Microsoft Is Making a Foldable Android Phone. Yes.
- Mehedi Hassan
- Oct 02, 2019
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151
Microsoft is making a phone powered by Android. It’s a foldable phone. It’s a Surface-branded device. It’s called Surface Duo. And again, it runs Android.
Microsoft says it’s partnered with Google to bring the best of Android to Surface. The device features a 360-degree hinge, and offer a custom Microsoft experience layered on top of Android. It has two 5.6-inch screens, so it turns into a 8.3-inch device when unfolded.
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Microsoft isn’t revealing many details about the device, though the device doesn’t seem to have a rear camera. It will be available in Holiday 2020.
Microsoft is making a phone powered by Android. No. This is not a joke #MicrosoftEvent pic.twitter.com/r8inEG2TKj
— mehedi (@mehedih_) October 2, 2019
Tagged with
Conversation 151 comments
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rmlounsbury
Premium MemberLog in to Reply<p>Take all my money right now!</p>
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mebby
Log in to Reply<p>Whoa!</p>
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untitled1
Log in to Reply<p>Very interesting.</p>
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docpaul
Log in to Reply<p>I called it!</p>
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waethorn
Log in to Reply<p>I'll say again: "Courier anyone?"</p>
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allancm
Log in to Reply<blockquote><em><a href="#473916">In reply to Waethorn:</a></em></blockquote><p>The first thing I thought was that. Finally the courier saw the light.</p>
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bluvg
Log in to Reply<blockquote><em><a href="#473916">In reply to Waethorn:</a></em></blockquote><p>J Allard is rolling his eyes.</p>
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nbplopes
Log in to Reply<blockquote><em><a href="#473949">In reply to bluvg:</a></em></blockquote><p><br></p><p>Better late than never.</p>
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slbailey1
Log in to Reply<p>I want the device NOW!!!</p>
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jtdwab
Log in to Reply<p>I suspect many bloggers heads are exploding with this reveal.</p>
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Rob_Wade
Log in to Reply<blockquote><em><a href="#473919">In reply to jtdwab:</a></em></blockquote><p>Why? What on earth for? This is a nothingburger.</p>
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miamimauler
Log in to Reply<blockquote><em><a href="#473919">In reply to jtdwab:</a></em></blockquote><p>Yeah, exploding in anguish. What message does a Surface Android phone send to Microsoft Store developers? </p>
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maethorechannen
Premium MemberLog in to Reply<p>It's unseasonably cold for this time of year in Hell.</p>
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Nonmoi
Log in to Reply<p>So it's trying very hard not showing anything google related, except the search bar. </p><p>They do know their very own bing app on Android does have search bar, right?</p>
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christian.hvid
Log in to Reply<blockquote><em><a href="#473923">In reply to Nonmoi:</a></em></blockquote><p>I would very much have liked to be a fly on the wall when Microsoft and Google negotiated the terms for using an MS fork of Android on this device.</p>
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chuckop
Premium MemberLog in to Reply<blockquote><em><a href="#473923">In reply to Nonmoi:</a></em></blockquote><p><br></p><p>They made sure to show Google Play Store – priorities!</p><p><br></p>
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swarnock
Premium MemberLog in to Reply<blockquote><em><a href="#473923">In reply to Nonmoi:</a></em></blockquote><p> Panos clearly said they are partnering with Google to bring the absolute best from both Microsoft and Google into the product</p>
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peterh_oz
Log in to Reply<blockquote><em><a href="#473923">In reply to Nonmoi:</a></em></blockquote><p>They showed Play Store and Google Maps (not Bing maps). </p>
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jules_wombat
Log in to Reply<p>So what is the unique value proposition for Microsoft here ? Its just a commodity piece of hardware running Google Android, probably preloaded with Microsoft productivity software. But there will/are better foldable devices, with hingless displays (but at least the hinge won't break). </p>
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anoldamigauser
Premium MemberLog in to Reply<blockquote><em><a href="#473929">In reply to Jules_Wombat:</a></em></blockquote><p>The fact that a hinge won't break, at least as easily as a foldable screen (still a really hard material science problem) is huge. Who wants a device that has to be treated with kid gloves? The concept of dual screens will also be more productive in my opinion.</p><p>That said, I would be more interested if it ran Windows 10X and loaded Android apps via the old bridge technology they scrapped. I do not like Google's business model.</p><p>As for the value proposition, I think it will sell well enough; and it will help spur the market for dual screen devices as a new product category. That is what they want from the Surface brand.</p>
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darkgrayknight
Premium MemberLog in to Reply<blockquote><em><a href="#473982">In reply to AnOldAmigaUser:</a></em></blockquote><p>It may be running Windows 10X, they never directly said what OS is running and the office apps responded exactly on the Duo like they do on the Neo.</p>
