Surface Duo update comes with September security update; Android 11 still not in sight
On Thursday and Friday, Microsoft pushed out updates for the dual-screened Surface Duo. According to Microsoft's Surface Duo support site (via Windows Central) the Thursday update covered security updates 2021.817.35 (North America), and 2021.817.37 (Europe). The Friday update, software version 2021.817.36, was for Surface Duo units locked to AT&T.
Surface Duo update: September security patch is here but Android 11 is not
To download and install the update, first make sure that you're connected to a Wi-Fi network. Then go to Settings > System > System Update > Check for update > Restart now. The Surface Duo was released with Android 10 installed.
Three months before the handset's September 2020 launch, a report stated that Microsoft had been working on an Android 11 update for the device and that the Surface Duo would receive the update shortly after it was launched. Obviously, that is not what happened. And with rumors swirling around about the Surface Duo 2, we expect to see that model released with Android 11 installed even though Android 12 will have been dropped by the time the sequel is launched.
Photo allegedly shows the back of the Surface Duo 2 with a triple-camera setup
Speaking of the Surface Duo 2, it should be unveiled by Microsoft next Wednesday, September 22nd. The new version should be powered by the 5nm Snapdragon 888 SoC manufactured by Samsung Foundry carrying 8GB of memory. The OG Surface Duo came equipped with the Snapdragon 855 chipset and 6GB of RAM.
A photo allegedly showing the back of the Surface Duo 2 reveals a triple-camera setup compared to the lone 11MP snapper found on the original model. We'd like to see the sequel get a big bump in battery capacity from the 3577mAh battery used on the original, faster charging than the 18W available for the OG unit, and a big reduction in the size of the bezels. The top and bottom bezels are certainly due for a haircut while we could live with a trim on the sides.
Surface Duo 2 could feature a new and improved hinge
Speaking of things getting cut, a price cut would be welcome for the sequel. The original model was priced at $1,399 for the 128GB model and $1,499 for the 256GB variant. Earlier this year, we told you about a patent application filed by Microsoft for a new hinge that ostensibly would be for the Surface Duo 2. This would feature "impact resistance" and a bumper. Some Surface Duo users have had trouble with the hinge on their devices including experiencing a "grittiness" when opening and closing the device.
Other problems that some Surface Duo owners have experienced include the cracking of the plastic surrounding the USB-C port and issues with the 11MP camera.
Unlike foldable models like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 and the Galaxy Z Flip 3, the Surface Duo uses two 5.6-inch screens (each with a 1350 x 1800 resolution) and a hinge in the middle. When fully opened, the two screens together combine to produce an 8.1-inch display sporting an 1800 x 2700 resolution.
You might recall that back in 2017 a series of patents filed by Microsoft indicated that the company was developing a dual-screen phone. Renders created by David Breyer showed a device that looks remarkably similar to the Surface Duo. However, the new handset was reportedly going to have an operating system called Andromeda pre-installed. This was supposedly a version of Windows 10 that could bring the operating system to mobile devices.
In July 2018, Microsoft stunned those following the progress of the device by temporarily halting the project. But three months later, a language pack for AndromedaOS surfaced in the Microsoft Store containing information that would indicate that the device powered by AndromedaOS would have the capabilities of a phone. It did include support for features such as an external screen, ability to record phone calls, and biometric sensors for both fingerprints and a user's iris.
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