Microsoft will announce the Surface Duo Android smartphone in the coming days. The company is hosting a virtual event on August 12 to present the device to top executives. Once the internal showcase is done, Microsoft will move to an official launch. That could happen before the end of the week.
As part of the pre-launch buzz, Google’s Android division is getting in on the act. Specifically, Hiroshi Lockheimer, the head of Android has teased the Surface Duo on his Twitter account.
One of the big surprises when Microsoft introduced the Duo last year was that it runs Android. It was thought the handset would run Microsoft’s own Windows platform. Instead, Redmond decided Android provides the best chance of success for the smartphone.
Because of the dual-screen nature of the Duo, Microsoft would have worked closely with Google to ensure Android works optimally on the device. This collaboration was alongside Movial, which helped integrate Android into the handset.
Made some yakitori and yakiniku this weekend! 🐓🧅🍢🥩🍚🥢🥢🥢🥢 pic.twitter.com/moSdmFQzSf
— Hiroshi Lockheimer (@lockheimer) August 10, 2020
Duo Details
In terms of specs, the Surface Duo will reportedly include Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 855 processor. Incidentally, that’s the same CPU used in the Galaxy Fold. Elsewhere, the Duo will have 6GB of RAM with between 64GB and 256GB of non-expandable storage. Both AMOLED screens will have a 4:3 aspect ratio and 1,800 x 1,350 pixel resolution.
Finally, there will be a USB-C port, Surface Pen support, and a 3,450mAh battery.
In terms of the camera, Microsoft has been quiet on the lens it will use in the Duo. Surface chief Panos Panay promised a high-end camera experience and teased the Duo’s snapper with a photo earlier this year.
Any announcement this week will confirm when the Surface Duo will be available to buy. It seems Microsoft will schedule pre-orders to start by the end of the month, with a release during September.