Microsoft’s Surface Duo hardware won’t get a trilogy after-all. Microsoft has pulled the plug on the dual-screen phone after two generations. However, Surface Phone fans may not be left in the dark for long, with Microsoft reportedly ready to replace the Duo with a single-screen folding smartphone.
Back in August, Microsoft tightened its relationship with Samsung, by backing the full Office suite into the Galaxy Z Fold 4. This was a major blow to the future of the Surface Duo and all but condemned Microsoft’s smartphone.
Surface Duo is a dual-screen Android smartphone that folds into a book shape. It is innovative, beautifully designed, and interesting. However, it also does not meet its obvious potential. Buggy software and a lack of support for the two screens have halted the Duo.
Reviews were tepid, with most praising the hardware and lamenting the overall experience. Microsoft improved the device for the Surface Duo 2, but there were still glaring issues. So while it is disappointing, it makes plenty of sense that Microsoft is ditching the device.
This goes into the category of failed Microsoft hardware products alongside devices such as Zune and the Microsoft Band. It also slots into the category of failed mobile hardware following the company’s ill-fated Lumia adventure.
Folding Future
However, a report from Windows Central suggests Microsoft is not abandoning Surface Phone entirely. The company has scrapped plans to launch the Surface Duo 3 later this year and will ship a single-screen device with a folding display. It is unclear is this will be a flip-style foldable or (more likely) a book style folding phone like the Z Fold 4.
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