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A ROUND-UP OF THE LATEST NEWS IN THE DIGITAL WORLD

MICROSOFT BRINGS SURFACE DUO TO UK

WE saw the Surface Duo from a distance some months ago when it hit the market in the US. Now we can see it up close – Microsoft has finally released the device in the UK and it’s available now.

It’s essentially Microsoft’s take on the foldable phone, but rather than sporting a single screen that folds, it has two separate screens in a device with a hinge, pictured right, that can close either way.

It’s different to anything else out there, and might fit your needs better than a tablet. Even without the folding screen it is likely to offer many of the same advantages, minus the durability issues.

The unique set up allows for use in different configurations – flat, folded, or even half-way open like a mini-laptop. It brings the full Office 360 experience, plus access to the Android app world for ultimate flexibility.

It’s available now for £1,349 from the Microsoft store at microsoft.com

JOIN THE CLUBHOUSE

THE latest revolution in social is beginning to gather pace… and it’s all about audio.

You may have already heard about Clubhouse. It’s a relatively new app that is currently operating in a closed beta before opening to the wider world – you need to know someone who’s already in to get an invitation, which almost certainly is adding to its appeal.

The service itself is relatively simple – users can create an audio chat space that other users can join and listen in to the conversation.

It’s designed to offer the facilities to run a live Q&A with an audience, only virtually. You can also use it to chat with friends.

Interestingly most other social networks are already building similar features into their own services. Twitter’s Spaces project – like Clubhouse, is still only available to a handful of hand-picked users.

The service is live, though – so if you follow someone who can create a Space, you’ll be notified in the Fleets section of your feed at the top of the screen.

Twitter is also looking into ways to make Spaces pay for those hosting – you may be charged to join a live interview, or be offered the chance to tip. You can follow @Twitterspaces for updates on that service, and download the Clubhouse app to reserve a username.