is anyone thinking about the Duo as their next device?

is anyone seriously thinking about it. Im still on my note 10 + but was gutted when I realised it has an Equinox cpu ( Scotland ) and side by side the its noticeable. And I kinda like the pen ( not an artist ) for notes . So if my next phone is Samsung its getting imported!!! But I would consider the duo if it just had nfc . The cpu is fine because as I found out 90% of android (mobile games) are pay to win garbage.

 

Conversation 119 comments

  • Usman

    Premium Member
    19 July, 2020 - 7:12 am

    <p>Lack of nfc is a killer for me, and especially if the price is similar to the galaxy fold 2. I'm still running an Exynos Note 9 and it's still going strong and note had any noticeable performance issues or degradation.</p><p><br></p><p>The problem with an imported device it's likely missing out features like Wifi Calling, Voice over LTE ( crucial, as your 4G radio turns off when calling if you don't have it turned on) and Google Pay as it won't be supported on the firmware loaded on the imported device.</p>

    • Vladimir Carli

      Premium Member
      21 July, 2020 - 7:51 pm

      <blockquote><em><a href="#554909">In reply to Usman:</a></em></blockquote><p><br></p><p>I am very interested but I really hope the price will not be in the galaxy fold range. That would be a deal breaker and I think they will sell a few dozen if that’s the case</p>

    • Andy Babiec

      12 August, 2020 - 12:47 pm

      <blockquote><em><a href="#554909">In reply to Usman:</a></em></blockquote><p>Lack of NFC is a big blocker for me. Contactless payments is a big convenience as I am trying to drop the need for carrying around my wallet.</p>

  • Andrew Graham

    19 July, 2020 - 7:25 am

    <p>Yes, unless the price is _too_ exorbitant – I can probably cope with a little exorbitant :)</p><p><br></p><p>The main reason for getting it it is for navigation purposes to run two GPS mapping/tracking apps side-by-side, AlpineQuest at 50K scale and my own street level app at about 10K scale. I can do this in split screen under Android 10 but more screen space would be welcome. I can also foresee using several other side by side app combinations. </p><p><br></p><p>I don't care about NFC (never used it) nor 5G because as I live in a rural location 5G is a far distant fantasy.</p>

    • snow.steve22

      Premium Member
      19 July, 2020 - 2:25 pm

      <blockquote><em><a href="#554910">In reply to Andrew_Graham:</a></em></blockquote><p>Andrew,</p><p>I've always found that banging on the GPS is an iffy proposition at best both in a smartphone and on a tablet. First, it sucks down the battery like nobody's business (a few hours life at best) and the body of the device really heats up uncomfortably. In fact the tablet was a cheapo-Chinese Windows tablet and it burned out the GPS eventually. Just a word to the wise…</p>

      • Andrew Graham

        22 July, 2020 - 8:46 am

        <blockquote><em><a href="#554979">In reply to snow.steve22:</a></em></blockquote><p>No need for a word to the wise. I have extensive experience over many years of using GPS on both phones and PCs and it's always been fine in my experience. I use two apps running side by side on a 7" Android phablet (Mi Max 3) in split mode, both simultaneously tracking maps by GPS at separate scales (you need Android 10 for both to be active at the same time). The Duo will be ideal for me if the price is not too high.</p>

  • constable

    19 July, 2020 - 7:55 am

    <p>Duo is never gonna happen, so…no.</p>

    • Paul Thurrott

      Premium Member
      19 July, 2020 - 9:00 am

      Microsoft is clearly getting ready to ship Surface Duo, so I’m not sure what that means.

  • woelfel

    19 July, 2020 - 8:27 am

    <p>Yea, I'm probably going to get it. I don't care for NFC as I never use it. I do wish it had wireless charging as I do use that daily but not a deal breaker for me. The price is going to be an interesting one.</p>

  • navarac

    19 July, 2020 - 9:26 am

    <p>In a word, "No".</p>

  • lecter

    19 July, 2020 - 11:45 am

    <p>I use NFC to pay for stuff, wireless charging to charge and love the OIS on the camera of my S9, so…definitely not, but the form factor and build quality seem excellent and it has none of the pitfalls of a non-Google approved device. If those 3 things get added to a Surface Duo 2, I'll definitely buy it. </p>

  • ngc224

    19 July, 2020 - 12:58 pm

    <p>If you need NFC, I’m sure you’ll get it. Not from the Surface “Duo” Gen 1, but with the companion Surface Watch.&nbsp;;-)</p>

  • ryguy

    Premium Member
    19 July, 2020 - 2:12 pm

    <p>I plan on buying one, but frankly I view this as more of a replacement for my iPad than my iPhone. This will be great for reading imo.</p>

    • james.h.robinson

      Premium Member
      20 July, 2020 - 9:01 am

      <blockquote><em><a href="#554977">In reply to ryguy:</a></em></blockquote><p>I completely agree. It will probably replace the iPad mini for me. </p>

  • ndelena

    Premium Member
    19 July, 2020 - 2:24 pm

    <p>I'm very interested in the Duo but it will all come down to camera quality for me.</p>

    • evox81

      Premium Member
      20 July, 2020 - 9:51 am

      <blockquote><em><a href="#554978">In reply to ndelena:</a></em></blockquote><p>I thought this too… but then I remembered Microsoft has made a mobile camera in half a decade and sold all of the PureView tech to someone else, so it'll probably be just another middle of the road OEM camera on a middle of the road Android device.</p>

      • ndelena

        Premium Member
        21 July, 2020 - 8:12 pm

        <blockquote><em><a href="#555055">In reply to evox81:</a></em></blockquote><p>Yup. That's what I'm afraid of. So much of smartphone photography these days is computational. I don't know how you beat what Google and Apple (and to a lesser extent Samsung) are doing in the market.</p>

