The Microsoft Surface Duo has not been successful for the company, despite being a very interesting dual-screen Android device. Microsoft is now looking to completely change up its mobile strategy, according to Windows Central. Microsoft has cancelled the dual-screen design for the upcoming Surface Duo 3, which will be redesigned as a true foldable phone.
Read: Bandwidth Blog & Smile 90.4FM Tech Tuesday: CES 2023 Part 1
The new Surface Duo would’ve release sometime this year, but the new launch date of the foldable has not been confirmed. We also don’t know what the new device will be called – it might not even retain the Duo moniker (for obvious reasons). It will be a foldable similar to the Galaxy Z Fold, with a 180 degree fold in the hinge and an external cover display.
According to sources, the Surface Duo 3 was finalised and ready for production. At the last minute, the whole project has been shelved, so it isn’t clear how far along the development of a true foldable at Microsoft is. The Surface Duo 3 would’ve addressed some of its predecessor’s shortcomings with narrower edge-to-edge screens and wireless charging.
The people familiar with the matter has said that Microsoft is planning to expand its Android phone offerings. It’s apparently “exploring” other form factors, including prototypes of more conventional smartphones. A software initiative, “Perfect Together”, would also provide tighter integration between Surface phones and Windows, even if they are still Android-based.
A foldable Surface phone would put Microsoft into more direct competition with brands like Samsung, Xiaomi, Oppo and vivo. The foldable market is now fully mainstream, so they would need to deliver a good product to stand out from an ever-growing crowd. If the rumoured device comes to fruition, however, it also indicates that Microsoft is still committed to Android devices — it’s not giving up just because its first forays failed to gain traction.
