Updated August 3. Originally on August 2.
As Microsoft prepares to launch Surface Duo, the world is about to see Microsoft’s Android deployment on one of its flagship devices. Panos Panay and his team have been working hard since their arrival in October last year to set the level for the Duo, but it’s inevitable that “it’s Windows, Android won!” will be heard.
The challenge with this vision is that Microsoft has already been running Android for many years and moving to version of your own Android device is the next logical step.
August 3 update: Thanks to its dual screen design, Surface Duo has the ability to run Android apps in other environments; component of a single screen, filling a single screen, or on two screens (and can be vertical or horizontal). Windows Latest points out how Microsoft is adding to Android to facilitate this procedure for application developers:
“In addition, Microsoft also makes it less difficult for developers to optimize their programs for the two-screen experience. For example, developers can use the “support class” to find out the status of the device, such as the hinge area and Surface Duo may also stumble upon when and if the app is distributed on any of the app’s options screens. Surface Duo allows applications to respond to times such as extending or removing the extension to replace the app design accordingly”.
In the short term, this is obviously helping Microsoft; However, in the long run, those code hooks should be available to all brands looking to create multi-screen devices.
First, Surface Duo as a device is a radical Android device. Not only does it echo the existing trend of dual-screen devices that allow multiple tasks to be performed on a split screen, but it also does so in a practical way. The folding screens of Samsung’s Galaxy Fold and Huawei Mate X are of the latest generation, but they increase the load and complexity of those devices.
Surface Duo’s technique of having two separate displays connected through a 360-degree swivel hinge is a compromise, but it’s a commitment that potentially diverts the Surface Duo from a conceptual device that looks like technical dexterity to a high-end workahoon for use.
Then Microsoft supports its cloud with iOS and Android. A quick search from Apple App Store and Google Play Store will show you smartphone apps for Microsoft properties; adding Office365, OneDrive, and Outlook. Microsoft has obviously identified that the fundamental operational formula for highly cellular devices is no longer a hill to die on. Instead, the price can be discovered by being the provider of what was used on those devices.
That’s my case. All my non-public smartphones use Outlook as my number one email client, and I feel at home in the Microsoft Android launcher (especially since I can save my shortcuts, widgets and my design to the cloud so I can have my favorite design on a New Device.
Just as Surface Go and Surface Laptop are mobile devices, not mobile devices. Surface Duo innovates for Microsoft and Android, doesn’t want to reinvent the wheel. You already have well-tested apps, connect to your cloud, and a cellular operating system is displayed. Microsoft is expanding its capabilities with Android Android itself.
Finally, there’s Microsoft’s technique for remodeling Android. Redmond developers have contributed to open source code in the Android center that improves the operational formula for everyone. It is not completely altruistic; After all, you want multi-screen devices on the Android platform, and the paints to enhance the Chromium Internet browser engine are transferred to the Edge browser on your mobile and desktop.
Microsoft operates and shapes Android, so it’s no surprise that you use Android on one of your main Surface devices.
Learn more about leaks that indicate an early release of Surface Duo…