      • jamie_webster

        25 July, 2020 - 7:45 pm

        <blockquote><em><a href="#555055">In reply to evox81:</a></em></blockquote><p>Did they actually sell the tech ?. I thought they just sold the name back to Nokia. </p>

  • peterc

    Premium Member
    19 July, 2020 - 2:33 pm

    <p>I’m totally into the devices potential, totally. But I have an iPhone 11 which is my daily driver, and I’m not exactly mobile working anymore due to Covid and will be home working till at least next spring. If it offers a great eco-system of working in tandem with the new surface pro 7 I just got (ridiculous price offer and couldn’t miss) then maybe…. it was the Neo I was really looking forward to though. I’m really curious to see the android implementation on the duo. </p>

  • johnh3

    19 July, 2020 - 6:37 pm

    <p>Maybe as a iPad replacement. But not as my only phone. And I suppose it will be very expensive to.</p>

    • james.h.robinson

      Premium Member
      20 July, 2020 - 9:01 am

      <blockquote><em><a href="#555007">In reply to johnh3:</a></em></blockquote><p>I agree with you. I think the Duo is an LTE tablet that just happens to have the ability to make phone calls.</p>

  • naddy69

    20 July, 2020 - 1:35 am

    <p>No. I have iPhones, I have iPads, I have Windows PCs. </p><p><br></p><p>I have no need for an Android tablet. </p>

  • jrswarr

    Premium Member
    20 July, 2020 - 7:27 am

    <p>I was more interested in the Neo to be honest. While I didn't expect the Neo to replace my laptop, it certainly would have come in handy when I needed to travel light. The Duo is just a big Android phone with a split screen, and I have no interest in that. </p><p><br></p><p>To me a Neo along with my phone is the perfect combination.</p>

    • anoldamigauser

      Premium Member
      21 July, 2020 - 9:05 pm

      <blockquote><em><a href="#555029">In reply to jrswarr:</a></em></blockquote><p>Yes, I was much more interested in the Neo, but only if it fit in a sports coat pocket, could use an active pen, and had apps that could take advantage of the pen for input.</p>

  • irfaanwahid

    20 July, 2020 - 1:11 pm

    <p>I'm personally very interested in it. But it's going to boil down to the price and camera quality. </p><p>I'm not expecting camera quality to be in space of Samsung/iPhones but it cannot also have a price of a premium smartphone with a mediocre camera.</p>

  • wolters

    Premium Member
    21 July, 2020 - 9:26 am

    <p>It has crossed my mind but camera quality and ability is top of my list and I'm thinking it won't come close. </p>

  • kingbuzzo

    21 July, 2020 - 11:45 am

    <p>Feeling like the last Windows Mobile hold-out, yes, but there will only be a few of us buying this thing, then it will be discontinued, then wash/repeat…</p>

  • VancouverNinja

    Premium Member
    21 July, 2020 - 12:30 pm

    <p>Yes. We are leaving iPhones behind and our company is transitioning away from it as well. We will be rolling out Duo's to the salesforce most likely Q1 2021. In the meantime our company will be playing with expanding in-house apps and how they can be more productive, and save time, taking advantage of the dual screens. Camera will be more than good enough for the sales force. </p>

    • Paul Thurrott

      Premium Member
      22 July, 2020 - 8:57 am

      This is the funniest/saddest thing I’ve ever read.

      • james.h.robinson

        Premium Member
        22 July, 2020 - 9:30 am

        <blockquote><em><a href="#555646">In reply to paul-thurrott:</a></em></blockquote><p>I don't understand. Why?</p>

    • bkkcanuck

      23 July, 2020 - 12:26 am

      <blockquote><em><a href="#555434">In reply to VancouverNinja:</a></em></blockquote><p>I agree with Paul, you are rolling out a version one device (version one as in a new form factor), in production in a short timeframe, without the likely due process that a version one device requires. What solution is it able to provide to your salesforce that current form-factor phones cannot at this time provide – which would warrant such a risk? These in-house apps, are they going to only run on dual screens? Have the sales professionals even had time to see how they could use the device. I am assuming that there is battery in both halves, glass and backing surfaces on both sides – what is the weight and battery usage like if you have to lift it up and talk in a public place on the phone for a reasonably lengthy time? The apps that they are designing, are they going to require access to information while holding it up to talk into it instead of speaker phone arrangement. I understand you could use an inear / mic with it – but like many people if I use them I am constantly misplacing them or it is not with me when I need it. How about single handed use of the phone (having it open when holding it in the air might not be the best design) – are the app icons always on one side or the other…. what happens if it is on the wrong side when you want to talk on the device while holding it. Just some random questions, but it is important to have user input through trial use of the device before making the leap to replace everything with some new form factor.</p><p><br></p><p>Is there a fallback position if for some reason dual screen devices turn out to be a fad. </p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p>I get the feeling some executive saw a demonstration – thought this would be cool – and then decided hey, lets force them on the salesforce without the due process and input of who will be using them….</p><p><br></p><p>Sorry, it reminds me of a time (maybe 20 years ago) a company I worked for decided that — hey this lotus notes thing is great lets roll it out to all our consultants on the road so that they can use custom designed forms to input their time and expenses online (most were still dialup access) to replace a system where we could use the corporate email to email a spreadsheet (pre-specified) that had the same information – it would receive the email, take the time and expense data out of the spreadsheet – apply it to the accounting system after validating it – and responding with a confirmation with the information supplied. </p><p>The difference was we use to have a simple local spreadsheet we could keep updated without connecting to the system (we had the project codes we were working on) – quick and simple to keep updated…. and replaced it with something that upper management thought – hey – this is new and fancy lets roll this out and the result is it cost the people on the road lots of time and headaches trying to get the pig to work properly.</p>

