News

Microsoft ends support for Surface Duo 2: The final software update and what it means

Published

3 months ago

October 9, 2024

Microsoft is officially ending support for its foldable smartphone, the Surface Duo 2, just two years after its release. Launched in 2021 as the successor to the original Surface Duo, this device was positioned as a dual-screen foldable, aimed at both productivity and innovation. However, its journey has been short-lived, receiving only one major Android software update during its lifecycle.

The Final Update for Surface Duo 2

With the official end-of-life date for the Surface Duo 2 set for October 21, 2024, Microsoft has rolled out one last software update. This final update, based on Android 12, was recently spotted by users on Reddit. At just 54MB, this update seems minor and is likely the last software enhancement the device will receive before support fully ceases. According to Microsoft’s changelog, the update aims to improve the device’s performance and stability, though no major new features were included.

The Surface Duo 2 was initially shipped with Android 11 and eventually received its only OS upgrade to Android 12L, which brought important optimizations for foldable devices and larger screens. Despite some improvements, many users felt the device lacked the sustained software support that other premium Android devices offer.

Limited Software Support: A Missed Opportunity

One of the major criticisms surrounding the Surface Duo 2 has been the limited software support. Android users have come to expect at least three major OS updates for premium devices, which keep them up to date with the latest features and security enhancements. However, the Duo 2 only received one OS update, making its software lifecycle significantly shorter than many competitors.

While the final security update is planned for October 21, it seems unlikely that Microsoft will offer any further significant upgrades before discontinuing support entirely. This leaves Surface Duo 2 users with outdated software and fewer updates to maintain security or introduce new features.

Surface Duo 1: A Similar Story

Microsoft’s earlier attempt in the foldable smartphone market, the Surface Duo 1, also faced similar software challenges. Released in 2020, the original Duo launched with Android 10 and eventually received updates to Android 11 and Android 12L. While its update cycle was better than that of the Surface Duo 2, the first-generation Duo still fell short of the industry standard for Android updates. In 2023, Microsoft officially ended support for the original Duo, signaling the company’s intention to move away from this line of foldable devices.

Future of Microsoft’s Foldables and the Surface Brand

Microsoft’s decision to discontinue the Surface Duo series may indicate a shift in the company’s hardware strategy. The Surface line, which has been known for innovative devices like the Surface Pro, appears to be streamlining its offerings, focusing more on devices that have a proven track record in the market. The Surface Duo’s foldable design was certainly ambitious, but it struggled with both hardware limitations and the lack of timely software support, which contributed to its short lifespan.

For current Surface Duo 2 users, this final update marks the end of the road. While the device will continue to function, it won’t receive any new features or security patches beyond the October 2024 deadline, leaving it vulnerable to security risks and without access to future Android innovations.

Conclusion: A Short-Lived Foldable Journey

Microsoft’s foldable smartphone experiment with the Surface Duo series seems to have reached its conclusion. While the devices showed promise with their dual-screen design and potential for productivity, the lack of consistent software updates and limited lifespan ultimately hampered their success. As Microsoft refines its focus on the broader Surface ecosystem, the Surface Duo 2 is now part of tech history, remembered more for its unrealized potential than for any lasting impact on the smartphone market.

Key Takeaways:

The Surface Duo 2 received its final software update in October 2024, marking the end of its support cycle.
Microsoft offered only one major Android update to the device, leaving it behind competitors in terms of software longevity.
The Surface Duo 1 also faced limited updates and was discontinued in 2023.
Microsoft’s move to phase out the Duo series suggests a shift in focus for the Surface brand, away from foldable smartphones.

This final update signals the end of Microsoft’s short-lived adventure in foldable phones, but the Surface brand continues to innovate in other areas of the tech landscape.

Related Topics:Microsoft News Surface Duo 2 update

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Android

Android Tablets Poised for a Multitasking Revolution: Three Apps, One Screen

Published

1 day ago

January 17, 2025

Tom Carter

For years, Android users have enjoyed the convenience of multitasking, juggling between apps with relative ease. However, the core functionality of split-screen mode has remained largely unchanged, typically limiting users to two apps at once. While manufacturers have introduced their own enhancements, a unified, system-level solution for more robust multitasking has been notably absent.

But the winds of change are blowing. Whispers from the development of Android 16 suggest a significant shift: the potential for running three apps simultaneously on tablet displays. This development promises to redefine the tablet experience, unlocking new levels of productivity and convenience.

