The original Microsoft Surface Duo was undoubtedly one of the most revolutionary designs for a smartphone, featuring two separate screens for real multitasking on the go. However, just three years after its release, Microsoft is reportedly ending all software support for the original Surface Duo.
While the decision to end support isn’t entirely surprising, considering Microsoft initially announced three years of software support, users of the Surface Duo can still use the device normally, and basic functionality and app updates will continue to be available. However, the absence of security updates could make the phone vulnerable to malware attacks.
Looking back at the journey
When Microsoft announced the Duo, it represented a breath of fresh air in terms of design and functionality, offering a convenient alternative to foldable phones. This was thanks, in part, to its two 5.6-inch screens that combined to create an expansive 8.1-inch display when unfolded, providing users with the functionality of a foldable device without worrying about durability issues.
Despite its unique appeal, the phone faced a turbulent launch due to various reasons. Firstly, the Duo was equipped with the outdated Snapdragon 855 chipset, which hindered its performance and meant it lacked 5G capabilities. Secondly, the software was far from comprehensive, with random bugs and glitches persisting for months after launch.
However, the most significant drawback of the original Duo was its steep $1400 price tag. This positioned the phone in competition with devices like the S20 Ultra and the iPhone 12 Pro Max despite not matching their overall performance and software package. And although Microsoft did offer substantial discounts to attract customers, the phone was never able to gain a foothold in the mass market.
New support for the form factor
Nevertheless, the dual-screen form factor, in the past year, has begun to attract the attention of homebrew software developers and multitasking enthusiasts. Additionally, with Google now also focusing on developing software for such displays, future iterations of the Duo could carve out a niche among consumers.