      • VancouverNinja

        Premium Member
        23 July, 2020 - 4:18 pm

        <blockquote><em><a href="#555893">In reply to bkkcanuck:</a></em></blockquote><p>Thanks for the effort to try to understand the initiative. All our apps run on single screen devices. The effort on the Duo is to have them "bloom" on a dual screen and improve on the limitations of a single screen device. Should dual or expanding screen devices fail there is no harm done. The upside of the dual screens in the field over single screens is immense and we are going to take advantage of it. </p><p><br></p><p>We have extensive experience in software development and our core business segment. It took very little time to understand the value of a dual screen, Android based, mobile device that fully integrates with Windows. </p><p><br></p><p><br></p>

        • jamie_webster

          25 July, 2020 - 3:59 pm

          <blockquote><em><a href="#556043">In reply to VancouverNinja:</a></em></blockquote><p>Do you have any examples ideas on how your going to develop.software to take advantage of dual screens.</p><p>And what platform u stepping away from ios or android?</p>

          • VancouverNinja

            Premium Member
            26 July, 2020 - 12:36 am

            <blockquote><em><a href="#556815">In reply to Jamie_Webster:</a></em></blockquote><p>There are so many; here are a few very basic examples, the ability to expand out selection items from large lists for easier selection and review. Another is to show locations via mapping from search or filtering results for much easier workflow (eg planning meeting routes via drag and drop with automatic calendar scheduling), or a more expanded detail on a particular customer account. These are super simple examples. The really good stuff I'll hold on to for now ?</p><p><br></p><p>Leaving iOS for our sales force and executives. Better windows integration is a large driver for this move, and cost vs other Android phones has gotten out of control in our opinion. The Apple premium is not remotely justifiable from a business perspective.</p>

            • curtisspendlove

              27 July, 2020 - 1:13 am

              <blockquote><em><a href="#556860">In reply to VancouverNinja:</a></em></blockquote><p><em>There are so many; here are a few very basic examples, the ability to expand out selection items from large lists for easier selection and review. Another is to show locations via mapping from search or filtering results for much easier workflow (eg planning meeting routes via drag and drop with automatic calendar scheduling), or a more expanded detail on a particular customer account. These are super simple examples. The really good stuff I'll hold on to for now ?</em></p><p><br></p><p>Sinple examples for sure. I mean all of that is pretty easily accomplished with an expandable div/panel. </p><p><br></p><p> It kudos for your super secret ideas. :)</p>

              • VancouverNinja

                Premium Member
                27 July, 2020 - 12:35 pm

                <blockquote><em><a href="#557023">In reply to curtisspendlove:</a></em></blockquote><p>"Simple examples for sure. I mean all of that is pretty easily accomplished with an expandable div/panel." </p><p><br></p><p>That's the way single screen development is today and is a natural way to think of implementing more complex UX designs for mobile devices. I do not disagree with you completely but the functions and features that can be created across dual screens is, and will be, superior depending on the complexity of the feature set. </p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p>

                • curtisspendlove

                  06 August, 2020 - 7:51 pm

                  <blockquote><em><a href="#557112">In reply to VancouverNinja:</a></em></blockquote><p><em>That's the way single screen development is today and is a natural way to think of implementing more complex UX designs for mobile devices. I do not disagree with you completely but the functions and features that can be created across dual screens is, and will be, superior depending on the complexity of the feature set.</em></p><p><br></p><p>I suppose. But I honestly don’t see that much superiority or time saved by popping a panel over to another screen versus the two main options we use currently:</p><p><br></p><ul><li> vertically expanding / collapsing panels</li><li>sliding / hiding panels</li></ul><p><br></p><p>I don’t have any major issues with having sliding panels (vertical or horizontal). As an example I can’t see it to be significantly more productive to tap a static list of emails in a left screen while viewing the email details on a right screen than it is to have the list replaced by the email and have a “back” button. </p><p><br></p><p>:: shrug :: </p><p><br></p><p>I’m sure it will be nicer. But ground-breaking…meh. </p><p><br></p><p>I mean…take another example. An IDE like VS Code has a bunch of attached panels (project listing, code visualizer, build targets, terminal console). I don’t see that I’d gain a whole lot more productivity to be able to rip those off and arrange them in individual windows across three monitors. </p><p><br></p><p>Sure, you gain some information isolation. But you reduce information density. Your eyes can only focus on so much at a time without it becoming overwhelming or just physically unusable to where you need to constantly switch focus to various areas on the monitors. </p>

    • John Craig

      23 July, 2020 - 11:14 am

      <blockquote><em><a href="#555434">In reply to VancouverNinja:</a></em></blockquote><p><br></p><p>Risky stuff. I mean, I love your enthusiasm and all that, and as a single user I'd probably take a chance on this device, but to pivot an entire team away from a something that's tried and tested, and hand them all what are effectively alpha test machines…I really hope you get some up close love and support from the surface team.</p>

      • VancouverNinja

        Premium Member
        23 July, 2020 - 4:21 pm

        <blockquote><em><a href="#555984">In reply to John_Craig:</a></em></blockquote><p>Zero risk. ?</p><p><br></p><p>"Something that's tried and tested" Single screen iPhones with Office365 and in-house apps…. </p><p><br></p><p>What's the bet that Office365 mobile for a duo is going to be superior? We know how our apps will make our team more efficient with more screen in the field. So to us we would be foolish to rebuy the newest iPhones over Duo's – really it is a no brainer for our business.</p>

