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Microsoft is reportedly ditching the Surface Duo and Surface Studio lineup
Microsoft has reportedly decided to cut back efforts on "experimental" Surface hardware, including the Surface Duo, Studio, and Headphones.
A few days ago, we learned that Microsoft's leader of the Windows and Devices division, Panos Panay, is leaving the company after nearly two decades of employment. The former executive was promoted to the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) just over two years ago, making his exit seem rather abrupt, especially when the Surface event is taking place later today. Although the Redmond tech firm has emphasized that it is still committed to its Windows and Surface products, new reports now claim that this is not exactly the case.
Microsoft's Surface Duo reaches end of life
Microsoft has ended support for the original Surface Duo, three years after release. The device will no longer receive OS or security updates.
Microsoft announced the Surface Duo and Surface Neo back in October 2019 and while the latter device was canceled ahead of release, the Duo became available in September 2020. We reviewed the dual-screen Android handset and praised its hardware while still acknowledging its limitations, high price tag, and the very specific market niche that it targets. Today, Microsoft has ended support for the Surface Duo.
The Surface Duo's dual screens are what make the device special, not worse
According to rumors, Microsoft has abandoned the dual-screen concept of its Surface Duo devices in favor of a true foldable. I think that's a mistake.
I have had a love/hate relationship with Microsoft's Surface Duo series for the past two and a half years. While I absolutely loved both Surface Duos' hardware (thick bezels aside) and I believe in the usefulness of a dual-screen phone, the Surface Duo's software has ranged from being a dumpster fire to just tolerable. That's no exaggeration — I purchased, then sold, then re-purchased the original Microsoft Surface Duo twice because I alternated between wanting the hardware and being frustrated by the software.
Microsoft's next Surface phone could ditch dual-screen design for a foldable display
Microsoft is apparently ready to give up on a dual-screen design and join the rest of the industry with a folding display for the next Surface phone.
Microsoft's dual-screen Surface Duo devices haven't exactly set the world on fire with their popularity, and it looks like the company is preparing to shift gears with the third generation of the product. According to a report from Windows Central's Zac Bowden, Microsoft has scrapped existing plans to use a dual-screen design for the next Surface phone, replacing it with a foldable screen similar to what's used on phones like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4.
Android 12L begins rolling out to Surface Duo and Surface Duo 2 devices
Android 12L is rolling out for both the Surface Duo and the Surface Duo 2. Users can now upgrade from Android 11.
If you're one of the few who owns a Microsoft Surface Duo or a Surface Duo 2, then you'll obviously realize that you've been a bit behind the times on updates. We're already on Android 13, and up until today, those devices were only able to update as far as Android 11. That's no longer the case though, as Microsoft has announced that Android 12L is finally available for both of them.
The Microsoft Surface Duo 2 is $500 off today
The Microsoft Surface Duo 2 foldable phone is $500 off right now, in both 128GB and 256GB storage capacities.
The first Microsoft Surface Duo was far from the best foldable phone around, thanks to its plentiful software bugs and older hardware. The company fixed many of those issues with the Surface Duo 2, which arrived near the end of last year, and now it's on sale for the lowest recorded price yet: $999.99 for the 128GB model, or $1,099.99 for the 256GB version.
Get the Microsoft Surface Duo 2 for $250 off today
The Microsoft Surface Duo 2 is $250 off today at Best Buy, in both the 128GB and 256GB storage options. In-store pickup is also available.
The original Microsoft Surface Duo wasn't the best phone around, even though it had two displays, thanks to its plentiful software bugs and older hardware. The company fixed many of those issues with the Surface Duo 2, which arrived near the end of last year, and now you can get the Duo 2 on sale for $250 below the original price. That works out to be $1,249.99 for the 128GB model, or $1,349.99 for the 256GB model.
You can now buy the Surface Duo 2 Pen Cover to charge the Surface Slim Pen
Microsoft has opened up orders for the Surface Duo 2 Pen Cover, giving you a way to store and charge the Surface Slim Pen 2 on the phone.
Microsoft has just launched the Surface Duo 2 Pen Cover, giving you protection for the dual-screen smartphone as well as a convenient way to store and charge the Surface Slim Pen 2. The case is listed on Microsoft's website and Best Buy, though only the former allows you to order it right now.