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dontbeevil
Log in to Reply<p>I was really excited for all the event…till android (and I have an android phone)</p>
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bluvg
Log in to Reply<p>Maybe the other leaks were on purpose, to keep this one under wraps?</p>
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siv
Log in to Reply<p>2 x 5.6" = 11.2" or do you mean they are 5.6" tall and 4.15" wide?</p>
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jean
Log in to Reply<blockquote><em><a href="#473935">In reply to Siv:</a></em></blockquote><blockquote><em>it's a dual 5.6" diagonal – hence (ignoring the hinge) roughly a 8.1" when opened</em></blockquote><p><br></p>
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nordyj
Log in to Reply<p>I'm absolutely intrigued by this device! It'll be interesting to see how much it changes between now and release in late 2020. But it's the first thing that I've seen that MIGHT make me leave Samsung. I used to be on Windows Phone, but have now gotten very used to using Samsung's services (Samsung Pay, Samsung Health, etc.). It'll take a lot to make me jump from Samsung at this point as a result, but I'm definitely open to being convinced, since this could replace both my phone and tablet in one go.</p>
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maktaba
Log in to Reply<p>By doing this Microsoft has betrayed its Windows Phone fans.</p>
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soundtweaker
Log in to Reply<blockquote><a href="#473944"><em>In reply to Maktaba:</em></a><em> They don't have any left.</em></blockquote><p><br></p>
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Rob_Wade
Log in to Reply<blockquote><em><a href="#473951">In reply to Soundtweaker:</a></em></blockquote><p>I am a Windows phone fan, and I don't care for this device in the least. I don't feel any more betrayed than I did when they abandoned the platform. My lumia still works fine and the Cortana experience remains unmatched anywhere.</p>
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ronh
Premium MemberLog in to Reply<blockquote><em><a href="#473944">In reply to Maktaba:</a></em></blockquote><p>I am a fan of Windows Phone and do not feel betrayed.</p>
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MikeGalos
Log in to Reply<blockquote><em><a href="#473958">In reply to RonH:</a></em></blockquote><p>Nor do I (and I think that there's a pretty solid consensus here that I'm solidly in the Microsoft camp, to say the least)</p>
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petrolemo
Log in to Reply<blockquote><a href="#473944"><em>In reply to Maktaba:</em></a><em> </em></blockquote><p>"Betraying" WP fans doesn't matter because it's elevating commerce to the personal, which is a bit insane. It's just a tool. I hope this tool can make people more productive. Good on Microsoft for taking what is a pretty big risk here.</p>
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Lauren Glenn
Log in to Reply<blockquote><em><a href="#473944">In reply to Maktaba:</a></em></blockquote><p>They did that to WP 7 users and Zune users with the release of Windows Phone 8. :)</p><p><br></p><p>But it was the right move then.</p>
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rmlounsbury
Premium MemberLog in to Reply<blockquote><em><a href="#473944">In reply to Maktaba:</a></em></blockquote><p>Seriously?</p>
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Winner
Log in to Reply<blockquote><em><a href="#473944">In reply to Maktaba:</a></em></blockquote><p>Windows phone was betrayed years ago. Time to catch up.</p>
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toshdellapenna
Log in to Reply<blockquote><em><a href="#473944">In reply to Maktaba:</a></em></blockquote><p>Satya betrayed Windows fans a long time ago</p>
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digiguy
Premium MemberLog in to Reply<p>The level of excitement even surpassed the 2015 presentation of surface book </p>
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navarac
Log in to Reply<blockquote><em><a href="#473946">In reply to digiguy:</a></em></blockquote><p>Like a bunch of school-kids</p>
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John Craig
Log in to Reply<p>WOOOHOOOOO, YES MATE BACK OF THE NET SCORE WOOOOHOOOOO 🙂 🙂 🙂 :)</p>
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rmac
Log in to Reply<p>MS, a company who failed in the small device hardware market, decides to build another hardware device and swap out its OS?</p><p><br></p><p>It beggars belief.</p><p><br></p><p>I can imagine looking at the Neo and saying, that's nice, but it's pricey and I want something a bit smaller. I look at the Duo and think, what the heck?</p>
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Winner
Log in to Reply<blockquote><em><a href="#473950">In reply to rmac:</a></em></blockquote><p>Here's a device from the company that brought you Windows RT, the Kin, the Band, Windows S-Mode, original Edge, IE, UWP: "Please plunk down >$1000 on this new device, we've got you covered."</p>
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bleached
Log in to Reply<blockquote><em><a href="#474458">In reply to Winner:</a></em></blockquote><p>At least Google will continue to support this through Play Services if Microsoft decides to abandon it.</p>
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dallasnorth40
Premium MemberLog in to Reply<p>This has put my phone replacement plans on a one-year hold!</p>
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bob_shutts
Log in to Reply<p>MS will do it right.</p>
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Winner
Log in to Reply<blockquote><em><a href="#473954">In reply to Bob_Shutts:</a></em></blockquote><p>We can hope. Their track record is pretty weak.</p>