        • curtisspendlove

          24 July, 2020 - 1:07 am

          <blockquote><em><a href="#556044">In reply to VancouverNinja:</a></em></blockquote><p><em>What's the bet that Office365 mobile for a duo is going to be superior?</em></p><p><br></p><p>I don’t really think you need to place any wagers. It is basically “is the Android version of Office better than the iOS version”?</p><p><br></p><p>:: shrug ::</p><p><br></p><p>I can’t imagine the office team doing much different other than taking advantage of the dual screen APIs. </p><p><br></p><p>If that puts it over the top enough for your company to blindly invest in rolling out a fleet of Rev. A boards … I hope it works well. </p><p><br></p><p>I’d have a rough time endorsing that expenditure with all the unknowns of an unreleased product. </p><p><br></p><p>I like Microsoft, and the Surface line, but their track record on hardware has had some issues. </p>

          • VancouverNinja

            Premium Member
            25 July, 2020 - 2:01 pm

            <blockquote><em><a href="#556122">In reply to curtisspendlove:</a></em></blockquote><p>It's not just that working with Office365 will be better, its what we can do with our inhouse apps. We supply all mobile devices, no BYOD allowed in our org, so paying for over priced iPhones every few years is not justifiable from a productivity standpoint, not to mention Windows integration will vastly improve for our team members moving to Duo – primarily due to it being Android of course.</p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p>

    • navarac

      25 July, 2020 - 3:14 pm

      <blockquote><em><a href="#555434">In reply to VancouverNinja:</a></em></blockquote><p>Your posts read like a Microsoft advertising executive, gushing about something that hasn't yet happened. God help your workforce is all I can say.</p><p><em>EDITED 12 Aug 20 ….$1400 per user. Have you changed your mind now?</em></p>

  • darkgrayknight

    Premium Member
    21 July, 2020 - 1:57 pm

    <p>I'm definitely interested in getting a duo, though I may wait as the Xbox Series X is a higher priority and I'm still paying for my Samsung Note 9.</p>

  • minke

    22 July, 2020 - 7:05 am

    <p>No. Too costly, too big, and without a killer camera it couldn't replace my phone. Frankly, I just don't see the niche this is supposed to fit it as being very large at all. If you need something for productivity a slim convertible laptop or tablet would be infinitely better. If you need a phone with a great camera it won't fill the bill. What exactly does the Duo do that is so compelling?</p>

    • Paul Thurrott

      Premium Member
      22 July, 2020 - 8:29 am

      What’s the price?

      • kingbuzzo

        22 July, 2020 - 10:50 am

        <blockquote><em><a href="#555628">In reply to paul-thurrott:</a></em></blockquote><p><br></p><p>Can only speculate but based on their track record it will be too expensive and too late to market with little value proposition.</p><p><br></p><p>I can afford the bumpers…</p>

  • james.h.robinson

    Premium Member
    22 July, 2020 - 9:34 am

    <p>Now that the Neo has been delayed until possibly 2022, I might as well get a Duo as an experiment. This product is basically an MVP, so my expectations aren't huge.</p>

  • Maciek

    Premium Member
    22 July, 2020 - 12:12 pm

    <p>Lack of an easy way to check notications is a dealbraker for me. I need to open this thing to check out why it just beeped. Or what was happening when I was not paying attention. A smartwatch is some workaround, but… come on. That and (probably) medicore camera make me stick with Galaxy S phones (kinda 'Surface Phones' too, with their unique Microsoft integrations).</p>

  • reefer2

    22 July, 2020 - 12:23 pm

    <p>I have a hard time visualising where Duo fits in. Maybe as a "Palm" for office types, clerks and salespersons but for consumers? No. The target group are clearly business people. </p><p>And besides, its not a smartphone replacement simply because its not a smartphone (yes, i know you can make sim calls on it, still not a smartphone). Also hard to imagine who would want a dual screen, only distracting, as Paul have said a number of times. </p>

  • ponsaelius

    22 July, 2020 - 1:31 pm

    <p>No.</p>

    • moruobai

      23 July, 2020 - 12:38 pm

      <blockquote><em><a href="#555756">In reply to ponsaelius:</a></em></blockquote><p><br></p><p>Hell No.</p>

  • John Craig

    23 July, 2020 - 2:15 am

    <p>I'd jump in at version 2 or 3, but at version 1, it's not for me. </p><p><br></p><p>This First attempt is going to have a few teething issues, which is totally acceptable on a new form factor, but I've played the guinea-pig on several Microsoft devices and platforms, and this time round I'll leave it to others with deeper pockets.</p><p><br></p><p>If it makes it to version 2, I'll be very tempted. If it gets to version 3 then I'm 100% on board.</p>

  • simont

    Premium Member
    23 July, 2020 - 5:48 am

    <p>I would consider when/if Gen 2 come out. But I am not risking money on Gen 1.</p>

  • kingbuzzo

    23 July, 2020 - 1:53 pm

    <p>Duo has NFC according to the FCC…fyi</p>

  • SWCetacean

    Premium Member
    23 July, 2020 - 3:43 pm

    <p>It would not be my choice for my only phone, but I could certainly see it as a work phone. The main issue with phones has always been that there's only enough room for one app to be comfortably used at a time on the screen. Having a second screen can help with that. I saw a demo of Outlook on the Duo where the message list is on one screen and the message content is on that other. That's pretty much my desktop Outlook workflow right there, which isn't possible on a standard smartphone. There have also been times when I'm sending an email or Teams message from my phone and I needed to reference info in an email or something, and I would have to switch to the other app, check the info, then switch back to my message, while on a Duo I could just put that other thing on the second screen. </p><p>In general, the advantages of the Duo are the same as the advantages of having multiple monitors. The downsides to having a dual-screen device are similar to the downsides of having multiple monitors (size correlates to desk space and the number of cables involved). But most non-productivity activities have little use for multiple monitors, hence why I say the Duo would be good as a work phone, but not as a general-purpose phone.</p>