The Current Landscape of Multitasking:

The ability to run two apps side-by-side has proven invaluable across various screen sizes, from smartphones to foldable devices and tablets. Yet, the increasing size and capabilities of tablets have created a demand for more sophisticated multitasking. Imagine seamlessly managing a video call, browsing the web, and taking notes, all on the same screen. This is the promise of enhanced split-screen functionality.

Several Android manufacturers have already recognized this need and implemented their own solutions. Samsung’s One UI, for example, allows users to split the screen into three sections – two on one side and one on the other – and even offers pop-up views for added flexibility. Lenovo’s “PC Mode” introduces a desktop-like experience with floating windows, providing a different approach to multitasking. OnePlus has also made waves with its “Open Canvas” feature, found on the OnePlus Pad and Open, which offers a highly adaptable system for arranging apps, including support for three apps simultaneously. These implementations demonstrate the potential of enhanced multitasking and the clear user desire for such features.

Android 16: A Glimmer of Hope:

Now, it appears Google is poised to bring this advanced multitasking capability to the Android operating system itself. Emerging from the development of Android 16 is evidence of a new system designed to support three apps in split-screen mode. This discovery, unearthed by diligent observers, suggests a fundamental change in how Android handles multitasking on tablets.

While still in its nascent stages, this new system appears to function similarly to OnePlus’s Open Canvas. Early indications point to an intuitive interface that prompts users to place a third app within the existing split-screen setup. Imagine effortlessly dragging and dropping apps into designated areas, creating a customized workspace tailored to your needs. This would not only enhance productivity but also provide a more engaging and immersive user experience.

The Potential Impact:

The implications of this development are significant. A native, system-level implementation of three-app split-screen would benefit a wide range of devices, most notably the Pixel Tablet. It would also set a new standard for Android tablets, encouraging manufacturers to embrace and optimize for this enhanced multitasking capability. This would lead to a more consistent and powerful user experience across the Android ecosystem.

For users, this means greater flexibility and efficiency. Imagine researching a topic online while simultaneously composing an email and referencing a document. Or perhaps watching a tutorial video while practicing the steps in a separate app and taking notes in a third. The possibilities are vast.

Looking Ahead:

It’s important to remember that Android 16 is still under development. The features currently being explored may evolve or change before the final release. However, the evidence of a three-app split-screen system is a promising sign. The development of Android 16 is ongoing, with developer previews currently available and a beta program anticipated to launch soon. As we move closer to the official release, we can expect more details to emerge about this exciting new feature and the future of multitasking on Android tablets. This potential upgrade signifies a major step forward for Android tablets, transforming them into even more powerful and versatile tools for both work and play.

Google

Elevating the Google Messages Experience: Group chat icons, threaded replies to media and YouTube Music samples

Published

1 day ago

January 17, 2025

Tom Carter

Google Messages has been on a steady path of improvement, and two recent developments promise to significantly enhance the user experience, particularly for group chats and multimedia content. Let’s delve into these exciting features and explore how they’ll revolutionize the way we interact with friends and family.

Putting a Face to Your Group Chats: Custom Group Icons

For years, group chats in Google Messages have been identified by a generic grid of user profile pictures or initials. This can make it difficult to quickly distinguish between multiple chats, especially for users who participate in numerous group conversations. Thankfully, Google is addressing this pain point by introducing custom group icons.

Recent beta versions of Google Messages reveal code hinting at the imminent arrival of this feature. Users will soon be able to personalize their group chats with unique images, similar to the profile pictures we use for individual contacts. This long-awaited functionality will bring Google Messages on par with other popular messaging apps and make it easier to visually identify and organize group chats.

The ability to set custom group icons is likely to be met with enthusiasm by users. Imagine assigning a funny picture to your college buddies’ chat or a heartwarming family photo to your family group. These visual cues will add a touch of personality and make navigating your chats a breeze. It’ll also be interesting to see if this feature allows for collaborative changes or requires admin privileges. Additionally, it remains to be seen whether the chosen group icon will be reflected for iPhone users within the chat.

Threaded Replies to Photos and Videos: A Richer Conversation Experience

Another exciting addition to Google Messages is the ability to create threaded replies to images and videos shared within chats. This functionality, currently under development, promises to streamline conversations around multimedia content.

