Microsoft Mechanics dives deep into Surface Duo (video)

Surface Duo
Surface Duo (Image credit: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central)
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What you need to know

  • A new video from Microsoft Mechanics runs through the design process of the Surface Duo.
  • The video goes over the creation of the device's software and hardware.
  • Microsoft had to overcome several challenges caused by the Surface Duo's unique form factor.

Microsoft shares a deeper look into its Surface Duo in a recent video by Microsoft Mechanics. Vineet Thuvara, Senior Director of Program Management for the Surface team, runs through the Surface Duo's hardware and software alongside host Jeremy Chapman.

Thuvara explains how people from around the world worked together to deliver the device's software and hardware. The dual-screen form factor is quite unique, and Thuvara explains how Microsoft utilized that form factor with the Android operating system.

The video has timestamps from Microsoft, so you can easily jump to a specific segment:

  • 00:00 - Introduction
  • 00:23 - Check out all the 'firsts' Microsoft Duo represents
  • 01:46 - Dual screen
  • 02:44 - Device postures: book mode, pen and inking, and tent mode
  • 04:53 - Engineering challenges: thickness, dual topology, and posture aware
  • 07:57 - Specs of Duo
  • 08:46 - Battery life
  • 09:07 - Hinge design
  • 10:07 - Manageability and Security
  • 11:20 - Learn more links

Making the Surface Duo required Microsoft to re-engineer its manufacturing process, optimize its apps, and design an experience that would work across the device's form factor. Around the 5 minute mark, the video goes through some of the engineering challenges required to make the Surface Duo, including making its asymmetric batteries work together.

The unique form factor also challenges case makers; even the best Surface Duo cases require more engineering than standard device cases. Several of them have to flip, fold, and rotate to match the unique form factor of the Surface Duo.

Microsoft Surface Duo

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Sean Endicott
News Writer and apps editor

Sean Endicott is a news writer and apps editor for Windows Central with 11+ years of experience. A Nottingham Trent journalism graduate, Sean has covered the industry’s arc from the Lumia era to the launch of Windows 11 and generative AI. Having started at Thrifter, he uses his expertise in price tracking to help readers find genuine hardware value.

Beyond tech news, Sean is a UK sports media pioneer. In 2017, he became one of the first to stream via smartphone and is an expert in AP Capture systems. A tech-forward coach, he was named 2024 BAFA Youth Coach of the Year. He is focused on using technology—from AI to Clipchamp—to gain a practical edge.