    • james.h.robinson

      Premium Member
      23 July, 2020 - 4:37 pm

      <blockquote><em><a href="#556025">In reply to SWCetacean:</a></em></blockquote><p>You perfectly said what I was thinking.</p>

      • tucotoby

        Premium Member
        09 August, 2020 - 5:47 pm

        <blockquote><em><a href="#556046">In reply to james.h.robinson:</a></em></blockquote><p>Nicely said, and of course, follows my line of reasoning. </p><p>I am retired, so the business aspect holds little positive value. </p><p>And, for sure, it will be over-priced. </p>

  • andrey_medvedev

    26 July, 2020 - 3:21 pm

    <p>I was excited about it at first, but I'm not buying any phone without an audio jack, so Surface Duo is out. Would have bought it for sure, but for me it's a deal-breaker. (That's why the S10+ will be my last Samsung phone.) </p>

    • Paul Thurrott

      Premium Member
      26 July, 2020 - 4:58 pm

      This is the origin of the phrase “biting your nose to spite your face.” You show them!

    • jchampeau

      Premium Member
      27 July, 2020 - 9:13 am

      <blockquote><em><a href="#556983">In reply to Andrey_Medvedev:</a></em></blockquote><p>The <a href="https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2017/05/nokia-3310-review/&quot; target="_blank">Nokia 3310</a> has a headphone jack. Looks perfect!</p>

    • VancouverNinja

      Premium Member
      27 July, 2020 - 4:53 pm

      <blockquote><em><a href="#556983">In reply to Andrey_Medvedev:</a></em></blockquote><p>I always found it funny that Apple made wearing corded earbuds look cool when the everyone could have had Bluetooth options. Unless you are a pure and true audiophile it is the logical progression for headphones; it is also easier to wear them than worrying about a cord. </p>

    • simont

      Premium Member
      28 July, 2020 - 7:36 am

      <blockquote><em><a href="#556983">In reply to Andrey_Medvedev:</a></em></blockquote><p>That ship has sailed, I don't expect many phones to now have a audio jack, It's going the same way as removable batteries</p>

    • yaddamaster

      28 July, 2020 - 1:12 pm

      <blockquote><a href="#556983"><em>In reply to Andrey_Medvedev:</em></a><em> i find that odd. My Note 10 doesn't have an audio jack but for the occasional time when I do need audio output (such as the old sound system in the garage) I just use a dongle. It's not a big deal.</em></blockquote><blockquote><br></blockquote><blockquote><em>As long as there are dongles for legacy uses I don't see the big deal.</em></blockquote><p><br></p>

      • illuminated

        28 July, 2020 - 8:06 pm

        <blockquote><em><a href="#557366">In reply to yaddamaster:</a></em></blockquote><p>I had my first phone without audio jack. Bought and lost 3 dongles already. <span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">I hate dongles. </span></p>

    • bschnatt

      16 August, 2020 - 2:56 pm

      <blockquote><em><a href="#556983">In reply to Andrey_Medvedev:</a></em></blockquote><p>You're not the only one who insists on a headphone jack (if you can get one). You and I may be the only people who aren't crazy about the idea of having a radio transceiver spewing electromagnetic radiation into our head at close range. Have people lost their minds? (In the interest of full disclosure, I *do* use a cordless headset when I cut the grass, but that's out of practicality. Getting my hands caught up in a wired headset while I'm operating a machine with a really sharp, rapidly rotating blade probably isn't the best idea…)</p>

  • innitrichie

    27 July, 2020 - 7:05 am

    <p>If the Duo gives me a pure Microsoft experience, I'll be going ALL IN on it. We need a phenomenal Microsoft mobile experience to replace what I currently use on my Lumia 950 XL (my phone still has the best camera system in the world, btw!)</p>

    • Usman

      Premium Member
      27 July, 2020 - 8:18 am

      <blockquote><em><a href="#557049">In reply to innitrichie:</a></em></blockquote><blockquote>my Lumia 950 XL (my phone still has the best camera system in the world, btw!)</blockquote><p>Questionable claim</p>

  • will

    Premium Member
    27 July, 2020 - 5:20 pm

    <p>No. </p><p><br></p><p>IMO the Duo will be picked up by super fans, maybe some people who want to have the cool new thing, but I do not see it taking off. Plus, as soon as the next iPhone is announced with whatever features it has people will just move on. You can get all of the core MS services from iOS apps just as easily (without launcher) and for the vast majority of people that will be ok.</p><p><br></p><p>People like smaller devices they can hold or put into their pockets. Plus they like having amazing cameras that capture items in a wide range of ways: low night, slow mo, zoom, wide, 4k, time lapse, and I would guess even more with the next iPhone. </p>

    • ejuly

      28 July, 2020 - 1:56 pm

      <blockquote><a href="#557196"><em>In reply to will:</em></a><em> MS has super fans?????? I know many people who like/love products like Surface and XBox but none I would say are at the level of Apple, NVida, Raspberry Pi, or even Xomii. </em></blockquote><p><br></p>

  • ejuly

    28 July, 2020 - 1:52 pm

    <p>I travel and if it has GPS/GLONOSS then I am all in. If it just another version of the Surface Go I am definitely out.</p>

  • ejuly

    28 July, 2020 - 1:58 pm

    <blockquote><a href="#557014"><em>In reply to Dan:</em></a><em> I had no wires and am still waiting for the bliss on a 4+hours plane trip.</em></blockquote><p><br></p>

  • james.h.robinson

    Premium Member
    28 July, 2020 - 2:49 pm

    <p>I'm still on the fence. I'll wait to see what Samsung announces next week before I decide on anything. </p><p><br></p><p>EDIT (August 7, 2020):</p><p>I saw the Samsung event and I am VERY impressed with both the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 and the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra. At this point, the only way I would get the Duo is if it is cost competitive with the Note Ultra (despite it only having 1 screen).</p>

