(Reuters) – Microsoft Corp (MSFT. O) announced Wednesday that Surface Duo, its dual-screen smartphone that works with Alphabet Inc’s Android Operational Formula (GOOGL). O), it would start with a value of $1399 (1072 pounds) and reach outlets starting September 10.
Surface Duo folds like a book. Unlike devices such as the Galaxy Z Fold 2 from Samsung Electronics Co Ltd (005930.KS) that use special glass to create a single screen, the Duo has two classic screens separated by a hinge but synchronized with paints together.
At a pre-announcement press convention for Surface Duo, Microsoft executives placed the phone as a tool to paint with their productivity apps, just as many commercial users use dual monitor configurations with PCs.
In the company’s chat groups app, for example, one video chat occupies one screen while the other shows cats. In the Microsoft Outlook messaging app, clicking a link in the frame of an email opens the link on the opposite screen, so that the user can continue reading or replying to the email.
“I’m not looking to reinvent the phone,” Panos Panay, Microsoft’s product manager, told reporters. “But I think it’s a better way to get things done.”
Dual screen settings also allow users to pair non-Microsoft apps, such as running social media Twitter and Instagram appearance. Panay said one of Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella’s favorite combinations used the Amazon.com Kindle app (AMZN). O) to read books while taking notes with a pencil in the Microsoft OneNote app on the other screen.
Panay said Microsoft chose Google’s operational formula because it would give users the great android mobile app eco formula. “Having Play Store is essential,” he says.
Microsoft said pre-orders for the device would start Wednesday on its own site, AT-T Inc (T.N) and BestBuy Co Inc (BBY). NORTH).
The devices will work on At-T wireless networks, Verizon Communications Inc. (VZ). N) and T-Mobile US Inc (TMUS. O).
The device has no 5G connectivity and will only be available in the U.S. At launch. Microsoft has not given any timetables for other markets.
Stephen Nellis reports from San Francisco; Editing through Leslie Adler
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