News in brief

Microsoft is kickstarting the two-screened market with its Surface Du0, plus the absent information commissioner comes under fire.

Microsoft is attempting to kickstart the market for dual-screen devices, with the launch of the Surface Duo.

The Android device, announced in October 2019 alongside the still-absent Surface Neo, will go on sale in the US at the stark price of $1,399 – significantly more expensive than most smartphones, tablets and many laptops. However, analysts say the device might find a niche between those three product categories.

“Surface Duo’s uncomfortable position in this no man’s land between smartphone, tablet and notebook is exactly why Microsoft is addressing the category,” explained Geoff Blaber, an analyst with research firm CCS Insight. “The company sees significant, long-term potential, and in time it might get there.”

The Duo has two 5.6in OLED displays that fold out from a hinged design. “Designing a slim product that unfolds to a large display is difficult, especially when you consider thermal and battery performance,” said Blaber. “But ARM-based processors now offer the horsepower within a workable thermal envelope.”

Unlike Microsoft’s disastrous last foray into the mobile market, the Surface Duo runs on Android, not Windows, which is another important breakthrough, according to Blaber. “A proper set of apps is the essential bread and butter on a mobile device,” he said. “It’s not going to be a blockbuster, but it’s only the beginning and more apps will be optimised for dual displays. As with other Surface devices, Microsoft will fine-tune the Duo.”