When Microsoft’s Panos Panay took to the stage late last year to introduce the world to the Surface Duo, ‘The Holidays 2020’ was announced as the retail launch. For many, myself included, that suggests a fourth quarter appearance for the Android-powered dual-screened device.
Now it looks like we’ll be seeing the revolutionary device in the next few weeks. Let’s take a look at the clues that build up to a surprising release date.
Panos Panay, chief product officer of Microsoft Corp., shows the Surface Duo smartphone during a … [+]
Let’s start with the paperwork. The Surface Duo has picked up a number of certifications in recent weeks, including from the US FCC and variants for Canada and Japan. As well as the regulatory details, you also have Google’s very important Android Compatibility Test Suite which opens up a number of critically important features:
“It’s probably a formality for an Android device, but certification is essential for another part of the Android ecosystem known to the public. Google Mobile Services – required to have the Google Play Store (and other associates) services such as Youtube) – has’ Android compatibility ‘as part of its requirements.’
Then there are the visuals, because we also have new images of the device. The PR materials were leaked via an American carrier – the Surface team may have pushed the line that the Surface Duo is not a phone heavy, but it still has a cellular data connection. Jon Fingas for Engadget:
Well-known leaker Evan Blass has shared … a batch of returns for the Surface Duo, while claiming that the dual-screen Android device will launch with AT&T. He did not provide release data or pricing, but it is safe to say that monthly payments may make it easier to justify the unique clamshell device. ”
Finally, perhaps the biggest signal comes from long-term Microsoft commentator Paul Thurrott. As the leaked press material noted, he also highlighted the briefings that will take place next week:
“As I noticed on Twitter myself, Microsoft MVPs were invited to attend a virtual Surface briefing, presumably for Duo, on August 12.”
There’s a lot of information out there, and not one of them has a specific date that says ‘The Surface Duo will launch on this date’, but the momentum is building and the moment is near.
Read now how Android affects Microsoft …
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