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miamimauler
Log in to Reply<blockquote><em><a href="#473954">In reply to Bob_Shutts:</a></em></blockquote><p>I'm curious as to what you are basing that optimism on Bob.</p>
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MikeGalos
Log in to Reply<blockquote><em><a href="#474506">In reply to miamimauler:</a></em></blockquote><p>The 1,750,000,000 people choosing to use Windows over its competitors?</p>
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BoItmanLives
Log in to Reply<blockquote><a href="#475232"><em>In reply to MikeGalos:</em></a><em> </em>The 1,750,000,000 people choosing to use Windows over its competitors?</blockquote><p>Correction: Ending up with windows, and then tolerating windows. Nobody chooses Windows. Example the people buying laptops with Windows preinstalled didn't have a choice which OS to run.</p>
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Jorge Garcia
Log in to Reply<blockquote><em><a href="#475872">In reply to BoItmanLives:</a></em></blockquote><p>I agree. The vast majority of people tolerate Windows, that's it.</p>
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Dan1986ist
Premium MemberLog in to Reply<p>Guessing the Surface Duo might come with Android 10, or newer version of Android that maybe out by then? </p>
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rmlounsbury
Premium MemberLog in to Reply<blockquote><em><a href="#473955">In reply to Dan1986ist:</a></em></blockquote><p>I would guess if it is Android 10 or 11 is related to how much customization they have going on in the build. </p>
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ronh
Premium MemberLog in to Reply<p>I use a Note 9.</p><p><br></p><p>They didn't show or say anything about it, but <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Surface Duo needs a pen!!!</span></p>
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christian.hvid
Log in to Reply<blockquote><em><a href="#473956">In reply to RonH:</a></em></blockquote><p>It's probably compatible with the standard Surface Pen, but of course that won't fit inside the device.</p>
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mclark2112
Premium MemberLog in to Reply<blockquote><em><a href="#473956">In reply to RonH:</a></em></blockquote><p>The video showed the Surface Pen in use at the very end.</p>
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derylmccarty
Premium MemberLog in to Reply<blockquote>I agree that the Surface Pen is already compatible, but not easily carried around in such a device. (Nice what they did with carrying a Pen on the Pro X.) Perhaps in the year and a few months before the Duo is available Panos and his crew can invent an S-Pen sized device or have the S-Pen usable on Surface. It would need a more sturdy construction, but what S-pen does already is sufficient for using the Duo in class or on the road or in the field. </blockquote><p><br></p>
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mmcpher
Premium MemberLog in to Reply<blockquote><a href="#474104"><em>In reply to derylmccarty:</em></a><em> It would be nice if it were already incorporated into the device, or magnetized to it. But the fact is that for any flagship release, there are, within a few weeks of release, so many varieties of cases in different form factors that I would expect one of them would be clever enough to include a sleeve or something for the slim pen. With the Duo and with other foldable devices, I am thinking more of a pouch than a case anyway. I'm a Note user so I have grown used to a stylus and definitely would want one. I wonder if the Slim Pen will be available or backwards compatible as a stand-alone purchase for use with other devices? </em></blockquote><p><br></p>
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peterh_oz
Log in to Reply<blockquote><em><a href="#474104">In reply to derylmccarty:</a></em></blockquote><p>Paul is already writing a 6 part series on the Surface Duo/Neo Pen Loop! Yes it'll work with both!</p>
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peterh_oz
Log in to Reply<blockquote><em><a href="#473956">In reply to RonH:</a></em></blockquote><p>They mentioned early on that the pen works with ALL new surface devices. </p>
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BrianEricFord
Log in to Reply<p>This could be cool, we’ll see (over a year from now) but it feels to me like the Surface as a brand doesn’t actually MEAN anything at this point.</p>
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drewidian
Log in to Reply<p>I'm sold. I'd get both Duo and Neo. They are exactly what I want.</p>
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rmlounsbury
Premium MemberLog in to Reply<blockquote><em><a href="#473965">In reply to drewidian:</a></em></blockquote><p>Indeed… The million dollar question is whether or not buying both devices means taking a second mortgage out on the house to be able to afford them! :)</p>
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navarac
Log in to Reply<p>Would be interested in Microsoft's plans for updates. Most Android phones seem to have built in obsolescence in that the software is rarely updated, if at all.</p>
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peterh_oz
Log in to Reply<blockquote><em><a href="#473966">In reply to navarac:</a></em></blockquote><p>This is why I buy Nokia. 3 YEARS of updates. And stock standard Android, no rubbishy junk overlaying it. And the best camera equipment built in. </p>
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earlster
Premium MemberLog in to Reply<p>While Panos said that it runs all Android apps, I don't recall him saying that it's running Android. Might have to re-watch this again, or wait for Paul to write about it.</p>