  • ghostrider

    28 July, 2020 - 4:01 pm

    <p>If it get's released (that's a big if), it will be a very niche device, and probably with a very limited production run – MS will definitely be testing the water, but MS fanboys will clamour for it no matter what price it is (hint – it will be expensive, probably &gt;$1000).</p><p>Personally, I don't see a market for it. It will be too expensive for most, with limited appeal. The only thing it will have going for it will be that it will be running Android, but almost certainly without any of the GApps, so how MS fill that gap I don't know.</p>

    • starkover

      28 July, 2020 - 6:26 pm

      <blockquote><em><a href="#557414">In reply to ghostrider:</a></em></blockquote><p>Why wouldn't it have access to all the google apps, as well as any other android app.</p>

      • darkgrayknight

        Premium Member
        29 July, 2020 - 2:40 pm

        <blockquote><em><a href="#557445">In reply to starkover:</a></em></blockquote><p>Pretty sure it's been stated that it will have the play store as they were working with Google on it.</p>

        • starkover

          29 July, 2020 - 4:16 pm

          <blockquote><em><a href="#557590">In reply to darkgrayknight:</a></em></blockquote><p>Exactly</p>

    • Paul Thurrott

      Premium Member
      29 July, 2020 - 8:14 am

      It’s definitely going to be released. And soon.

  • harrymyhre

    Premium Member
    28 July, 2020 - 10:02 pm

    <p>I had the Galaxy Note 3. I have never used the newest Note so I probalby shouldn't say anything, but I will.</p><p>I think the screensize of a smartphone is a LITTLE small to use a pen with.</p><p>You need a little bit bigger screen to take advantage of the pen and do "pen things" like artwork.</p><p><br></p><p>I mean think about it – not too many artists would sit down and try to do art on a 6.7" screen…</p><p>They would gravitate to an 8" screen or larger.</p><p>The iPad screensize is about perfect for doing art.</p><p>Larger than the iPad (Or Surface pro) screensize and "gorilla arm" starts to set in.</p><p><br></p>

  • roncerr

    29 July, 2020 - 9:08 am

    <p>A problem with any shirt pocket size folding device is there is no way to protect it when dropped. My phone gets all the protection it needs from a cheap plastic case that covers the back and sides. I often drop it on hard flat surfaces, with no damage to anything. OTOH a folding device would have to be put in a case for the same protection.</p>

    • VancouverNinja

      Premium Member
      29 July, 2020 - 1:04 pm

      <blockquote><a href="#557505"><em><img src="">In reply to Roncerr:</em></a></blockquote><p>Panos has been putting up some images on his twitter feed. Looks like there is cool case for it already.</p>

  • mmcpher

    Premium Member
    05 August, 2020 - 11:22 am

    <p>I will look at it but have not been overwhelmed by the specs. There's some talk in the trades that rather than all these phablet varietals, you should get yourself a smaller and just pair/sync with a small tablet. Uh, no thank you. I have a bunch of tablets laying around and every couple of weeks I remember to check if they are charged but other than that, it's back in the drawer. I have a Note 10+, and didn't see anything to move me back into the market with the announcement about the Note 20 Ultra. I am interested in the Samsung Galaxy Fold 2, especially if the rumors are true that it will have an s-pen on board. I have a couple of old Surface Pros and use the Microsoft pen/stylus all the time. I have an HP Laptop and stylus but for whatever reason, I don't use it much. As disappointing as pen/stylus integration has been as a general proposition, there are reasons to be hopeful that Microsoft will deliver. </p>

  • youwerewarned

    06 August, 2020 - 11:09 pm

    <p>Let's see–a pair of Nokia 920's and a hinge. Hinges are cheap, and 920's even more so. And less disappointing when cancelled. And it WILL be cancelled.</p><p><br></p><p>Nope, done with Microsoft hardware. Gave them a decade to get serious about product marketing. They never do.</p>

  • luthair

    08 August, 2020 - 10:50 am

    <p>Intellectually I can see the purpose of a single foldable screen like the Samsung devices, even if I'm not convinced they are read for prime time. On the other hand, I can't the purpose of a portable device with two screens for everyday use – maybe there are some niche business verticals where it might make sense.</p>

  • Lauren Glenn

    09 August, 2020 - 9:04 pm

    <p>I like the concept as the Courier we never got… but ultimately, it's running Android and like most Android devices, you get maybe 2 OS updates and that's it. Still better than iOS but I'm going to pass until the Neo comes out and maybe get that dual screen laptop in that size (hopefully we get an Otterbox case for it so I feel better carrying the Neo around.</p><p><br></p><p>As much as I have an Android tablet, I'd still rather have a Surface Pro with me than it.</p>

  • Durishin

    10 August, 2020 - 3:15 pm

    <p>Other than robustness and, likely, better ergonomics due to wider screen panels, what does it give me that I am not getting from my LG V60 with the Dual-screen case?</p><p><br></p><p>Better camera? Nope. Better sound? Nope. Better battery life? Not likely – not at all. Better dual-screen experience? – Depends on how Microsoft Launcher evolves to include two non-Microsoft screens.</p><p><br></p><p>Any kind of selection in protective cases? Could actually be worse than the paltry few available for LG. </p><p><br></p><p>So, though I have been in love with the concept since Courier, until I see Duo working like the Courier simulation, probably not. </p>

  • kingbuzzo

    11 August, 2020 - 11:07 am

    <p>What's the word on the street for us crazy Canadians – does anyone know the carrier?</p>

    • anoldamigauser

      Premium Member
      13 August, 2020 - 11:25 am

      <blockquote><em><a href="#560552">In reply to kingbuzzo:</a></em></blockquote><p>You get to have us ugly Americans beta test it, so you can buy v2.</p>

