Updated July 27. Article originally published on July 26.
With increasing discussion and details about the early launch of Microsoft’s Surface Duo, the Redmond-based company continues to promote its work on Android.
Panos Panay, Product Director at Microsoft Corp., shows off the Surface Duo smartphone during a … [+]
July 26 Update: Continuing its integration into the Android ecosystem, Microsoft’s latest build of the Surface Duo emulator includes support not only for the Surface Duo SDK for dual-screen apps, but also Android Jetpack WindowManger, which now supports dual-screen devices like the Surface Duo. Darren Allan reports:
“… Google recently updated its Jetpack WindowManager to support foldable and dual-screen devices, so Microsoft has incorporated it with build 2020.710.3 of the Surface Duo emulator preview.
“This means that instead of using the Surface Duo SDK to produce their apps for Microsoft’s dual-screen device, developers can use the Foldables Jetpack library (although at the moment, it’s still in a preview state) Microsoft promises to support developers on both routes. “
In short, Microsoft makes sure that Android developers can use the tools they are familiar with. That should mean that apps on the Duo will have a better chance of using the unique features of the Microsoft device.
Surface Duo is the first major version of Microsoft hardware to run on Google’s Android operating system. The dual-screen mobile device is radical in its own way, but with a more hinged double-screen, rather than a single folding screen, the Duo is practical and reliable.
With no other conventional Android device using a similar form factor, Microsoft has been working not only on dual-screen support for its own applications, but also on the open-source portions of the Android operating system. Microsoft’s latest job listings show the effort continues, as Windows Latest notes:
“Microsoft is now seeking ‘Senior Software Development Engineer’ to work on Android apps and ecosystems for Surface Duo. The job listing says the employee will work with the current team to ‘create and build’ innovative Android apps that showcase the double on-screen experience of Surface Duo.
“Microsoft is also working on a” software roadmap “to track the evolution of the Android ecosystem and drive new innovations and mobile technologies. In addition, the engineer is required to optimize the application experience across the stack and collaborate with other Android SW engineering teams. “
You can read the full list of jobs here.
Naturally, Surface Duo will be supported for years to come, which will mean Microsoft working on at least the next two versions of Android. What appeals to me is “create and build” part of the job specification and how this will be specific to the Surface Duo.
Microsoft already has a significant number of Android (and iOS) applications that communicate with its cloud; MacGyver is possibly a ‘Microsoft phone’ on any Android device. No, it’s more about ensuring your Surface Duo stays on the cutting edge.
It is clear that the Duo will not be a conceptual device, it will have a long and fruitful life and Microsoft has plans for its evolution.
Now read more about Microsoft’s new life with Google …
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