Fluent UI for Surface Duo helps developers make dual-screen apps

Surface Duo 2020
Surface Duo 2020 (Image credit: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central)

What you need to know

  • Microsoft released Fluent UI for Surface Duo.
  • Fluent UI for Surface Duo helps developers create apps that work well on dual-screen devices.
  • Fluent UI controls include things such as "AppBarLayout," which makes sure a search box doesn't extend under the hinge of the Surface Duo.

Microsoft released its Fluent UI framework for the Surface Duo this week. The framework helps developers create apps that work well on dual-screen devices like the Surface Duo. Fluent UI for Surface Duo includes nine Fluent UI controls enhanced for dual-screen devices. Fluent UI also helps developers create apps that are consistent across platforms.

A devblog post from Microsoft explains all of the Fluent UI controls. There are controls, such as AppBarLayout that stops search inputs from extending under the hinge of devices like the Surface Duo, and DateTimePicker that prevents popups from appearing under a device's hinge.

Here are all of the controls, as outlined by Microsoft:

Swipe to scroll horizontally
ControlDescription
AppBarLayoutSearch input box does not extend under the hinge
BottomSheetAlways appears on the right screen, and never under the hinge
CalendarViewCan be spanned under hinge and day columns adjust
DrawerDrawer appears on a single screen
PeoplePickerViewPersona chips will avoid being placed under the hinge
DateTimePickerPopups will not appear under the hinge
PopupMenuMenus will avoid appearing under the hinge
SnackbarThe snackbar will only show on a single screen, and not appear spanned under the hinge
TooltipTooltips avoid appearing under the hinge

If you want to see what these look like in action, you can look at Microsoft's Fluent UI sample app on GitHub.

Microsoft Surface Duo

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Sean Endicott
News Writer and apps editor

Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He's covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean's journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_.