Imagine this scenario: you share a hilarious video in a group chat, and everyone chimes in with their reactions. Previously, replies would be scattered throughout the conversation, making it difficult to follow the thread. With threaded replies, users can now directly reply to a specific media item, keeping the conversation organized and focused.

Tapping on a shared image or video will bring up new options at the bottom of the screen. You’ll be able to leave reactions directly from this view, eliminating the need for long presses and additional steps. More importantly, you’ll be able to add comments to pictures and videos, and a dedicated conversation thread will be displayed for each media item, fostering a more structured discussion.

While this feature is still in its early stages, it has the potential to significantly enhance the way we interact with multimedia content in Google Messages. It will make conversations around photos and videos more engaging and easier to follow, especially in large group chats.

YouTube Music Gets a Discovery Boost with Samples

In 2023, YouTube Music introduced the “Samples” feed as a music discovery tool. Now, this feature is becoming even more accessible by appearing directly on artist pages.

Samples, essentially a short-form video segment feed, is designed to help you discover new music that you might love. Inspired by the success of YouTube Shorts, it leverages YouTube Music’s vast library of music videos to curate a personalized feed. This ensures that you’re always encountering new music, whether it’s the latest release from a rising star or a hidden gem from an established artist.

On YouTube Music for iOS, a new “Samples” button has been incorporated into the top bar, providing quick access to an artist’s collection of short-form videos. This is a fantastic way to get a taste of an artist’s style and discography before diving deeper. Samples are intended to offer a glimpse into the artist, the video, and the overall feel of the song, making it a valuable tool for music exploration.

The Samples integration with artist pages is currently limited to the iOS version of YouTube Music. However, it’s likely that this feature will soon be available on Android as well. Additionally, YouTube Music for Android tablets has finally received the Speed Dial feature, allowing for faster access to frequently played music.

In conclusion, Google Messages and YouTube Music are undergoing exciting transformations that cater to the evolving needs of their users. The ability to personalize group chats with custom icons, engage in threaded replies around multimedia content, and discover new music through YouTube Music Samples are significant steps forward. These features promise to make our messaging and music streaming experiences richer, more interactive, and ultimately, more enjoyable.

Android

Gemini app gets real-time news boost and Android 16 prepares for multitasking makeover

Published

2 days ago

January 15, 2025

Tom Carter

Gemini to Offer Up-to-the-Minute Information Thanks to AP Partnership

Google’s AI-powered information assistant, Gemini, is getting a major upgrade in the form of a new partnership with The Associated Press (AP). This collaboration will provide users with real-time news directly within the app, making it easier to stay informed on current events.

Split-Screen on Android 16: Borrowing the Best from OnePlus?

While Android has offered split-screen multitasking for some time, the upcoming Android 16 update may introduce a significant improvement inspired by OnePlus’ Open Canvas feature. This new system could allow users to run three apps simultaneously on their phones, with a focus app taking up 90% of the screen and a secondary app occupying the remaining 10%. The beauty lies in the ability to quickly enlarge the smaller app by simply tapping on it.

Looking Beyond Split-Screen: “Bubble Anything” for Even More Flexibility

Android 16 might not stop at a revamped split-screen. Leaks suggest Google is also developing a “bubble anything” feature, allowing users to run any app in a floating bubble that overlays other applications. This could be a game-changer for multitasking, offering even more freedom for managing multiple tasks simultaneously.

A Glimpse into Android 16’s Multitasking Future

With Android 16 still in its early stages of development, details remain scarce. However, the evidence suggests Google is prioritizing enhanced multitasking capabilities. From the potential adoption of a three-app split-screen system to the “bubble anything” feature, Android 16 might be a significant leap forward for power users who juggle multiple apps throughout the day.

Beyond Android Phones: Will Tablets See Similar Improvements?

While the focus here has been on smartphones, it’s worth considering how these multitasking enhancements might translate to Android tablets. With the introduction of desktop windowing support in Android 15, some might question the need for a revamped split-screen. However, the new split-screen mode offers a simpler user experience potentially integrated with the app pairs feature for state saving. While desktop windowing offers greater flexibility with handling more than three apps, the simpler split-screen could be a better fit for many users who don’t require extensive multitasking on their larger tablets.

Overall, the news surrounding Android 16 paints a promising picture for those who value multitasking capabilities on their devices. The collaboration with AP for real-time news in Gemini and the potential improvements to split-screen and app management are exciting developments to watch unfold in the coming months.