense to recall all those shipments from vendors and storage, ship them back, open them, re-flash Android 12L, re-package, and reship for sale.

Once stock with Android 11 runs out, Microsoft can do another small run of Surface Duo 2, but with Android 12L installed out-of-the-box. There could be a new commercial push for Surface Duo 2 with Android 12L as the device is in a much better spot than its initial launch. 

Microsoft would also have the opportunity to make minor hardware changes or improvements. However, we have not heard of that happening. (We’d hope to see more devices, if only for warranty exchanges and replacements that will likely occur over the next year or two.)

Of course, maybe this really is the end run of Surface Duo 2, and we won't see anymore on sale. 

We’ve reached out to Microsoft to find out if the company will be restocking its store and affiliate partners. We’ll update this article accordingly.

• Despite many improvements to Surface Duo 2's touch display performance, some still see room for improvement.
• A new "hack" seems to improve the touch response for typing and screen interactions instantly.
• However, a loss of some battery life is to be expected because of the improvement.

Microsoft has done a tremendous job of improving both the original Surface Duo and Surface Duo 2 over the last 11 months. The software is more stable, reliable, and faster, and many of the monthly patches have addressed touch lag and input irregularities, leaving many Duo owners quite satisfied.

However, despite all the improvements, both Surface Duos still trail more cutting-edge devices like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold series for things like touch response. This discrepancy is something I've noticed with the new Fold 4, although some of it may be chalked up to the improved Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 compared to Surface Duo 2's older Snapdragon 888.  

Now, a new simple trick has been discovered by one YouTuber. In my experience with it, it does seem to significantly change how responsive the screens are for Surface Duo 2 (and presumably Surface Duo 1).

YouTuber That's Not Ricardio shared the video just over a week ago. While it is 10 minutes in length, most of that is the host explaining why he likes Surface Duo 2 so much but also pointing out some of its problems.

At the 6:31 mark, he begins to explain the trick, which is straightforward, taking less than a minute to implement. The secret is to disable battery optimization for the System UI and, optionally, Microsoft Launcher and your preferred keyboard. 

Here's how it is done:

• Go to Settings
• Scrolls to Apps and Notifications

• Tap on any recent app (it doesn't matter which one)

• Scroll down to Battery and tap it

• Tap Battery Optimization
• Choose All Apps from the top

• Scroll down and find System UI and tap it

• Choose Don't optimize and Done

That's it. You should feel the UI become instantly more responsive.

You could also repeat the above for Microsoft Launcher and whatever keyboard you may be using (Microsoft SwiftKey is the default).

If you turn off optimization for Microsoft Launcher and the keyboard, you should restart the device to reload them.

What's the catch?

Of course, the next question is, why didn't Microsoft do this themselves?

There is one understandable reason: We just disabled battery optimization for at least one major OS component (System UI) and possibly two others (keyboard and launcher). Indeed, That's Not Ricardio has done extensive testing with this trick and noticed streaming battery life dropped from around 5 hours and 30 minutes to 4 hours and 50.

The battery life on Surface Duo and Surface Duo 2 has always been better than expected, considering the unique dual 90Hz displays, but it is often "just OK" by modern smartphone standards. Perhaps Microsoft did this as a tradeoff to help extend battery life. We're not entirely sure of the thought process here, but something our senior Windows Editor Zac Bowden is looking into to find out.

It's also unknown if Microsoft's Android 12L implementation, expected in the next few months, addresses touch sensitivity or even introduces new drivers and optimizations.

But, for now, if you want to try this out, go right ahead, as it is quickly reversible.

Since last year, I’ve used Microsoft’s Surface Duo 2 as my primary phone with no regrets. And as an advocate for the form factor, there hasn’t been much to woo me away from it. I’m so over boring single-screen slab phones and can’t go back to them.

But one phone has intrigued me: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4. Sure, it’s a modest upgrade from the Z Fold 3, but I’ve never owned any Samsung Fold (just the Z Flips). For me, and I suspect others, the 4th iteration seems even less beta-y, partially because it ships with A­­ndroid 12L. 

The reviews have also been very positive.

So, as a hardcore Surface Duo user, how am I adjusting to the Z Fold 4? As you can probably tell by the title, it’s a bit mixed.

Here are five reasons why I love it and five why I don’t.

5 Things I love about the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4

There’s a lot to love about Samsung’s new foldable phone. It’s powerful, packed with excellent hardware, has robust software, and is one of the most popular foldable phones on the market (for a good reason).

Thanks to early delivery, I’ve been using the Z Fold 4 for the last four days, and a lot is going on with it.

Here’s why I bought it and what I’m enjoying about it so far.

1. Sick trade-in deal

Samsung has taken a page from Apple by prioritizing trade-ins, especially for Samsung devices, as an incentive to side grade or even upgrade to its latest hardware.

I’ve documented on Twitter that Samsung offered me $900 for my Galaxy Z Flip 3 as a trade-in. The phone cost $999 when it was released, and I traded in my original Z Flip for the Z Flip 3, meaning I paid less than $200 for it last year.

Heck, had I gone with the new Z Flip 4, it would have only cost me $99. 

Samsung also upgraded everyone to 512GB of storage for free and threw in the new Galaxy Z Fold4 Standing Cover with S Pen at no extra charge.

Even $1,000 (after taxes) for a new phone is a lot, but it sure beats ~$1,900 (after taxes). What can I say? Samsung’s plan worked.

It’s too bad these deals are region-specific, with the U.S. seemingly getting the best offers.

2. The hardware is immaculate

Like Apple, Samsung knows how to do premium. The Galaxy Z Fold 4 feels like a $1,700 device with lots of glass, metal, and some heft.

The internal 7.6” QXGA+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X (2176 x 1812) display with 120Hz dynamic refresh and HDR10+ is glorious. The cameras are great (for this form factor), and the audio is immersive and loud. And the way the device snaps when it closes is .

Indeed, one reason I went for the Fold 4 is the new 2.8mm-wider Cover Display, which is wide enough not to look (or feel) completely ridiculous. I can type on it without issue; it feels like a skinny but normal-ish phone.

Even the improved under-display camera (UDC) is fascinating. It’s not a great selfie camera (yet), but it is the future.

The new beige colorway with a slight gold effect is pristine, and the whole package is awe-inspiring.

Samsung’s S Pen is also fantastic, and it is easier to write across one folding single-screen instead of two separate ones.

Finally, Fold 4 is tough. The phone slipped out of my pocket with no case while sitting in a chair on a very hard floor. There are no scratches, dents, or damage to the screens or cameras. I don’t want to repeat that experience, but the hardware is resilient.

3. Decent battery life?

This one is a surprise, but the battery life on the Fold 4 is better than expected.

That’s not to say it’s great by single-screen phone standards, far from it, but it seems to last longer than my Surface Duo 2, and it has excellent standby times.

After a 15-hour day, I still had 42% battery left with just over 2.5 hours of screen-on-time. That’s still during the “honeymoon phase,” where I’m constantly setting up apps, installing old ones, and diving deep into Samsung’s increasingly complex Settings.

There’s no doubt that battery life is still a weak spot for foldables, but it’s also clear that each generation is getting slightly better.

