Microsoft's Surface Duo Looks Like A DS, Plays Xbox Games
A foldable phone from Microsoft looks very cool, but you'll be paying a premium for the impressive tech.
Microsoft's new Surface Duo phone is coming in September, with some impressive features meant to compete with other high-end tech and some unique gaming functionality. The dual-screen device is foldable--a gimmick that you may remember from the Galaxy Fold. It's coming in at a premium price too, starting at $1399.
Due to the two-screen approach, you can have two apps running at once side-by-side. In a sample video, you can see the phone looking up a nature trail through a browser on one side and then opening Google Maps for directions there on the other. You can also make custom groups, drag from one screen to the other, or view some apps across both screens. It folds back into a single screen to make phone calls.
The device is also compatible with Microsoft's xCloud, the streaming gaming service that will be bundled with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. According to GameSpot sister site CNET, when turned on its side the Surface Duo looks a bit like a Nintendo DS.
It sports two 5.6" AMOLED displays that open to make one 8.1" display. It has a 3:2 unfolded aspect ratio, which Microsoft says is suited for watching streaming movies or using it as an e-reader. It boasts up to 27 hours of battery life, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 processor, and 6GB DRAM. It's also compatible with various Microsoft accessories, including Xbox controllers and the Surface Pen.
For more details on the Surface Duo, check out CNET's extensive hands-on. It's available for pre-order through the Microsoft Store, Best Buy, and AT&T. It launches on September 10. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate's streaming functionality is coming on September 15.
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