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evox81
Premium MemberLog in to Reply<blockquote><em><a href="#473975">In reply to earlster:</a></em></blockquote><p>I see the Google Play Store in some of the videos/screenshots… it definitely runs Android.</p>
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will
Premium MemberLog in to Reply<p>This will be good until Google makes its own Pixel foldable device</p>
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mmcpher
Premium MemberLog in to Reply<p>So the real comparable is the delayed Huawei Mate X. Only the Duo is more durable and also has the big hingey thing right down it's middle. Which is fine provided you intend to use the Duo as a dual-screen in contrast to a tablet.</p><p><br></p>
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toshdellapenna
Log in to Reply<p>This sucks ? They canceled Andromeda for this? No thanks. They could have put Windows on it and used the Linux layers for the Android crap since it's Linux. Hopefully hackers figure out how to get WOA on this. Otherwise its a Surface neo for me.</p>
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harmjr
Premium MemberLog in to Reply<p>BETTER COME WITH A SURFACE PEN!</p>
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christian.hvid
Log in to Reply<p>I like the fact that they didn't go for a flexible display – the Galaxy Fold fiasco has proven beyond doubt that this is not the way forward. If nothing else, the Duo looks very sturdy, and when in folded mode the displays are completely protected. I'm just hoping that's magnesium on the back, and not glass.</p>
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F4IL
Log in to Reply<p>So, this will ship in about a year from now?</p>
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MikeGalos
Log in to Reply<blockquote><em><a href="#474034">In reply to F4IL:</a></em></blockquote><p>Correct. </p>
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F4IL
Log in to Reply<blockquote><em><a href="#474052">In reply to MikeGalos:</a></em></blockquote><p>Thanks!</p>
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rmlounsbury
Premium MemberLog in to Reply<blockquote><em><a href="#474034">In reply to F4IL:</a></em></blockquote><p>It sounds like both of the new fold-able Surface devices are for Q4 2020. </p>
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F4IL
Log in to Reply<blockquote><em><a href="#474137">In reply to rmlounsbury:</a></em></blockquote><p>Yes, you're right. It looks like the next couple of years are going to be pretty interesting for (android) foldables, especially since msft clarified their intentions to invest in this market. As a consumer, I hope that this might make devs think about making their mobile apps form factor agnostic, including tablets and foldables, instead of just phones.</p>
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nbplopes
Log in to Reply<blockquote><em><a href="#474034">In reply to F4IL:</a></em></blockquote><p><br></p><p>If not later. Delays are not uncommon in these contexts.</p>
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trevor_chdwck
Log in to Reply<p>What a mistake… They announce a slightly bigger, foldable device running Windows 10X aka Windows Core, then announce this foldable phone running Android, they then follow this up with a call to developers to make apps for the experiences these hardware solutions can provide. They just asked developers to develop the same app for TWO different OS's. That's TWICE the work. Didn't they learn from the last time they asked? (UWP, Windows Phone, etc) This was a mistake. They needed to do the foldable phone with Windows 10X with a WSL running the Android kernel to allow access to all the android apps for productivity in single screen mode, then entice developers to make a SINGLE app for Windows utilizing a fresh slate of APIs that they design for this scenario. Heck, Windows has been multi-screen for YEARS, just enhance that aspect with Core OS and CShell.</p>
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christian.hvid
Log in to Reply<blockquote><a href="#474038"><em>In reply to trevor_chdwck:</em></a></blockquote><p>Good point; if Microsoft expects developers to target both the Duo and the Neo, they must throw their weight behind a cross-platform framework that supports both systems. It could be React Native, Flutter or (less likely) Xamarin. But it's not going to be UWP, Win32 or any other native technology.</p>
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Lauren Glenn
Log in to Reply<blockquote><em><a href="#474038">In reply to trevor_chdwck:</a></em></blockquote><p>Maybe I missed a page, but isn't 10X essentially just Windows 10 in mobile mode but still able to run Win32 apps? </p>
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Jonas Barkå
Log in to Reply<blockquote><em><a href="#474067">In reply to alissa914:</a></em></blockquote><p>Not really. It's based on Windows Core OS.</p>
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rmac
Log in to Reply<blockquote><a href="#474038"><em>In reply to trevor_chdwck:</em></a><em> agree 100%</em></blockquote><p><br></p>
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darkgrayknight
Premium MemberLog in to Reply<blockquote><em><a href="#474038">In reply to trevor_chdwck:</a></em></blockquote><p>They did not announce how developers will build apps for the new devices. Given MS current development strategy, there will be a Universal API/library that allows building apps in any of the variety of platforms available: UWP, WinForms, WPF, Html/JS/CSS, etc. (and maybe Astoria will be an option).</p>
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Winner