4. Robust software from Samsung

There were lots of niggles bothering me about the experience of using Fold 4 for the first 48 hours, but Samsung has packed in so much software that I was able to configure my way out of it.

Switching to gestures instead of on-screen controls was one such move. Now, Fold 4 feels much more like Surface Duo 2 with its side and bottom swipes. Same with the power/fingerprint reader. By default, you must press it down, and then it reads your print. But there’s a setting matching Surface Duo 2 that leaves the sensor on all the time, so you can touch it with your finger to power it on and log into the phone.

Samsung even lets you customize notification vibration patterns, giving you 23 options for how you want Fold 4 to vibrate, which is insane.

I also like how you can set specific apps on the main, folded display to continue to the cover screen when you close the Fold 4. It’s great if you’re reading an email or a news story and you have to suddenly close up the phone and head out so that you won’t lose your spot.

Samsung put tons of such tweaks into Fold 4 and made using it that much better.

5. It’s excellent one-handed and as a phone

While I have no significant issues with Surface Duo 2 for actual phone calls, rare as they are for me, there is no doubt that Fold 4 is simply a better experience. After all, it is much narrower at 67mm versus Surface Duo 2 at 92mm. Fold 4 is still a brick (more on that below), but it works much better for taking one of those Chinese spam calls we all seem to be getting in 2022.

That thinness (at least in the side-to-side dimension) makes Fold 4 excellent for one-handed use, something impossible on Surface Duo 2. You can reverse-flip Duo 2 to use it one-handed, but it’s still more of a process than just pulling Fold 4 out of your pocket.

With that slightly wider cover display, it’s not a compromise, e.g., Flip 4.

5 Things I HATE about the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4

Nothing is perfect, but Fold 4 has some particularly annoying design choices that make it hard for me to love it enough to surrender my Surface Duo 2 instantly.

1. The form factor and multitasking

Because of my exposure to Surface Duo 2’s wider displays, I want to not only use Fold 4 in landscape mode all the time but also fold it that way. The truth is, I find Fold 4 just too narrow for multitasking — it works, but it’s not remarkable.

The Oppo Find N, unavailable in most Western markets, gets the aspect ratio right. But it’s also too small and doesn’t support inking. But that design has more promise.

Yes, the new Taskbar helps with splitting apps, and there are a handful of ways to do it, but none are apparent, intuitive, or as simple as Surface Duo. I kind of hate it, and I had to watch a YouTube video to learn how to multitask/split apps, which is not an ideal user experience.

Samsung could solve this by offering an option, even under its experimental Labs section, always to split the screen down the middle with software so that apps open side by side. If you think that’s weird, that is what Surface Duo does since Android, technically, does not see two screens, just one.

Want an app always to expand full screen? Make an allow list just like Surface Duo.

Going by some of the Labs features for split screen, I think Samsung may even go down this route, albeit slowly. I see a lot of similarities between Microsoft and Samsung’s software; they just approach it from different starting points.

Running apps full screen by default on Fold 4 is not always great, and many apps are blown up too big with odd aspects and layouts. True, the point of Android 12L is to start to fix that, but right now, it’s lame.  

Surface Duo 2 has an odd aspect ratio, but apps scale better on a single screen as the default experience. And while not all apps span well across Duo 2’s two displays, that experience is the exception as the user must force it. Fold 4 does this all backward.

I’m not saying Samsung is wrong; it’s just different. Or maybe I'm wrong for Fold 4.

There is no argument here: Surface Duo 2 is better than Fold 4 for multitasking. But this is an easy fix for Samsung if it wants to, so let’s see if it does.

2. It’s a slippery brick

Remember I said the Fold 4 seems resilient in build quality after it slipped out of my pocket? That’s because it’s a narrow, slick, dense slab. Imagine carrying a gold brick in your pocket. That’s what it feels like, and even adding the S Pen case doesn’t help.

I’ve ordered two new cases (one from Samsung, the other is a third party) to help solve my grippy problem. And that’s another minor gripe. Fold 4 cases can be expensive, often around $50 and higher. Spigen, a brand I enjoy tremendously, has one for $99. Yikes.

Surface Duo 2 is wide but never slipped out of my pocket because it is so thin at 11mm folded versus nearly 16mm for Fold 4.

Whereas Fold 4 feels heavy, Surface Duo 2 spreads its weight evenly over a larger surface area (pardon the pun). It’s deceptive because while Fold 4 feels weightier, it is 21 grams lighter than Duo 2.

3. You have to pry it open

To open Fold 4’s immaculate 7.6-inch display, you must stick your thumbs between the edges and pry — hard. It’s incredibly stiff and could cause you to fumble the device while opening it, and it’s happened a few times to me already.

Seriously, Samsung, why make the closed hinge so rigid? And no, adding a case doesn’t seem to help.

The hinge for Surface Duo 2 is utterly consistent from closed to open to being reversed. And because it is a broader device, I have more grip.

4. It’s also terrible one-handed

Everyone hates wide bezels, and one common complaint with Surface Duo 2 is that the top and bottom ones are too chunky for a phone in 2022. But defenders will point to a pragmatic reason: It is easier to hold the phone because you have a ledge for your thumb that doesn’t interfere with the touch display.

Conversely, Fold 4 has skinny bezels and looks gorgeous. But try holding it in the center with an index finger and thumb pinch — it’s nearly impossible without launching an app or hitting the home gesture tab.

So far, I’ve found no way to comfortably hold the Fold 4 in full-screen mode for long durations with one hand, like when reading Kindle, and it’s a bit of a bummer.

5. It can be overly complicated

Like many things Samsung, the Fold 4 is a complex device, more so than Surface Duo 2. Samsung packs it with tons of Samsung apps, services, themes, and more, some of which double all the Google software installed.  

It’s all a bloated mess with the device, reminding you it was MADE BY SAMSUNG all that time.

While Samsung gives you many options under Settings, it is overwhelming. You can spend hours tinkering around, turning on new things, and adjusting every setting on the device. In the hours I spent writing and revising this, I discovered you could use the fingerprint and power button as a notification drawer deployer. Awesome!

But that option was buried under Settings > Advanced Features > Motions and gestures > Finger sensor gestures — you need to dig to find all this cool stuff.

Many would argue that is the virtue of Android (and Samsung), but it is a bit much. And I say this as someone who just recently requested Samsung add even more options!

It’s a complicated problem to keep everyone happy.

Microsoft gets criticized for removing many features and options from Microsoft Launcher on Surface Duo 2, but the result is a straightforward, clean, and minimalist device — Fold 4 is anything but. I don’t think Microsoft gets enough credit for keeping Surface Duo 2’s software simple.

Will I keep the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4?

So, you may be wondering where I stand with Fold 4.

I dropped my primary SIM in it to embrace it as my daily phone — no shortcuts here. The quality of the hardware, better cameras, excellent performance, and compelling display are alluring and hard to resist.

But I still feel Surface Duo 2 is not only simpler to operate physically but is more conducive to my habits, which include often running two apps side by side.

Also, I didn't mention the Fold 4's high price (no discounts), the folded gap, the plastic-y screen, or the crease as negatives. I acknowledge those are cons against this phone, but they're also old hat, low-hanging fruit for criticism. I wanted to talk about unique things I didn't like, not what is universally agreed upon (boring). 