  • kingbuzzo

    12 August, 2020 - 12:26 pm

    <p>Ok, no big surprise. Another month away, US only – natch, and uber expensive…</p><p><br></p><p>I guess my rusty Lumia 950 it is for now…</p>

  • Shel Dyck

    12 August, 2020 - 3:09 pm

    <p>I am concerned a lot of folks are in for some bad user experiences on the Duo. I've been using Microsoft Launcher on dual screen LG's for months. It's a complete shit show. rotate the screen a few times and all sorts of weird things happen to icon locations.</p>

    • kingbuzzo

      12 August, 2020 - 4:03 pm

      <blockquote><em><a href="#561026">In reply to ShelDyck:</a></em></blockquote><p><br></p><p>Maybe that is the "android" experience…lol</p>

  • oscar999

    12 August, 2020 - 4:26 pm

    <p>Duo is not intended for consumers so…no.</p>

  • james.h.robinson

    Premium Member
    12 August, 2020 - 7:04 pm

    <p>Only if I can get it for free.</p>

  • sevenacids

    12 August, 2020 - 9:16 pm

    <p>I'm not convinced the folding mechanism works out. Since there is no screen on the outside, you have to unfold it every time you want to use it. I doubt just opening it a bit for a peek is enough. Foldables were nice – twenty years ago or so. Today, I don't see the value. Smartphones are already too big to carry around as easy as they're used to be when they still fit in a small pocket. I don't want the tiny devices back from the beginning of the century, but a 6-inch barren is not ideal either. Now this one is just as big and thick. And pretty expensive.</p><p><br></p><p>Foldable displays really make no sense. If you use two distinct panels, there will always be a gap in the middle that lowers your experience using it as a full screen. Foldable panels, on the other hand, will never be as robust as their static flat counterparts. Due to molecule structure, it's a physical impossibility for a material to be flexible (like a sheet of paper), bendable in small radii (like few millimeters), and sturdy (like in Gorilla Glass) at the same time. They might reach some sort of robustness, but I see it as a dead end development of an industry who deals with a finished product and is shy of any new ideas.</p>

    • kingbuzzo

      13 August, 2020 - 10:28 am

      <blockquote><em><a href="#561105">In reply to sevenacids:</a></em></blockquote><p><br></p><p>having to take a giant slab out of my pocket everytime it dings is already too much – having to open it would likely curb this behavior completely…</p>

      • angusmatheson

        16 August, 2020 - 4:27 pm

        <blockquote><em><a href="#561192">In reply to kingbuzzo:</a></em></blockquote><p>Do you have that problem? I think they have a watch to sell you to solve the problem of your giant phone is too much of a pain to get out of your pocket.</p>

  • derylmccarty

    Premium Member
    13 August, 2020 - 12:00 am

    <p>Okay, I am going against the flow. I listened and read Paul/Brad, Mary Jo, and even our Windows Central friends Zac and Daniel. They are realistic in their comments about price, consumer use, technology age, and such like. But I need something larger than my Note 8+ but not as big as my Pro X to do note taking and highlighting for a doctoral program. I looked into the true folding screen devices but even the demo models have "fold pixel neuropathy" or pixopathy for lack of better words. I wonder if the Surface engineers saw the same thing even with the Surface Book series and developed Paul's hinge (the one he does not love so well) to avoid a place where sand could just ruin the screen if the screen and metal about the keyboard were touching. </p><p><br></p><p>At any rate, after a bit of thought, I unapologetically reverted to Surface fanboy and pre-ordered today. $1649 after I paid the governor for the privilege of living in the same state as MSFT. Though truth be told, I did get the 256 model since there is no SDXC slot. And my OneNote notes are growing exponentially since that is how I read and highlight the PDFs that are "scholarly articles". That also means I can trade in my Kindle Paperwhite, Note 8, and Fire 10. I will then have one (ring) Surface to rule them all.</p><p><br></p><p>If you wish to laugh at my choice, wait until I have used it for about a month or so and I will either laugh with you or not. Now I have to figure out where I am going to put the pen and keep it charged like the one for my Pro X. Sigh.</p>

    • kingbuzzo

      13 August, 2020 - 10:27 am

      <blockquote><em><a href="#561130">In reply to derylmccarty:</a></em></blockquote><p><br></p><p>gosh bless u early adopters…give us an independent review since we will have nothing to do or pine over for months outside of the US</p>

    • epsjrno

      Premium Member
      13 August, 2020 - 11:30 am

      <blockquote><em><a href="#561130">In reply to derylmccarty:</a></em></blockquote><p>Sounds like you have much of the same usage plans as I do. I was actually more concerned about the lack of SDXC than the NFC and 5G and I'm presently using a Note 10+. I'm thinking about trading in my Note 10+ through Microsoft.</p>

    • paradyne

      17 August, 2020 - 7:21 am

      <blockquote><em><a href="#561130">In reply to derylmccarty:</a></em></blockquote><p>Nice! Please report back when you get it and a month later!</p><p><br></p><p>Isn't it exactly the same pen as the Pro X? And doesn't it magnetically attach to the Duo? I'm sure I saw that in a photo somewhere.</p><p><br></p><p>Being able to use the pen and OneNote will be cool, the fact that you can't have a pen on current folding displays seems to be something many people are overlooking when comparing to brick thickness devices like the Galaxy Fold.</p>

  • Scsekaran

    13 August, 2020 - 8:39 am

    <p>I am waiting for my next device to replace iphone 6s+. I expect this device to last for at least 3-4 years. My short listed items are Galaxy note 20 ultra or Surface Duo. My only concern with surface duo is lack of NFC as I use it every day at work during lunch time as only carry my phone. If I buy Surface Duo, I will probably end up buying a Galaxy watch for NFC payment which would add another £ 300-400. With Galaxy note 20 ultra, I can buy with 2 year contract +device for the price of Duo. </p><p><br></p><p>My heart says Duo but my common sense says Note 20 ultra. Decision time (When available in UK)!</p>