Log in to Reply<blockquote><em><a href="#474038">In reply to trevor_chdwck:</a></em></blockquote><p>Sensible architecture has never been a Microsoft strong suit.</p>
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Daekar
Log in to Reply<p>Will be watching carefully. By the time this thing comes out, I will be due to replace my Galaxy S7…</p>
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robincapper
Log in to Reply<blockquote><a href="#474050"><em>In reply to Daekar:</em></a><em> </em></blockquote><p>Same :)</p>
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MikeGalos
Log in to Reply<p>On a foldable device a rear camera wouldn't make sense since you already have a screen on the other side of a front camera when it's folded over. The only use for a rear camera would be while holding it unfolded.</p>
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rmlounsbury
Premium MemberLog in to Reply<blockquote><em><a href="#474057">In reply to MikeGalos:</a></em></blockquote><p>Indeed, and probably more importantly Microsoft showcased it as a smaller Surface Neo with telephony. So it is being positioned as something to get things done and not a media-creation powerhouse like Samsung did with their new Notes. </p>
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codymesh
Log in to Reply<p>Honestly I think this device is going to be a winner, it's on a crash course up against the Surface Neo and Android app developers are far more likely to update their apps to support dual screens than Windows app developers</p>
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christian.hvid
Log in to Reply<blockquote><em><a href="#474062">In reply to codymesh:</a></em></blockquote><p>And in fact, the vast majority of Android apps don't need to be updated at all – they'll just run on either screen and it will feel completely natural (as opposed to the Samsung/Huawei solution where unmodified apps will take up half the screen). </p>
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Lauren Glenn
Log in to Reply<p>Finally. Someone makes a large phone again. I still miss my Padfone X/S at 8.9", but this will do.</p>
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james_rainey
Log in to Reply<p>Holiday 2020? So, did they announce to get Developers on-board? By the time this actually launches, I am afraid Microsoft will have lost any momentum. By all appearances, it's a lovely device. And, since we're talking Android, the questions that come to mind of course are "Hardware Spec's" and O/S Upgrade Path (including Security Patching). If the ace keeping the O/S updated like Pixel products, I'll consider. If not, never-mind.</p>
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rmlounsbury
Premium MemberLog in to Reply<blockquote><em><a href="#474086">In reply to James_Rainey:</a></em></blockquote><p>Panos specifically said that they are showing off the Neo and Duo to build developer & consumer interest. So that would seem to be a big part of the announcement. </p>
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rbgaynor
Log in to Reply<blockquote><em><a href="#474086">In reply to James_Rainey:</a></em></blockquote><p>"If the ace keeping the O/S updated"</p><p><br></p><p>They can't even ace keeping Windows 10 updated on x86.</p>
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aretzios
Log in to Reply<p>This is an interesting device, no doubt about it. But why is Microsoft showing a product that will not be released for a year or more? This is a bit bizarre!</p>
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nbplopes
Log in to Reply<blockquote><em><a href="#474146">In reply to aretzios:</a></em></blockquote><p><br></p><p>It happens all the time with Microsoft and Panos. All the time.</p>
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Jonas Barkå
Log in to Reply<blockquote><em><a href="#474146">In reply to aretzios:</a></em></blockquote><p>They are hoping for developers to start adapting their apps. This form factor needs custom software.</p>
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rmac
Log in to Reply<blockquote><a href="#474219"><em>In reply to Havoc:</em></a><em> presumably Android developers.</em></blockquote><p><br></p>
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Winner
Log in to Reply<blockquote><em><a href="#474146">In reply to aretzios:</a></em></blockquote><p><em>But why is Microsoft showing a product that will not be released for a year or more?</em></p><p><br></p><p>So that they can kill it even before it makes it to market if it doesn't look like it's going to pan out?</p>
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judgejewelz
Log in to Reply<p>I didn't think I'd say this again, but wow, Microsoft has just inspired me all over again. Well done guys, now don't mess this up…okay? </p>
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rmac
Log in to Reply<blockquote><a href="#474148"><em>In reply to judgejewelz:</em></a><em> I'm curious to ask why an Android Surface as opposed to a Windows Surface would inspire you? Do you think MS should get rid of Windows on other Surfaces in preference to Chrome OS or Fuschia?</em></blockquote><p><br></p>
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Jonas Barkå
Log in to Reply<blockquote><em><a href="#474174">In reply to rmac:</a></em></blockquote><p>He didn't even mention the OS… </p>
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rmac
Log in to Reply<blockquote><a href="#474218"><em>In reply to Havoc:</em></a><em> </em><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">perhaps I erroneously assumed another reader would have taken heed of the article headline. That to one side, would be interested to understand what excites as it's clearly not MS software.</span></blockquote><p><br></p>
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darkgrayknight
