There have been recent rumors and evidence to suggest Microsoft will launch its Surface Duo Android smartphone in August. We can file this latest piece of information under evidence. It seems the Duo has made its way to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for testing.
If you don’t know about the FCC, it is the regulatory body that tests all electronic devices before they can be released in the United States. It is typically one of the last steps for a product before it is launched.
As such, the Surface Duo reaching the FCC suggests the smartphone could be imminent. Certainly, it is looking increasingly likely Microsoft will start shipping in August and not Holiday Season 2020 as initially thought.
That release was originally planned for the Duo and Surface Neo to launch alongside each other. However, Microsoft has since postponed the Surface Neo. Now it is believed Microsoft wants to move up the Duo’s launch.
Coming Soon?
The reason for this seems to be the company wants the device to arrive around the same time as the Samsung Galaxy Fold 2, which will be the Duo’s main competitor.
Interestingly, Samsung has reportedly delayed the Galaxy Fold 2. That means the handset is unlikely to arrive at the company’s Unpacked 2020 event on August 5. Still, that change does not seem to have altered Microsoft’s own plans. As such, we expect the Surface Duo to be launched soon.
Earlier this month, Microsoft leaked the Surface Pen and case accessories for the Duo. The pen was teased by Frank X. Shaw, Corporate Vice President and Corporate Communications for Microsoft. Before that, Microsoft hardware chief Panos Panay teased a bumper case for the Surface Duo.
