Microsoft is finally updating the original Surface Duo…relatively speaking. Like 9to5Google grades, the company finally released its promised (and belated) Android 11 update to the dual-screen smartphone. The latest OS is the main draw, of course, but you’ll also find a host of Surface Duo-specific improvements.
You can now play Xbox Game Pass cloud titles using an on-screen controller, for starters. OneDrive also has an “improved” dual-screen interface for viewing and editing photos. There are revised app drawer and folder designs with better drag-and-drop support, while the Microsoft feed and Start widgets have received updates. You can have the Surface Duo automatically spread specific apps across both screens and set preferences for answering phone calls when the device is folded. And if you prefer handwritten memos, you can click the top button on a paired Slim 2 pen to open OneNote.
The update is likely to be a welcome one if you’ve been tired of living with Android 10 for over a year. At the same time, let’s understand if it still hurts. Android 12 has been available on other phones for weeks, and in some cases months – you’re still late, even if the gap has narrowed. While it’s understandable that updates for such a unique phone will take longer, that won’t be much consolation if you expected to keep reasonably up to date.
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