Premium MemberLog in to Reply<blockquote><em><a href="#474230">In reply to rmac:</a></em></blockquote><p>um… it is MS Software running, whether it has Android as the OS and the Microsoft Launcher app is what understands the dual screen, or if it has Windows 10X running with an Android hyperV/Astoria-Container, it is showing pretty much the same flow as the Neo and not something I've Android doing currently.</p>
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judgejewelz
Log in to Reply<blockquote><em><a href="#474244">In reply to darkgrayknight:</a></em></blockquote><p>Fair comment from everyone in this thread. It's a combination of things that excite me, from the designs (large and small, that the larger design will run Microsoft's special OS whilst the other will run Android) to the creativity that this might inspire in other OEMs. </p>
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Rob_Wade
Log in to Reply<blockquote><em><a href="#474244">In reply to darkgrayknight:</a></em></blockquote><p>A dual screen is of absolutely no value to me, regardless of the OS.</p>
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miamimauler
Log in to Reply<blockquote><em><a href="#474316">In reply to Rob_Wade:</a></em></blockquote><p>Other people may like the idea of a dual screen. Don't assume everyone feels the same way as you do Rob.</p>
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rmac
Log in to Reply<blockquote><a href="#474244"><em>In reply to darkgrayknight:</em></a><em> </em>do you really think Google or Samsung are going to find it difficult to port Android to a dual screen?</blockquote><p><br></p>
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Rob_Wade
Log in to Reply<blockquote><em><a href="#474148">In reply to judgejewelz:</a></em></blockquote><p>I guess we all have our standards. First, this product is pretty much like what I was expecting from them at some point. Second, there's nothing about it that attracts me. It's too big to be good as a phone (to call it pocketable is hilarious) and it's WAY too small to be a good tablet. And it's Android. I have desperately tried to make an Android phone into a decent replacement for my Lumia, but it's simply impossible.</p>
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mrdrwest
Log in to Reply<p>Tiled UI P L E A S E ! ! !</p>
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rmlounsbury
Premium MemberLog in to Reply<p>Since the Duo is an Android based device that must mean that Microsoft is either working on a new version of Microsoft Launcher that brings all the Lite OS styling to Android. Or, the Duo will have it's own launcher custom built specifically for that device. </p><p><br></p><p>I would love to see Microsoft move the design language of Microsoft Launcher towards LiteOS.</p><p><br></p><p>It is really intriguing to see Microsoft & Google collaborating in any capacity here.</p>
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nbplopes
Log in to Reply<p>I have been in this position quite often. Feeling inspired by a Panos presentation, but disinspired by the reality of practice.</p>
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rmac
Log in to Reply<p>The one positive is I'll be able to finally justify moving away from VS and C# to Kotlin, Dart & Flutter.</p>
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factoryoptimizr
Log in to Reply<blockquote><em><a href="#474178">In reply to rmac:</a></em></blockquote><p>Why? You can use C# cross-platform with Xamarin or Uno.</p>
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rmac
Log in to Reply<p><a href="#474306">In reply to FactoryOptimizr:</a> I can only presume despite the lesson of Silverlight, MS thinks it's OK <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">to put the roadblock of a different OS on its own device</span> to increase non-Windows dev share. T<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">he whole 'let's put Linux, Python folks etc.' ahead of exciting developments like Blazor which is taking eons kinda sucks. It's probably all under the mistaken assumption Windows devs will put up with anything and never shift camp. </span></p><p><br></p><p>As clever as Xamarin is, <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">it's never going to do all the things Google's platform is going to do, so it see</span>ms somewhat perverse to me not to go to the recognised stack. </p><p><br></p><p>Uno is a great concept. Why aren't MS rolling SVG, HTML & XAML into a single UI stack atop .NET Core like that? Afraid the whole thing is pants.</p>
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factoryoptimizr
Log in to Reply<blockquote><a href="#474483"><em>In reply to rmac:</em></a><em> </em>The whole idea behind WinUI is to create a standard UI definition layer based on XAML. HTML is a DOCUMENT mark-up language – it was never intended for applications. Blazor (based on WebAssembly) is using HTML/CSS for rendering today (for proof-of-concept), but no reason why XAML couldn't replace it in the future. Indeed, Uno already does this, using standard WinUI/UWP XAML over WebAssembly, with direct mappings to native controls for non-web platforms. (It was interesting to note, by the way, that Xamarin head Miguel de Icaza was keynote speaker at the recent Uno conference…)</blockquote><blockquote>It's taking some time, but all the stars seem to be aligning to make the Microsoft development environment a MUCH more compelling solution for cross-platform development.</blockquote><p><br></p>
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rmac
