The Surface Duo was an ambitious project by Microsoft, and it saw some excellent updates to show off its potential. However, reports are coming in that Microsoft is already ready to one-up it with a sequel to the two-screen device.
Microsoft's Surface Duo 2: the Facts and Speculations
Windows Central caught wind that a second Duo device is currently in the works. Right now, the device is going under the codename "Zeta," and there's a good chance that it will launch around September 2021—that's exactly a year after the original Duo was released.
Speculation suggests that Microsoft will make the Duo 2 more of a phone this time around. Beforehand, Microsoft was adamant that the Duo was not a smartphone, but people ended up trying to use it as one and compared it to other Android phones.
When the Surface Duo 2 launches, it'll come with Android 11 pre-installed. There's no confirmation of how much it will cost right now, but hopefully, it won't cost more than the original Duo. That one went on the market for an eye-watering $1,399, and a lot of first reviews didn't think it was worth that much cash.
A Quick Exit for the Surface Duo?
This news comes as a big surprise. While the Surface Duo had a pretty rocky start, Microsoft did not abandon it in place of a Duo 2. In fact, the Surface Duo has recently gotten some really nice updates that helped make it even better.
For instance, while initial reviews of the device criticized the poor camera and buggy software, Microsoft patched the problems. Then it added some really awesome features, such as playing Project xCloud games on the Duo with both screens.
It felt like Microsoft was keen to give the Duo a second chance, but it seems that the Duo 2 may soon drag the two-screened wonder offstage before it gets the chance to really shine. So it all comes down to how Microsoft sticks the landing with the Duo 2.
The Surface Duo's Duo, Coming Soon
It feels like the Surface Duo has only just got its stride, yet Microsoft already has plans to roll out the Duo 2. We'll just have to hold on tight and wait for more information to arrive.
It wasn't too long ago that Microsoft released the Figma design kit to help people develop for the Surface Duo. Hopefully, Figma will also allow people to make apps for the Duo 2 too.
Image Credit: Jack Skeens/Shutterstock.com