    • kingbuzzo

      13 August, 2020 - 10:29 am

      <blockquote><em><a href="#561169">In reply to Scsekaran:</a></em></blockquote><p><br></p><p>But it does have NFC…it doesn't have 5G however which I just realized…sigh</p>

  • venuvedam

    14 August, 2020 - 4:26 pm

    <p><em>Disclaimer first: I work for Microsoft. (Not in the Surface division)</em></p><p><br></p><p>I own a Pixel 4 XL now. Will stick with it for another couple of years and then look at the SD 3. By then we will know if it is going to stick around. Hopefully, it gets NFC, a more powerful processor and a decent battery by then. Fallback option is Galaxy S of course, since Google Pixel has exited the flagship phone market.</p>

  • aretzios

    14 August, 2020 - 4:52 pm

    <p>This is a brain-dead device that would disappear very quickly. It is not really worth talking about it too much. It is another Zune and an overpriced one at that </p>

  • Travis

    14 August, 2020 - 8:59 pm

    <p>I’m waiting for the Surface Duover (Surface Duo 2)</p>

    • Paul Thurrott

      Premium Member
      15 August, 2020 - 9:16 am

      lol nice

      • ngc224

        15 August, 2020 - 12:37 pm

        <blockquote><em><a href="#561764">In reply to paul-thurrott:</a></em></blockquote><p>Wasn’t that your joke, Paul? Travis is just being a copier.&nbsp; ;-)</p>

        • Paul Thurrott

          Premium Member
          16 August, 2020 - 9:09 am

          <blockquote><em><a href="#561805">In reply to ngc224:</a></em></blockquote><p>No, that one is new to me. </p>

          • ngc224

            16 August, 2020 - 9:32 pm

            <blockquote><em><a href="#561903">In reply to paul-thurrott:</a></em></blockquote><p>O.K., It was Leo.</p><p>On YouTube, “Internet on a Disk – Windows Weekly 642,” 1:38:20 minutes in.</p>

            • Paul Thurrott

              Premium Member
              17 August, 2020 - 8:10 am

              I’m sorry you felt the need to find this.

              • ngc224

                17 August, 2020 - 10:08 am

                <blockquote><em><a href="#561968">In reply to paul-thurrott:</a></em></blockquote><p>I’m just fulfilling my civic obligation to keep the internet honest. You’re welcome internet.</p><p><br></p><p>Now I’m off to correct Twitter.</p>

                • Travis

                  17 August, 2020 - 10:48 am

                  <blockquote><a href="#561980"><em>In reply to ngc224:</em></a><em> If I'm being completely honest I haven't listened to Windows Weekly or Leo in several months. I just thought Duo and Duover sounded similar. Sorry you heard it somewhere else first.</em></blockquote><p><br></p>

                • darkgrayknight

                  Premium Member
                  17 August, 2020 - 11:45 am

                  <blockquote><em><a href="#561980">In reply to ngc224:</a></em></blockquote><p>you have your work cut out for you on twitter.</p>

                • ngc224

                  17 August, 2020 - 10:36 pm

                  <blockquote><em><a href="#562007">In reply to darkgrayknight:</a></em></blockquote><p>I heard someone, somewhere tweeted something that was incorrect on Twitter. I’m on it. Wish me Godspeed. I’ll clean up the internet if it kills me.</p>

                • curtisspendlove

                  01 September, 2020 - 11:19 pm

                  <blockquote><em><a href="#562153">In reply to ngc224:</a></em></blockquote><p><em>I heard someone, somewhere tweeted something that was incorrect on Twitter. I’m on it. Wish me Godspeed. I’ll clean up the internet if it kills me.</em></p><p><br></p><p>Haha! Good luck and Godspeed. </p>

                • Paul Thurrott

                  Premium Member
                  18 August, 2020 - 9:20 am

                  Godspeed. 🙂

  • naddy69

    15 August, 2020 - 1:33 pm

    <blockquote><em><a href="#561018">In reply to pecosbob04:</a></em></blockquote><p>iPhones and iPads get at least 5 OS updates. 5 years of support. </p>

  • angusmatheson

    16 August, 2020 - 4:24 pm

    <p>I spent about 2 months with two phones in my pocket. Having 2 screens was nice. But it ended up being too thick. It seems to me just carrying 2 phones is better than carrying a phone with two screens connected by a crease. I guess you can cut and paste across. I guess bottom can be a controller for top display like a DS if they are connected. But two phones is pretty great too. Different carriers to so fewer problems with service. If you just want to take one out of your pocket you can. They don’t have to be together – so can watch movie on one propped up while you type on another. Low on battery charge one and use other. We could have all done this for a long time. However, most of us don’t carry two phones. Even though we could have spent less than $1,600 and done so. Because it is too bulky. For me, the occasional advantages of having two screens, was outweighed by the disadvantage of carrying around 2x as much phone. I don’t see how the duo changes that. I’m gonna pass but I’m waiting to see the one brilliant app that makes it all worthwhile.</p>

    • kingbuzzo

      17 August, 2020 - 9:47 am

      <blockquote><em><a href="#561927">In reply to Angusmatheson:</a></em></blockquote><p><br></p><p>Drug dealers swear by this…if it was like the 3DS then we are talking!</p>

  • peten1020

    31 August, 2020 - 8:14 pm

    <p>NO. I love the concept, but I will not invest anymore in Microsoft consumer products. </p><p>"Fool Me Once, … Can't Get Fooled Again" [GWB]</p>

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