I’ll give the Fold 4 a week or two to see if it grows on me. Right now, it’s about 50/50, but I also acknowledge that I appreciate what Samsung has done a bit more each day I use it, so you never know.

Heck, maybe I'll just turn it into a Windows Phone.

What you need to know

• Microsoft released the August 2022 update for the Surface Duo and Surface Duo 2.
• Both are minor updates focusing on "device stability" and security updates.
• Surface Duo 2 also gets improvements in video quality during video calls.
• Microsoft is still expected to deliver Android 12L to Surface Duo 1 and Duo 2 in the coming months. 

Microsoft has delivered its monthly updates for both Surface Duo and Surface Duo 2.  Both updates are relatively minor as Microsoft is focused on finishing Android 12L, which is expected in early fall for both dual-screen phones. 

Here's what's new for each device according to Microsoft's changelog for Surface Duo and the changelog for Surface Duo 2.

Surface Duo: August 2022 Update

• Software version: 2022.519.29
• Addresses scenarios outlined in the Android Security Bulletin—August 2022.
• Improves device stability.

Surface Duo 2: August 2022 Update

• Software version: 2022.519.47 (51MB)
• Addresses scenarios outlined in the Android Security Bulletin—August 2022.
• Improves device stability.
• Improves video quality during video calls.

Both updates feature improvements to device stability, which is always welcomed, albeit even if it is very vague.

For Surface Duo 2, it's not known what exactly is improved with video quality during video calls, but presumably, it has to do with some codec and hardware optimizations. Microsoft Teams is a significant driver of the Surface Duo experience, so it's good to see Microsoft focusing on it. 

How to update Surface Duo / Surface Duo 2

• Connect to a Wi-Fi network.
• Select Settings on your Surface Duo's home screen.
• Select System.
• Select System Update.
• Select Check for update.
• Select Restart now.

In unrelated Surface Duo news, we recently asked our readers what the biggest barrier would be to a potential Surface Duo 3's success. That survey is still open, and we'll share the results soon. If you have any thoughts on a potential successor to the Surface Duo 2, please make sure to jump in.

Samsung has unveiled its latest generation Galaxy Z Fold device, an iterative upgrade over last year's model, with a slightly wider aspect ratio, flatter and shinier edges, plus better cameras on the back. Samsung is continuing to push foldables to a more mainstream market, but with a starting price of $1,799, it’s still awfully expensive, even more so than the Surface Duo 2 at launch.

I’ve always been fascinated by the people that actively compare the Galaxy Z Fold to the Surface Duo. I can see why, both are firmly under the “foldables” category, but I’ve never considered the Surface Duo a foldable tablet like the Galaxy Z Fold. The Surface Duo is a dual-screen phone with two large phone displays. The Galaxy Z Fold is an Android tablet with a large tablet-sized single-screen display that can fold in half to fit in your pocket.

Both have their advantages and disadvantages, but the similarities between the two ultimately come down to more screen space in your pocket. The biggest difference between the two is that one handles multitasking far better than the other, with the Surface Duo handling multitasking automatically and the Galaxy Z Fold requiring user input to initiate multitasking functionality.

But with the Galaxy Z Fold 4, Samsung prioritizes multitasking a little more. I’ve always preferred the Surface Duo over the Galaxy Z Fold due to the Duo’s multitasking and gesture experience, outpacing what's available with the Galaxy Z Fold series. But the Galaxy Z Fold 4 introduces a new Taskbar UX, thanks to the new Android 12L, that encourages multitasking in everyday use.

It's still not an automatic process, however. On Surface Duo, multitasking happens automatically. You don’t think about it or initiate a special mode to access it; the OS handles both screens intelligently and presents apps in a multitasking manner. On the Galaxy Z Fold 4, the user still needs to manually drag and drop apps into regions on the screen to run two (or more) apps side by side, but it’s certainly a step forward compared to the old experience.

But the Galaxy Z Fold 4 is still a single-screen tablet, so even in multitasking mode, you don’t get access to a second phone screen to do other things with. The beauty of Surface Duo is that it treats each display as a single phone which you can throw things between. When an app opens on one screen, the other screen remains open for you to initiate a second app, browse your home screen, open the notification shade, and do everything else you’d normally do on a phone without obscuring the other app.

Galaxy Z Fold 4 doesn’t allow you to use one half of the display as its own phone screen. You must open an app first, which takes you away from the home screen, then you use the Taskbar to open a second app. Things like opening the notification shade or going to your home screen will obscure your entire running screen. As a result, multitasking on the Galaxy Z Fold 4 is still a cognitive process which requires thought, unlike the Surface Duo.

The Galaxy Z Fold 4 also defaults to opening new apps on top of the current one, and not shifting them side by side, which often makes the Galaxy Fold feel more cramped as a result. Plus, even when running apps side by side, the narrow aspect ratio on the Galaxy Z Fold 4 in portrait mode doesn’t make for an enjoyable experience, versus the Surface Duo.

So, does the Galaxy Z Fold 4 dethrone the Surface Duo in the multitasking department? I don’t think so. Surface Duo’s multitasking is still magic and is a UX that’s only really possible when you embrace having a physical gap down the middle of your displays. But does it even matter? Does the market yearn for a phone that’s good at multitasking?

I think the allure of having a phone that prioritizes multitasking isn’t as strong as having a single, continuous foldable display for most people. I suspect that no matter how good the Surface Duo is at multitasking, when presented with the choice, most people would prefer the Galaxy Z Fold without a divide down the middle.

Because of this, I wouldn't be surprised if the next Surface Duo abandons the dual-screen form factor in favor of a single-screen foldable like what Vivo, Xiaomi, and indeed Samsung, are putting out today. I just hope the company can keep some of that multitasking magic if they adopt the single-screen foldable form, popularized by the Z Fold lineup.

Images of a canceled mid-range version of the Surface Duo have appeared online thanks to an archived eBay listing. Dubbed as a Surface Duo 2 “dev unit” on eBay.com, the listing (which has since been deleted) provides us with a first look at what appears to be a “lite” version of the Surface Duo 2. 

The images reveal the device to have a smaller camera bump, slightly more rounded external design with a matte finish, and flat displays similar to the Surface Duo 1. Unfortunately, the eBay listing provides no details other than images of the handset.

I had come across the eBay listing last month but was unsure if it was legitimate. By the time I was able to verify, the device had been sold to an unknown buyer and the listing was removed. I've since been able to confirm that the listing and device were indeed real. 

So, what exactly is this device? According to my contacts, this product was codenamed “Cronos” and was supposed to ship later this year as a lower cost version of the Surface Duo 2. 

It featured an upper mid-range Qualcomm SoC, a dual-camera array on the back, non-curved displays without the glance bar, and a fully plastic exterior. To compare, the flagship Surface Duo 2 features a Snapdragon 888 SoC, a triple-camera array on the back, 90hz curved displays with the glance bar, and a plastic + glass exterior.

The changes to Cronos were designed to bring the price of this form factor down, though it’s unknown exactly how much Microsoft was planning to sell the device for. I’m told Microsoft canceled Cronos in late 2021 after it decided to focus on the next Surface Duo flagship instead, which is currently scheduled for a late 2023 launch.  