Log in to Reply<blockquote><a href="#475334"><em>In reply to FactoryOptimizr:</em></a> if I may say, you're kind of teaching me to suck eggs regarding what UI Blazor WebAssembly renders (o<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">f course HTML was </span><em style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">originally</em><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"> designed to be a document markup</span>). You miss the point.</blockquote><blockquote>You see I couldn't give a monkeys if VS and .NET Core offer cross platform development. What I do care about is MS pulling their finger out to come up with a solution for Windows devs to go about cross platform UI rendering. </blockquote><blockquote>WinUI (or whatever you want to call it) needs to sit atop Core 3 to render SVG/HTML/Metal/DirectX/Kotlin or whatever consumable output.</blockquote><p> I do agree it is pleasing to hear that M de I was present at a Uno meet. Whether the Mono runtime will become a manageable download remains to me seen. Scott Allen posts a reality check on Ode To Code.</p><p><br></p><p>12 years have elapsed since Silverlight was released. .NET 5 is 1 year away. It's going to take more than stars coming into alignment.</p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p> </p><p> </p>
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glenn8878
Log in to Reply<p>The fool will be parted from his money. This will cost more than a laptop. It can't be mobile device if you have to hold it with 2 hands. It needs to fold the other way for single screen usage.</p>
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Jonas Barkå
Log in to Reply<blockquote><em><a href="#474203">In reply to glenn8878:</a></em></blockquote><p>It does fold the other way. </p>
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wp7mango
Log in to Reply<blockquote><em><a href="#474203">In reply to glenn8878:</a></em></blockquote><p>Did you actually watch the presentation? No, didn't think so. </p>
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paulz
Log in to Reply<blockquote><u></u></blockquote><p>The very first footage of the device was a woman folding it clamshell inside out and holding it with one hand against her ear….</p>
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SYNERDATA
Log in to Reply<p>While I am keeping my WP, I am now obligated to surrender to accepting Android because there is no way I am not getting this.</p>
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bigbux
Log in to Reply<p>I have a feeling the title of this article could prove incorrect. Panos said “This product brings together the absolute best of Microsoft, and we are partnering with Google to bring the absolute best of android into one product.” What Panos didn’t explicitly say was this device runs Android. I believe this device might run Windows 10X with something akin to Astoria. If I remember correctly Paul Thurrott suggested Astoria was killed because it was too good and would affect the UWP platform adoption. Though the UWP platform wouldn’t now be a blocker as it’s effectively dead. </p><p>Besides would Microsoft need to wait a year to release an Android phone? If we look at Paul’s premium article on Windows 10X. Windows 10X is unlikely to be fully cooked till 20H2. When both Neo and Duo release. Finally, could you say you can get the best of Microsoft right now on Android? Wouldn’t the best of Microsoft not also include desktop applications? </p><p><br></p><p>In either case, whether duo it is Android or Windows. I look forward to getting my hands on the device next year. </p><p><br></p><p>Edit: It appears it does run Android. Watching a hands-on video by Marques Brownlee on Youtube (<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=omyZvH7aMtg" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=omyZvH7aMtg</a>😉 and he does say it runs Android.</p>
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darkgrayknight
Premium MemberLog in to Reply<blockquote><em><a href="#474209">In reply to bigbux:</a></em></blockquote><p>Considering Windows 10X is running Win32 apps in containers, they may have made the Astoria a container to run Android. Definitely some very interesting details you have noted. Why do they wait until next year on the Duo?</p>
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BlackForestHam
Log in to Reply<blockquote><em><a href="#474242">In reply to darkgrayknight:</a></em></blockquote><p>Because it's not ready yet. When you force a child out out its mother prematurely, that's called an abortion. </p>
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miamimauler
Log in to Reply<blockquote><em><a href="#474358">In reply to BlackForestHam:</a></em></blockquote><p>A lot can happen in a year including your competitors bringing their own devices to the market and upstaging you.</p>
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curtisspendlove
Log in to Reply<blockquote><em><a href="#474502">In reply to miamimauler:</a></em></blockquote><p>You could also release too early, and have to recall everything because grains of sand are destroying hinge mechanisms and displays and people are peeling off portions of the display that shouldn't ever look like they should be peeled back.</p>
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miamimauler
Log in to Reply<blockquote><em><a href="#475603">In reply to curtisspendlove:</a></em></blockquote><p>True, see Samsung Fold which I think you're referring to. What does that have to do with announcing it too early though?</p>
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Vladimir Carli
Premium MemberLog in to Reply<p>I’ll buy it for sure as many Microsoft enthusiasts. However, for this to succeed, we are not enough. It should appeal to many more people. My question is, why the huge top and bottom bezels? Those are not very appealing for most users of flagship android phones</p>
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evox81
