Into the fold
WHY MICROSOFT’S FOLD-OUT AND FOLD-OVER PHONE DESERVES A SECOND LOOK
Anyone who grew up in the ’80s wanted to own Penny’s Computer Book. It was a multi screened, a-head-of-its-time device she would open to save her super spy uncle, Inspector Gadget; tapping its glowing buttons to trace villains, video call her dog, and crack secret codes. And it was mind-blowing in 1983.
Now, in 2021, we finally have similar technology in stores with Microsoft’s double-screened, 5G connecting, fold-out and fold-over smartphone.
The Microsoft Duo 2 is the second model from the company and the first to launch in Australia.
So can you throw away your boring handset to live the Inspector Gadget dream?
We tested it to find out.
MORE FOLDS THAN YOU’D EXPECT
Folding phones launched in 2019 and most feature a flexible screen.
Microsoft’s take on the folding phone is different and more booklike. The Duo is made from two 5.8inch screens connected with strong metal hinges.
When opened side-by-side, they give the appearance of an 8.3-inch display with a crack of daylight between them.
But these screens don’t just open like a book. You can keep folding them over until the phone looks like a tent that can be propped up on a desk, or until both sides are folded over entirely.
This is how you use the phone to make phone calls, and moving them past 200 degrees automatically turns off one screen to avoid accidental touches.
ONE OR TWO SCREENS?
It’s no fun having a phone with two screens if you can’t use them in unexpected ways, and Microsoft’s unique take on Android software delivers.
Users can choose which apps they want to automatically “span” or use both screens at once.
This is handy in apps like Amazon’s Kindle or when flipping through digital magazines in Readly.
Two apps can also be programmed to work opposite one another by pairing them in “groups” on the home screen.
You can, for example, use this to open your favourite messaging app and a calendar at once so you know when to make dinner plans.
And, of course, you can spread one app over both screens.
If you open Twitter, for example, drag it into the middle, and turn your device on its side, it will show text big enough for all those around you to read it, too.
PHONE BOOK 2.0
Australian buyers benefit from arriving late to Microsoft’s phone dream, when early issues have been fixed.
The screens are bigger this year, the processor faster, and its camera system more advanced.
There are three cameras in this model, rather than just one, ranging from a wide-screen lens to a 2x telephoto option. It’s not as quick or advanced as some of its rivals but it’s up to the task.
This version of the Duo also features a frontfacing 12-megapixel camera, 5G support, the latest Wi-Fi connections, more RAM, and a larger battery, while keeping handy early features like the fingerprint sensor and dual-SIM capability.
WHAT’S MISSING?
Despite big improvements, the Duo 2 feels like an early model device.
Its software can be buggy, its camera is a bit slow, it won’t fold back on itself completely due to its camera hump, and feels very large when you hold it beside your head to take phone calls.
Its screens also have large borders for a modern device, and its price, between $2319 and $2769, is on the high side.
THE VERDICT
It’s so rare for big technology companies to take a risk on untested innovation and Microsoft deserves the highest of fives for backing something different. This model is also much better than the first, its battery life is impressive, and its form is genuinely handy for those at a desk or who want to read on the go.
Its software is still buggy, its form can be unwieldy, and it feels a little unpolished but the Duo 2 is as close as we’ve come to recreating Penny’s Computer Book and that deserves an audience.