We don’t know what Microsoft was planning to call Cronos officially, but since it was built to be a lower-cost version of a flagship Surface product line, “Surface Duo Go” would probably be a good guess.

It's possible that the company wants to wait for the product line to mature a bit more first before it decides to venture down the path of releasing different models at varying price brackets. Cronos's existence confirms that Microsoft wants to expand the Surface Duo line in the future. It’s just not ready to do so just yet.

For now, with no imminent device launch for the Duo team to have to worry about, the company is hard at work on delivering Android 12L for existing Surface Duo customers, which I’m told should be ready to roll out in the next few months.

A Microsoft spokesperson declined to comment on the device or eBay listing.

Discuss this story on our Discord server! 

Google's Gboard beta gaining support for splitting the keyboard on the Surface Duo piqued our curiosity about how people use their smartphone keyboards. Our friends over at Android Central ran a poll last week on which keyboard people prefer (Gboard and SwiftKey won), but we want to know how people use their keyboards.

Nowadays, users have a wide range of options for setting up a smartphone keyboard. They can swipe or tap. They can split the keyboard in half or float it around their phone's screen. Obviously, people also have the choice to use their keyboard in the traditional way, as a single rectangle at the bottom of their phone's display.

Please let us know how you use your smartphone keyboard in the polls below.

We split this week's poll up into two categories since people may swipe or tap on a variety of setups. We included the most common options in our poll, but if you use your keyboard in a different way, please let us know.

We're trying something new this week to engage with the community and hear your thoughts. Every time we run a poll over the weekend, we'll create a forum thread on our official Discord. Make sure to hop on over to this week's thread and read through our previous forum posts. As always, you can also reach out to me on Twitter as well.

There are dozens of stories each week in the worlds of Windows, PCs, and gaming. We cover the biggest and most interesting news as it comes out, but it's easy to miss a few articles. That's why we gather together all of the biggest stories each week.

Over the last seven days, we covered Gboard and Talon getting optimized for the Surface Duo, a controversial change to the Microsoft Store, and more.

Surface Duo updates

Microsoft's Surface Duo received plenty of love this week. An update shipped for the Surface Duo 2 that improved the camera experience on the device and improved ink responsiveness. The original Surface Duo also got an update, though it focused largely on bugs and stability.

In addition to Microsoft's own updates, app developers rolled out updates that focused on the Duo family. Talon for Twitter and Whereseek were each optimized for dual-screen support this week. Talon's update allows you to have different aspects of Twitter open at once, such as showing tweets on the left panel while DMs are on the right screen. Whereseek gained similar functionality, allowing users to place maps and points of interest on different screens of the Duo.

Google also added dual-screen support for Gboard beta recently. The popular keyboard application can now split into two halves, allowing for better thumb typing.

Builds for Windows Insiders

Microsoft rolled out not one but two Windows 11 builds to the Beta Channel this week. Build 22622 brought the "Suggested Actions" feature that rolled out to the Dev Channel a few weeks ago to the Beta Channel. Otherwise, the updates are relatively mundane. They were more noteworthy due to the fact that Microsoft shipped two Beta Channel builds at the same time.

Microsoft Store controversy

Early this week, upcoming changes to the Microsoft Store were highlighted online. Several new policies are set to go into effect on July 16, 2022, but one stuck out as a point of controversy. Starting next week, Microsoft will prohibit the sale of open-source or generally free applications through the Microsoft Store. This drew criticism from the community, since many app makers list their apps on the store to earn revenue. For example, Paint.NET charges a small amount to purchase it through the Microsoft Store in lieu of asking for a donation.

Fortunately for developers, Microsoft's new policy won't be aimed at legitimate applications. Microsoft's General Manager of Apps, Partners, and the Microsoft Store Giorgio Sardo clarified that the intent of the rule is to prevent copycat apps, scams, and other illegitimate listings in the store.

Former Bungie directory working on Halo Infinite

On the gaming side of things, former Bungie director Paul Bertone joined 343 industries to work on Halo Infinite. Bertone helped launch the first five Halo games during his time at Bungie from 2000 until 2012. In his new role as Technical Design Director, Bertone will help bridge the gap between the design and programming teams at 343 industries.

"I’m happy to confirm veteran Paul Bertone has joined the team as Studio Technical Design Director," Staten wrote in a Tweet. "Paul and I met in 1999, back in Bungie’s Chicago days, and then shipped Halo 1-3, ODST and Reach together. I’m thrilled to have Paul help lead the future of Halo Infinite."

Reviews

Each week our experts review hardware, software, and games. We looked at a quick charging stand from Razer, LED cubs from Govee, and more this week. Here are all of our recent reviews:

• Govee Glide Hexa Pro LED panels review: Get creative with these colorful cubes
• Anycubic Kobra Plus review: Filling in the gaps
• Razer Universal Quick Charging Stand for Xbox review: A familiar premium accessory
• TP-Link Deco X4300 Pro mesh system review: Multi-Gigabit speeds around the home
• Samsung Galaxy Book2 Pro 360 (2022) review: Minor improvements go a long way for this surprisingly powerful slim PC

• Microsoft Surface Duo 2 July update is now available.
• The update is 125MB and brings the OS to version 2022.517.98.
• While there are general enhancements to the OS and device, the camera and inking received some specific improvements.

Microsoft seems to be on a roll with support for its dual-screen Surface Duo 2. The team behind the hardware is pushing out its monthly July update, which clocks in at 125MB.

While last month’s update brought some new features like messaging Glance Bar notifications this month’s focuses on overall system performance and the camera.

Here’s what is new according to the official changelog:

• Addresses scenarios outlined in the Android Security Bulletin—July 2022.
• Improves device stability.
• Improves system performance.
• Improves camera experience with enhancements to face detection technology and night mode photography.
• Improves ink responsiveness in Office Apps (OneNote, Excel, PowerPoint, Word) when writing with a Surface Pen.

We’ll' have to put the update through its paces, but anything that improves stability and performance is OK in our book. 

Enhancements to face detection technology and night mode photography are also welcomed. While the Surface Duo 2’s' camera has dramatically improved over the last few months, any software tweaks to make it better can help make up for the hardware limitations of this unique form factor.

Surface Duo also gets an update

Not to be left out, Microsoft has also updated the original Surface Duo with a July update, although there is not as much to report with this one. 

Version 2022.517.57 of the software brings the following:

• Addresses scenarios outlined in the Android Security Bulletin—July 2022.
• Improves device stability.

While not as exciting the original Surface Duo is miles ahead of where it was just a year ago, and Microsoft keeps making small improvements wherever it can. 

How to update Surface Duo / Surface Duo 2

• Connect to a Wi-Fi network.
• Select Settings on your Surface Duo's home screen.
• Select System.
• Select System Update.
• Select Check for update.
• Select Restart now.

Hopefully, we'll see more improvements next month as well to both Surface Duos. While Android 12L is still not expected until closer to fall, this update should hold people over for the next few months before that significant OS update (which should also come to the original Surface Duo).

Earlier today, we reported on a few new apps that work better with dual screens, including Google's Gboard.

• Surface Duo and Surface Duo 2 are getting more app support for dual screens from some recent app updates.
• Google Gboard (Beta) now supports splitting making thumb typing easier.
• Whereseek officially supports Surface Duo in a July 5 update
• Talon for Twitter indirectly supports Surface Duo via a new tablet mode that splits the app into columns when spanned.

