Microsoft Announces a Surprise Smartphone

In an unexpected announcement this week, Microsoft has revealed a brand new folding smartphone.
The new Surface Duo was revealed at the company’s annual hardware event on Wednesday.

The phone, which runs on Android, has two side-by-side 5.6″ displays that are connected by a 360 degree hinge. No price details were given.

The foldable smartphone is expected to launch in late 2020.

Microsoft said it partnered with Google to “bring the best of Android” to the new Surface Duo, while incorporating elements of Windows 10X. The phone can also run two different apps at the same time.

“You can text, you can write, you can do what you want,” said Panos Panay, Microsoft’s chief product officer. “Make no mistake, this product is a Surface.”

The Duo also folds open so that the second screen can be used as a game controller.

“This product brings together the absolute best of Microsoft, and we’re partnering with Google to bring the absolute best of Android in one product,” Panay said. “This is industry pushing technology.”

Disclaimer: We have no position in Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ: MSFT) and have not been compensated for this article.