Premium MemberLog in to Reply<blockquote><em><a href="#474215">In reply to Vladimir:</a></em></blockquote><p>The huge bezels (hell, the looks of the phone in general) don't fit in 2019. Unless it's super cheap, and (no hate) it's a Surface product so it won't be, it just doesn't compete with its contemporaries. And considering we're talking about a phone in 2020… it's not even in the same decade. </p>
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cddouglas
Log in to Reply<blockquote><a href="#474652"><em>In reply to evox81:</em></a><em> I agree. I seem to be in the minority, but find the design on the screen side to be chunky and ugly. There is no reason for bezels that huge in 2019-2020. The exterior looks nice and the concept is interesting, but I would never purchase one. </em></blockquote><p><br></p>
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Rob_Wade
Log in to Reply<p>It may not be a joke, but it's certainly laughable.</p>
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wp7mango
Log in to Reply<blockquote><em><a href="#474305">In reply to Rob_Wade:</a></em></blockquote><p>Why? </p>
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PeterC
Log in to Reply<p>Along with Neo this is an awesome device, fabulous stuff. I don't think ive watched a presentation packed full of amazing innovations like this in years, or maybe ever? My only regret is I cant purchase both Neo and Duo now, but I can wait… Seriously well done Microsoft.</p>
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Patrick3D
Log in to Reply<p>Looks like it will at least have a front facing camera for Skype.</p>
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jaredthegeek
Premium MemberLog in to Reply<p>I thought I wanted the Neo until I saw the Duo now I can't decide which work work better for me.</p>
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reefer
Log in to Reply<p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Sorry, but the </span><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">very visible hinge on that thing makes it a non starter. I have a hard time figuring out who would want that.</span></p>
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curtisspendlove
Log in to Reply<blockquote><em><a href="#474407">In reply to reefer:</a></em></blockquote><p>The people who think a foldable display and the fragility it creates are reasons to buy this instead of something like a Galaxy Fold.</p><p><br></p><p>I'd rather have a perfectly functional hinge than a screen with a crease and less than one-year expected lifespan.</p><p><br></p><p>Call me crazy. :: shrug ::</p>
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MichaelDarby
Premium MemberLog in to Reply<p>For those who are lamenting the missing rear camera … you need to think in 3 dimensions … the front camera IS the rear camera. Voila!</p>
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mrdrwest
Log in to Reply<p>T I L E S ? ! ! !</p>
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wshwe
Log in to Reply<p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">I hope Google updates their own apps to run well on the Duo. Android users won’t have to switch ecosystems just to use the Duo. For that matter I hope many Android developers make their apps compatible with the Duo. At the very least many developers will make their apps compatible with dual screen phones.</span></p>
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Daekar
Log in to Reply<p>My wife instantly wanted one of these. Unless they don't tick some pretty major boxes in their final form, I can't imagine a reason not to get one, this seems like a no-brainer. Like the Galaxy Fold but with more useful screen ratios and without needing the sterile padded room to use it in.</p>
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Rob_Wade
Log in to Reply<blockquote><em><a href="#474187">In reply to SvenJ:</a></em></blockquote><p>Hahahaha!!!!! "Openness of Android"? What a joke. When pressed to get Cortana to at LEAST be as functional on Android as Windows phones, Microsoft's response is "we can't get that deep into the OS". So, yeah, I call BS on your "openness".</p>
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nolanm5150
Premium MemberLog in to Reply<p><span style="color: rgb(42, 46, 46);">The DUO phone is potentially a keen move on Msft's part… Imagine running an instance or Windows 10 X via the newly announced Windows 10 Virtual Desktop via Azure on the DUO… All too possible and potentially very handy, if you really needed it… The NEO might make more practical sense for sure but, in a pinch… The other option would be to use the Chrome Remote Desktop app… Either way, it always nice to have options…</span></p>
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sharpsone
Log in to Reply<p>The split screen line is a non issue for me. I work from dual monitors daily with a 1"bezel between screens. This is a hair line… the device is portable, runs Android apps and it's Microsoft backed for productivity. It's exactly what I've been waiting for to replace my phone. </p>
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rmac
Log in to Reply<p>I think the next move would be for MS to replace the W10 start layout with Android. All those in favour?!</p>
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Martin Klimke
Log in to Reply<p>I am not living in the US. </p><p><br></p><p>When is "Holiday 2020"?</p>
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Jorge Garcia
Log in to Reply<blockquote><em><a href="#476464">In reply to Martin_Klimke:</a></em></blockquote><p>No earlier than Late October/November, no later than December 25th.</p>
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rmac
Log in to Reply<p>quite an announcement on the UNO Platform blog.</p>
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blogsms
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