When it comes to apps optimized for dual-screen usage on Microsoft’s Surface Duo and Surface Duo 2, there aren’t that many beyond Microsoft’s own apps. Of course, the real benefit of Surface Duo is being able to run two apps side by side for multitasking, but for in-depth work, a spanned experience can be more immersive and rewarding.

A few significant apps are starting to move into support for “tablet mode” on Android, which results in them being optimized for dual screens as well. We’ve already seen Sync for Reddit (plus Infinity and Relay for Reddit) get such support, and now more are joining them.

Whereseek, as pointed out on /r/surfaceduo, now officially supports Surface Duo according to the July 5 changelog. The app is used to find fascinating locations around you, drinking water stations, ATMs, parking spots, libraries, toilets, post boxes, and more.

Spanning Whereseek works as expected: On the left side, you have a map based on your location that you can move around, and on the right, you have points of interest. Tapping on the camera icons on the map brings up detailed information on the right side about that place.

Whereseek is free to use, but some features are locked unless you pay a one-time $8.99 to unlock everything. After using the app for just a few minutes, I didn’t hesitate to buy it as it’s quite a fun app if you’re in a new location and looking for points of interest around you.

Next up, Talon for Twitter, which has been around since 2014 and is one of the best well-known third-party Twitter apps, also now supports “tablet mode.” The feature works predictably. Enable tablet mode under settings, and you can then specify swipe-able panels for your feed, mentions, DMs, topics you follow, local, and more.

On each display on Surface Duo, you’ll have a different feed that can scroll independently, letting you get a comprehensive live view of world events, e.g., following multiple hashtags or trends.

Finally, Google has been beta testing its split-keyboard feature in Gboard, its popular keyboard app for Android. The feature is only available in the Gboard beta, and even then, it’s only in A/B testing, meaning you may not even get it. 

The keyboard only splits when you’re spanning an app (whereas SwiftKey can appear on both screens even if there is only one app on one display). Still, it does work in portrait and landscape “compose” modes making it a viable alternative to the default SwiftKey.

Shane Craig on YouTube did a nice video showing how the keyboard works compared to Microsoft’s option.

Google is expected to update all its apps for Android 12L in the coming months, and Gboard may be the start of that trend. Surface Duo and Surface Duo 2 are getting that Android 12L later this year, likely towards the Fall timeframe. 

It's the 10-year anniversary of Microsoft's Surface lineup. Throughout this week, we celebrated the family of devices. To wrap things up, we'd like to know which Surface device stands out above the rest.

The Surface family has come a long way since the launch of the RT and original Surface Pro. Microsoft has since released laptops, desktops, foldables, and even a massive conference room hub. This week's poll stacks them all against each other, allowing you to show your love for your top Surface device.

Perhaps you enjoy the Surface Pro 8, a refinement of Microsoft's original vision for the 2-in-1. Maybe you prefer the unique form factor of the Surface Laptop Studio. Alternatively, you may long for the days of Windows Phone and love holding a foldable Surface Duo 2 in your hands. No matter which Surface you love, we want to hear about it.

Of course, most Surface devices have had several iterations, but for this poll, we focused on each range from the lineup. If you're interested in comparing every single Surface device, make sure to check out our extended video special from this week. Executive editor Daniel Rubino, senior editor Jez Corden, and senior editor Zac Bowden go through the entire history of the family.

We also covered the Surface lineup from a variety of other angles this week. You can check out our entire collection of Surface articles or browse through some of the highlights:

• What’s the point of Surface? 10 years on
• 10 years of Surface: What we want to see next
• 10 years of Surface: The highs and lows of Microsoft's personal computers
• How 10 years of Surface inspired a wave of 2-in-1s
• Why I haven't bought a Surface PC (and probably never will)

As a reminder, comments are temporarily disabled on Windows Central. Please reach out to me on Twitter or jump into our official Discord channel to share your thoughts on Surface.

What you need to know

• Adonit just announced its Neo Ink stylus for Surface devices.
• The Adonit Neo Ink works with Surface Book, Surface Pro, Surface Laptop, and other Surface hardware.
• It attaches magnetically, supports tilt, palm rejection, and pressure sensitivity, and has programmable shortcut buttons.
• The Adonit Neo Ink stylus is available starting today for $40.

Microsoft Surface enthusiasts may have a new option when it comes to the best Surface Pen alternatives. Adonit just announced its Neo Ink stylus, which is compatible with a wide range of Surface hardware. While we'll have to get our hands on the pen to fully judge it, the specs and design of the device seem quite promising.

The Adonit Neo Ink works with Surface Pro (3-8), Surface Book (1-3), Surface Go (1-2), Surface Studio (1-2), Surface Laptop (1-2), and Surface 3. There's a chance that it would work with other devices, but we've only included what the product's listing shows.

The Neo Ink magnetically attaches to Surface hardware. You can use the pen while it's charging through USB-C, though that would likely feel awkward due to balance issues. Adonit claims 100 hours of battery life off a full charge of the Neo Ink.

 Like Microsoft's own Surface Pen, the Adonit Neo Ink supports 4,096 levels of pressure, tilt, and pressure sensitivity. Adonit's new stylus also includes programmable shortcut buttons and support for palm rejection.

The Adonit Neo Ink is available starting today for $40.

What you need to know

• Microsoft Mechanics discusses the ins and outs of the Surface Duo 2 in a recent video.
• A significant update recently rolled out to the Duo 2, which brought support for third-party notifications on the Glance Bar.

Microsoft's Surface Duo 2 has few contemporaries on the market. It features a pair of displays that focus on multitasking rather than spanning content across a single device. Even compared to the original Surface Duo, the Surface Duo 2 is unique due to its support for 5G. A new video by Microsoft Mechanics takes a deep look at Duo 2.

The video starts off with a rundown of the Duo 2's specs, including a Snapdragon 888 processor, 5G support, and fast charging support. Duo's thin form factor is also highlighted.

There's nothing groundbreaking in the video, especially since the Duo 2 has been out for quite some time. That being said, it serves as a quick rundown of the device. If you've followed Duo 2 since its initial announcement, you probably won't learn any new information from the video. But if you became intrigued with the foldable recently, the video recaps its use case well.

Around the 2:30 mark, the presenter starts to explain why the Duo 2 features two displays rather than one folding one. In short, Microsoft's findings show that two parallel displays require a lighter mental load for multitasking than a single screen or a folding display.

Microsoft has done a better job of supporting the Surface Duo 2 than it did with the original Surface Duo. The newer device received sound marks from our senior editor Zac Bowden and executive editor Daniel Rubino, who reevaluated Duo 2 after five months of use. Since then, Microsoft has continued to add features, including a significant update last week.

What you need to know

• The latest update for the Surface Duo and Surface Duo 2 removed the ability to pair the devices with the original Surface Pen.
• The pen can still interact with the Duo and Duo 2 as normal, but it cannot pair to the devices, meaning its buttons no longer function with the foldables.
• The original Surface Pen had issues with Duo devices, including the pen staying awake.

