With all the noise about foldables like the Samsung Galaxy Fold and the Royole Flexi-Pai mobile phone, Microsoft has unveiled its own version of foldable phone – Surface Duo and foldable tablet – Surface Neo.
These two devices were among the six new devices unveiled by the tech giant two days ago at its Surface event held in New York.
Microsoft Surface Duo
Unlike Samsung who spent a lot of resources trying to fix a crease in the middle of the Galaxy Fold, Microsoft connected two paper-thin 5.6-inch separate screens by a 360 degree revolutionary hinge in the Microsoft Duo. So it folds but the screen is not foldable. However when unfolded, the device stands at 8.3 inches.
The Microsoft Surface Duo is the first re-entry into the smartphone space following the death of the Microsoft Windows phone platform in 2017.
I see and call it a smartphone but interestingly, I noticed that Panos Panay, Microsoft’s chief product officer, doesn’t want you to call it a phone. I wonder why? Hmmm….
Each screen display is independent and can run two different apps at the same time. Also one display can be turned into landscape mode while the other can simultaneously be used as a keyboard or game controller.
The Surface Duo will run an Android OS to marry the cutting edge hardware with familiar software and services.
Microsoft Surface Neo
The Surface Neo is a bigger version of the Surface Duo. It measures 9″ diagonally, and when it’s extended it has a 13.1″ diagonal display.
It’s built for productivity and multitasking like a true PC would be – running full productivity apps, with a removable keyboard and compatibility with Surface Pen and Bluetooth mouse
Microsoft has built a new version of Windows 10 for this device. It is the Windows 10X. According to Microsoft, Windows 10X is not a new operating System but it makes Windows 10 more adaptable to other form factors. The Windows 10X announcement at the event was made so that the developers can have access to it ahead of launch.
Mind you, you cannot get a standalone copy of Windows 10X.
There is a flip-up keyboard that can overlay on the screen. It can slide up and down the screen. It wirelessly charges and connects via Bluetooth. You can also actually pull it off and use it separately from the device
Microsoft says that the devices will only be available around the holiday season 2020. Prices have also not been released.
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