Microsoft rolled out an update to the Surface Duo 2 this week that brought a significant list of improvements and new features. The foldable now supports third-party notifications through the Glance Bar and automatic pairing of the Surface Slim Pen 2. It also, however, removed a feature. Following the update, the Surface Duo 2 can no longer pair to the original Surface Pen. The change also affects the original Surface Duo.

"Looks like they removed the ability to pair with regular surface pen- only the slim pen 2 can be paired for using button-click shortcuts," said Reddit user Remind_me.

The removal was confirmed by YouTuber Shane Craig. Interestingly, the Uogic Pen, a third-party stylus that can work with the Duo and other devices, is still able to connect to the Duo and Duo 2, so the change appears to have only affected the original Surface Pen.

The original Surface Pen can still be used to interact with the Duo and Duo 2. Inking is still supported as well. The update removed the ability to pair the original Surface Pen with any type of Duo, which means that its buttons cannot be used to do things like launching an app or taking a screenshot.

The original Surface Pen struggled with connecting to the Duo and Duo 2 previously. Specifically, the pen would have issues with staying awake. There's a chance that Microsoft removed the ability to pair the older pen to Duo devices to avoid the ongoing issues, though the company has not confirmed that to be the case.

• The June 8 update is now out for Surface Duo 2.
• The update is 736MB in size and brings the version to 2022.418.98.
• The update finally enables support for more messaging apps in Glance Bar.
• The update also improves Slim Pen 2 and delivers general system improvements, including for the camera.
• Surface Duo (original) also received a June update that "improves device stability."

Microsoft’s Surface Duo 2 update is out for June, and unlike the last two, this one is a big one coming in at 736MB. But besides sheer size, there is also a lot to talk about for new features and improvements.

First up, the Glance Bar is finally getting the ability to support more than just missed calls, SMS, voicemail, and Teams alerts. Users can now add in third-party “conversation apps” like WhatsApp and Telegram with matching icons.

While Glance Bar has been a neat feature, many Duo 2 owners didn’t use it simply because SMS is not used as much as third-party messaging apps these days. While we’d still like to see an “always-on” option for Glance Bar, today’s update is an excellent addition and a clear response to user feedback that we’re happy to see.

New Features

• Glance Bar shows notifications for 3rd party conversation apps.
• Enables Haptic feedback control in Camera app settings.
• Enables Slim Pen 2 automatic firmware update when paired via Bluetooth.
• Enables Automatic pairing of Slim Pen 2 while inking on either screen (requires Slim Pen 2 to have firmware version 5.133.139 or later and software version 5.148.139 or later).
• Enables optimized charging to help reduce battery aging by charging the battery gradually overnight.
• Enables Device Firmware Configuration Interface (DFCI) support to control device usage.

Next up, the Camera app has improved “usability,” which is a bit unclear, but at least it should be either faster or have improved performance. Interestingly, the camera app also supports Haptic feedback, which is an option under the Camera app’s settings.

Slim Pen 2 is also getting more support. The June update brings a few new features, including automatic firmware update and automatic pairing of Slim Pen 2 while inking on either screen. Microsoft notes you need the latest firmware and software for Slim Pen 2 to have this feature work, so luckily, you can now update that through Surface Duo 2 directly. Previously, users had to connect Slim Pen 2 up to a Surface PC to get those updates, which is certainly inconvenient if you don’t own a Surface PC.

Under “nice to have” is new optimized charging. While fast charging is welcomed, it is well known that frequent use of it degrades battery longevity over time. Today’s update lets Surface Duo 2 gradually charges overnight, reducing battery aging.

Fixes for Surface Duo 2

• Improves device stability.
• Improves system performance.
• Improves touch responsiveness.
• Improves camera usability.
• Improves in-app camera experience in dual-screen mode for applications with dynamic orientation requirements.

There is also something about “Enables Device Firmware Configuration Interface (DFCI) support to control device usage,” which is an enterprise feature for mobile device management.

Finally, there are the usual system improvements. Those unspecified improvements include stability, performance, responsiveness, camera usability, and, like Surface Duo 1, “improves in-app camera experience in dual-screen mode for applications with dynamic orientation requirements..”

How to update Surface Duo 2

• Connect to a Wi-Fi network.
• Select Settings on your Surface Duo's home screen.
• Select System.
• Select System Update.
• Select Check for update.
• Select Restart now.

Overall, the June update for Surface Duo 2 looks tremendous, and we’re happy to see the continued improvement and addition of new features to the dual-screen Android phone. While Android 12L is still not expected until closer to fall, this update should hold people over for the next few months before that significant OS update (which should also come to the original Surface Duo).

Surface Duo (original) also updated

Microsoft is also pushing out a small update for the original Surface Duo. 

While no new features are delivered it does bring the usual monthly Android security update, but also "improves device stability," which is always welcomed. That update brings the software up to version 2022.418.56.

Thanks, VincibleAndy, for the tip!

We're back with another exciting episode of the Windows Central Podcast, and this week, Dan and Zac offer a sixth month review of Surface Duo 2, and make the case for merging Surface Pro X with Surface Pro 9. They deliver rumors about Surface Laptop Go 2 and a foldable OLED notebook from HP. Plus, Dan shares his experience with the newest Lenovo Yoga.

This episode of the Windows Central Podcast was recorded on April 22nd 2022.

Links:

• Surface Laptop Go 2: Everything we know so far | Windows Central
• How is the Surface Duo 2 holding up at 6 months on the market? (video) | Windows Central
• Microsoft should merge the Surface Pro X with the Surface Pro 9 this fall | Windows Central
• A foldable OLED HP notebook could debut in 2022 | Windows Central
• Lenovo unveils new ThinkBook 13s Gen 4 and 14s Yoga Gen 2 at MWC 2022 | Windows Central

• Sponsors:

  Indeed: Choose Indeed and join 3 million companies worldwide who use Indeed to hire great people and help grow their teams faster. Get started right now with a free $75 sponsored job credit at indeed.com/wcp. Offer valid through April 30. Terms and conditions apply.

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What you need to know

• The Surface Duo and Surface Duo each have small OS updates today.
• Surface Duo's update is just 16.73MB, while Surface Duo 2's is 28.21MB
• The updates are just the monthly April 1 security patch from Google, although Surface Duo 1 gets a minor fix for Miracast.

Today, Microsoft is pushing out some small OS updates for its dual-screen Android phones. The original Surface Duo and newer Surface Duo 2 are getting some small patches via the Android updater.

Historically, the updates are relatively small in size, coming in at just 16.73MB for Surface Duo and a slightly larger 28.21MB for Surface Duo 2. Previous OS updates for both phones were around 200MB, so these are likely minor tweaks or security patches. That said, the original Surface Duo has a small fix for when using Miracast.

Here are the changes for each device:

Surface Duo

• Addresses scenarios outlined in the Android Security Bulletin—April 2022.
• Fixes pixelated external display when screen sharing via Miracast.

Surface Duo 2

• Addresses scenarios outlined in the Android Security Bulletin—April 2022.

On Surface Duo 2, our build number jumped from 2022.106.38 to 2022.108.8. For the original Surface Duo, the build on our unlocked phone jumped from 2022.113.26 to 2022.115.10.

So far, Microsoft has been very consistent with its promise of monthly updates for its Surface Duo devices. While there have been periods of just security patches, recent monthly updates have included improvements to the OS, gestures, touch, responsiveness, camera, and adding more inking capabilities.

Google's Android 12L OS update, optimized for dual-screen and foldable phones, is due "later this year" from Microsoft.

Recently, Microsoft dropped the price of Surace Duo 2 from $1,499 to a more desirable $999, although it is unclear if that is a temporary reduction or a new regular price to drive sales. That price cut for Surface Duo 2 can be found at Microsoft.com, Best Buy, and Amazon.

Thanks, Wade S., for the tip!

Save on Surface Duo 2

What you need to know

• The Surface Duo 2 is now just $999 (128GB) and $1,099 (256GB) at Best Buy, Amazon, and Microsoft.com, a savings of $500 off the original price.
• This new price is the lowest yet since the Surface Duo 2's launch in October 2021.
• It's not clear if this is another temporary sale or a new permanent price.

Microsoft is listening to some of its critics who admire Surface Duo 2 but feel the $1,499 starting price is just too high. The Microsoft Store, Amazon, and Best Buy are now offering Surface Duo 2 for just $999 for the 128GB model, while the 256GB version is just $1,099. That's a substantial $500 off the original price.

Customers could save up to $700 more of that $999 price at Best Buy if they trade in their existing phone, making the Surface Duo 2 a viable option for those curious about a dual-screen experience.

Both Microsoft and Best Buy recently had a temporary sale on Surface Duo 2, knocking down the price to $1,250, but that ended two weeks ago.

While some may see this as a sign of an impending Surface Duo "3," our sources suggest that Microsoft won't refresh this hardware until sometime in 2023.

Save on Surface Duo 2

While Surface Duo 2 had a difficult launch, Microsoft has since delivered three substantial updates that have significantly improved the device. We recently reexamined the topic a few weeks ago, noting that all of the major gripes and bugs of Surface Duo 2 have been addressed making it much easier to recommend to those wanting to try something new.

Our colleague MrMobile (aka Michael Fisher) also did a 13-minute long-term review, where he also noted that Surface Duo 2 has substantially improved since its initial launch.

Interestingly, one of Fisher's complaints about the device was the price, noting that "… $999 is a better price point for a device with this many compromises," referring to the mid-range camera. Today's price drop at least knocks the criticism off the table.

Of course, Microsoft could still do more with Surface Duo 2. Enhancements to the Glance Bar to allow access to third-party app notifications is one area (something that we hear is in the works), improvements to the camera software are never a bad thing, and more abilities for the optional Surface Slim Pen 2 for inking is welcomed. It'd also be good to see advancements with typing (SwiftKey) and Microsoft Launcher (more customizations).

Extending the longevity of Surface Duo 2 is Android 12L, which is expected "later this year" according to Google. That OS update should refine the dual-screen experience while also letting app developers easily optimize apps for spanning across both displays.

Either way, if you were eyeing Surface Duo 2, heading down to your local Best Buy to try one out for $999 seems like a no-brainer if the design piques your interest. If you're uncertain about committing, ordering through Microsoft also gives you a generous 60-day return policy. And don't forget to pick up the best Surface Duo 2 accessories to complete the experience.

What you need to know

• Michael Fisher (aka MrMobile) gives a new long-term review of Microsoft's Surface Duo 2.
• Fisher last reviewed the phone upon release and like many reviewers, was frustrated with its software issues.
• Five months on, Microsoft appears to be finally figuring out Surface Duo 2's software, though other non-software issues remain.

Microsoft's Surface Duo and Surface Duo 2 are some of the most fascinating phones to come out in the last few years, which made reviews of them so disappointing. While many praised the hardware, the software execution was … rough.

We recently re-visited Microsoft's dual-screen phone and noted that the last three updates have substantially changed the product for the positive. It's now, basically, where it should have launched back in late September. That's perhaps a low bar, but it's progress nonetheless and something we find encouraging.

Michael Fisher, better known as MrMobile, is also taking another deep dive to investigate Surface Duo 2 in his 13-minute video "long-term review."

Fisher is, as he admits, "so predisposed to embrace the unconventional," that he can overlook a phone's shortcomings for "doing something no other device does." And that is the crux of Surace Duo: It lets you multitask on a pocketable computer that's simply unlike anything on the market.

The video gives kudos to Microsoft for enhancing the pen functionality and, in general, improving the overall software experience.

Of course, not all is perfect, either. Fisher still believes Surface Duo 2 is too expensive, with $999 feeling more appropriate. As many have noted, the cameras are still below expectations for a device in this price category. Typing, something even we said, could still be much better. And, of course, Android itself is still in its infancy for the dual-screen/foldable world (something which Android 12L should begin to rectify later this year).

The video is, as usual, an excellent, balanced look at Surface Duo 2 five months on with lots of insight. But the bigger story is the conclusion that Fisher reaches: he "genuinely thinks the idea of a dual-screen phone deserves to exist," even if he believes folding screens are the way to go.

What you need to know

• British TV series The Gadget Show recently looked at the Surface Duo 2 and Galaxy Fold 3.
• The hosts were given three tests to see which folding phone was better.
• While Surface Duo 2 won for multitasking, the Galaxy Fold 3 won for camera and watching videos.

Let's be honest: Modern smartphones are only interesting these days when discussing the increasing variety of form factors, specifically around folding ones. But which style is better — dual-screens (Surface Duo 2) or folding vertically (Galaxy Fold 3)?

In reality, the answer is whatever works for you, but comparing the pros and cons of each design is still an important topic, especially for people plonking down large sums of money. That's why The Gadget Show, which airs on Channel 5 in the UK (and spotted on Reddit) recently looked at both phones.

In the video, which is both clever and entertaining, the presenters (Jon Bentley and Ortis Deley) go over the phone's features and specs, as one typically does. However, they were quickly given some challenges to see which phone was better.

It's no surprise that Surface Duo 2 wins out on multitasking for the first test. Most people find manipulating two apps on two screens more effortless and natural than the software divide found on Samsung's Galaxy Fold 3. This conclusion is reached even though Fold 3 can show three apps at once, which Duo 2 cannot do.

But where the Surface Duo 2 falls behind is also predictable. The second challenge shows that Duo 2's cameras are not as proficient as Samsung's, with the latter known for overly contrasty (but user-preferred) photos. Interestingly, both phones had a bit of shutter lag. Cameras on folding devices are a generation behind current flagship models, just one of the tradeoffs with the form factor.

The final test is relevant and the easiest to foresee the outcome: Watching a high-resolution video. With Surface Duo 2, the split-screen interferes with the experience, whereas Fold 3's "gutter" never hinders it (even if it's slightly visible).

Of course, the point can also be made with dual-screen PC setups, where no one ever runs video across both displays, which is weird.

So, which phone does The Gadget Show recommend in the end? Neither. The presenters felt that tradeoffs are still too high (along with the price) to justify them. Early adopters, however, are likely to feel differently. It's not uncommon to see people in forums and comments say that they can never return to a single-screen slab phone after adopting a folding one.

The good news is we'll have a few years for this technology to evolve. A recent report by Omdia noted that by 2026, foldables would only account for 3.6 percent of the total smartphone market, growing from the current 14 million units to 61 million. That's a lot of phones, most of which are likely to be sold by Samsung, but it's still a long way to go before these things are the new normal.

What you need to know

• The Surface Duo 2 is getting its March 2022 update.
• The update is 219MB.
• The update bumps the system from version 2022.104.111 to 2022.111.64.

Just as we're talking about Microsoft hitting its stride with updates to the Surface Duo 2 (and how it's pretty good now), here comes the March 2022 update.

Unfortunately, according to the changelog, there is not much going on in this update. The changelog notes that it only includes the March Security Patch, even though the update is still 219 MB (last month's "big" update with new drivers was 273 MB, for comparison).

• Addresses scenarios outlined in the Android Security Bulletin—March 2022.

The OS version jumps from 2022.104.111 to 2022.111.64, and we'll have to poke around to see if there are any other changes (or under the hood improvements for Microsoft's own apps).

To be fair, Microsoft did push out three big OS updates for Surface Duo 2 in December, January, and February, with new features, drivers, and many improvements. Taking a month off and letting the dust settle could be warranted.

Microsoft will likely light up some other experiences on Surface Duo 2, but there is no ETA on those, although we talk about them in our latest video.

No word on an update for Surface Duo 1, although it is likely to arrive in the coming days, if not sooner.

To grab the update on Surface Duo 2, follow these instructions:

1. Connect to a Wi-Fi network.
2. Select Settings on your Surface Duo 2's home screen.
3. Select System.
4. Select System Update.
5. Select Check for update.
6. Select Restart now.

The update is 219 MB, so it may take time to download depending on your current internet speeds.

When Microsoft first revealed Surface Duo, it caught the tech world by surprise. While we anticipated a dual-screen Windows device (aka Surface Neo), a small Android-driven phone was a shocker.

Of course, Surface Duo launched a year later, and while people appreciated its hardware, the OS experience was messy. For Surface Duo 2, Microsoft thought it had its software woes figured out, but the second round of reviews may have been even worse.

Fast forward five months from its release, and Surface Duo 2 is an entirely different device, thanks to three substantial updates in December, January, and February. Improved performance, smooth animations, predictable behavior, it's all just … better.

Windows Central Executive Editor Daniel Rubino and Senior Windows Editor Zac Bowden have a conversation on Surface Duo 2 and Microsoft's progress.

Let's Talk: Surface Duo 2

Daniel Rubino: So, Zac, five months on, and we're both still using Surface Duo 2 as our primary phones. I applauded the hardware changes in my original review, but lamented ongoing touch sensitivity issues that drove me nuts, including swiping for notifications. But these last three software updates have made a huge difference. For me, Surface Duo 2 feels like a standard Android phone now, except for that extra display. That's perhaps a low bar for a premium device in 2022. Still, there is no denying that Microsoft has made considerable strides in updating this phone and, in general, is just getting better at updates. What do you think?

Zac Bowden: I think it's fair to say at this point that the Surface Duo 2 is finally where it should have been at launch. It launched in a much better state than the Surface Duo 1, but it still wasn't in a good enough position where I could recommend it to your average folk, and I think that showed in reviews at the time. Now, if you can wrap your head around the dual-screen aspect, the software will no longer get in the way. That's a huge deal. This conclusion even extends to Surface Duo 1, which I'd argue is basically at feature and stability parity with the Duo 2 at this point.

Daniel Rubino: Yeah, the most significant shift for me has been Microsoft's consistency. The updates are coming at around the same time each month, they feature detailed changes, and those logs are posted instantly on the website (instead of two days later). The company also seems to be improving at addressing ongoing issues and adding polish to the overall user experience. Things are smoother, more coherent, and there are no show-stopping bugs. And that also applies to Surface Duo 1, which, despite the older hardware, is performing much better than I thought it would at this stage.

What about pricing? In the US and Canada, Microsoft recently dropped Surface Duo 2 from $1,500 to $1,250. That's not a fire sale, likely due to heavily controlled supply management, but it takes the sting out a bit. Is it enough to move the needle?

Zac Bowden: I don't think so. Unfortunately, those initial rounds of Duo 2 reviews sealed this device's fate. Even though both are no longer in that state, it will have this stigma of being a buggy mess like the first Duo. Many people will see the price being cut here and there and think it's because the device is failing, so retailers are dumping stock because this exact thing happened with the Surface Duo 1. But I don't think that's fair on the Surface Duo 2, which is just starting to see a small price cut. The Duo 1, at this point, was almost 50% off, but the Duo 2 is nowhere near that. I think that says a lot about how much better Microsoft has handled the production and rollout of Duo 2.

Now that the software works as intended, we can finally see if people prefer dual-screens over single-screen multitasking. Beforehand, I think many people couldn't get used to the dual-screen aspect because the software was rough and wasn't making it easy. But now, the software works as intended, this is the first time we're able to see how ordinary people take to the dual-screen nature of this device. Will they find it helps their productivity flow? I certainly think it helps mine, but not everyone is the same.

Daniel Rubino: Yeah, I agree on the perception bit, and that's going to be a tough hill for Microsoft to overcome. I think so long as they keep at it with the software, including lighting up new features on occasion, the company will at least be in a much better position to launch Surface Duo 3.

What else should Microsoft do on Surface Duo 2? For me, it starts with Microsoft Launcher. Since 2020, Launcher on Duo has improved performance and animations, which is excellent. However, despite the regular Microsoft Launcher for Android having many of these abilities, we still cannot change icons or customize gestures, which is weird. I'd also like to see the Glance Bar get some more customization. What else do you think Microsoft needs to add to Surface Duo 2 for software and features?

Zac Bowden: Improvement to the Glance Bar is my most significant request. It's such a cool idea, but I never get to use it because I don't often get to use the few apps it supports. I communicate through Telegram, Skype, and Slack, not SMS or phone calls. Additionally, I'd also love to see Microsoft put more emphasis on pen integration; things like adding the ability to take notes and ink directly on the lockscreen instead of unlocking and opening OneNote first. It would also be nice if SwiftKey would adopt inking to write into text fields.

I think what I'm most hoping for is broader adoption of third-party apps taking advantage of the spanning capability on Duo. So far, only Microsoft's apps (and a handful of third-party apps) support this mode. That's fine, as not all apps need to support it, but I suspect with Android 12L coming to Duo later this year,, we'll start to see some app developers target those APIs and build apps that, at the very least, avoid the gap down the middle of the two halves.

Daniel Rubino: Yeah, I agree with Android 12L and apps being updated. I'm more excited about the developer options than the OS itself. It means Google will presumably update all its inbox apps like Gmail, Gboard, YouTube, Maps, Messages, the Play Store, etc., to support its own recommended APIs. Same with more Surface Pen support, making Surface Duo stand out from nearly all other Android phones besides whatever Samsung releases.

I also echo your request for SwiftKey, which is still not as good as Gboard for typing, and it has had handwriting recognition support for years.

Overall, I think it's safe to say Microsoft has reached a stable platform for Surface Duo with the core features and functions behaving as they should. Now, we'll have to wait for continued refinements and occasional new "feature drops" to keep pushing the form factor. Microsoft's next big test: How long does it take them to push out Android 12L? We're certainly not expecting anything like the ridiculous one-year wait for Android 11, but how quickly can the company push out that OS will speak volumes about its overall progress.

Let's revisit this topic later this year and see where Surface Duo 2 stands!