I will be the first person to admit that I was only mildly interested when I initially heard about the Microsoft Surface Duo. My first smartphone was a Microsoft-powered HTC Titan, branded the XV6800 and made for UTStarcom. I loved that phone — it ran Windows Mobile 6 Professional Edition and came with Microsoft Office pre-installed on it. It was great for doing my homework when I didn’t have my laptop. Of course, the interface was horrendous for a mobile phone, but none of us knew any better at the time — all we knew was Palm and Blackberry. Microsoft eventually updated Windows Mobile to 6.5 in a last-ditch to save the operating system before it canned everything for a new version. Finally, Microsoft migrated everything to Windows Phone 7, but that ultimately pushed all Microsoft’s mobile developers to Android for trying to be too much like (sinking Nokia along with it).
I give you all this history because my prior experience with a Microsoft mobile device was a mixed experience that ultimately left a bad taste in my mouth — hence my initial lack of enthusiasm at the Surface Duo announcement. Still, I was curious to see what the company would do with its first Android device. Furthermore, I believed it was the right call not to run Windows, given the current state of mobile ecosystems.
I struggle to call the Surface Duo a phone because aside from its cellular connection and dialer apps, it does not act much like one (aside from having a cellular connection and a dialer apps to make and receive phone calls). And to be frank, I think most people of my generation and younger don’t care much for the phone aspect of our mobile devices today; we prefer to chat and text much more than talk on the phone, and if we do use voice, it’s usually in one of our many chat apps.
The Surface Duo design is in line with the rest of the Surface portfolio, which Microsoft successfully built up over the years as a premium brand. However, we can’t call the Surface Duo a premium Windows brand anymore — now it’s a premium Microsoft brand. As such, nobody was surprised by how incredibly sleek and thin the device is. It’s like nothing else on the market.
Growing pains
While I was not in the first round of reviewers who got the Surface Duo, I did get the device before it was available to the public. Unlike most reviewers, my experience was mostly positive. I attribute the discrepancy to the fact that I started using the device after the first major software update fixed many of the initial issues. Most of the Surface Duo’s software issues were fixed with the second major update. I do believe that this phone still has lots of room for improvement on the software side, but I also think that many people’s expectations of this device were simply outside of what it was intended to do.
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The Surface Duo is a misunderstood device that Microsoft designed to fit into a yet untapped niche. I believe that is why the Surface Duo doesn’t have an outside screen or a three-camera array. There are a lot of people who don’t particularly care that much for smartphone cameras, and some who aren’t even allowed to carry a device with a visible camera into their workplace. The Surface Duo does still have a front-facing camera, which can be flipped outward, but the user experience in my opinion is not really that great and feels like a compromise. However, there is a somewhat strong case to eliminate the Duo’s camera for users who might carry two devices around, using the Duo as their work-only device,
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Productivity powerhouse
I use dozens of phones per year and few devices have come close to matching the Surface Duo in terms of productivity. LG came pretty close with the V60 and dual screen setup as did Samsung with the Galaxy Fold line. Still, I believe the Duo’s dual screen design allows for the smoothest mutli-tasking experience in the industry. I believe this likely has to do with Microsoft’s Surface Duo launcher and how it handles applications. I think there’s still room for improvement on this launcher, though it’s gotten a little sharper with every Surface Duo update.
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I split most of my productivity between Google and Microsoft apps, all of which have worked extremely well side by side. That said, I do not see myself using the Surface Duo for writing documents or working on spreadsheets because I prefer to use a keyboard and mouse for those applications, which starts to enter laptop territory. I do see myself using apps such as OneNote together with Teams when I’m not at my desk. I like the ability to have both my active apps open at the same time and without having to switch between them, and switching between apps on the Surface Duo is generally pretty easy.
Microsoft has explored some app pairings, where one app launches on each screen, such as Edge and OneNote, Outlook and Calendar, YouTube and Microsoft News and Office and Teams (the last of which I use frequently). I actually use the Surface Duo as my back-up device for Teams if I’m not at my desk. For me, the most common app pairing is Gmail with Google Calendar so that I can see my schedule when scheduling meetings or calls. Additionally, when I’m taking a break, sometimes its nice to browse Twitter while watching TikToks or doomscroll through Facebook and Twitter simultaneously.
The first great dual-screen
Many have tried to make dual-screen work on Android and most have failed. I believe that Microsoft has made a very strong case for a dual-screen Android device as competition to some of the foldables out there like the Moto Razr, Samsung Galaxy Z Flip and Z Fold. Some people are not particularly sold on the foldable formfactor quite yet and many of them actually like the idea of a tight but functional hinged design with two screens. I think that Microsoft has really nailed this experience, albeit with some growing pains, and has shown that this form factor has real promise. Apps like Microsoft News fully utilize the dual-screen design in an intelligent way, which gave me some very exciting ideas about the future of mobile experiences. Obviously application developers have to enable this capability, but there are already some very compelling dual screen applications of the surface like extending the height of a standard webpage by using the device in “portrait” mode and extending the browser across both screens.
I am a big multi-tasker and I like to have many things open at the same time. I am that guy with 100+ Chrome tabs open, across 4 windows on 3 monitors. I also like to do photo editing, video editing and write simultaneously. So, naturally, the Surface Duo is my go-to device. However, while I really do wish that I could make the Surface Duo my daily driver for everything personal and business, there are some shortcomings that necessitate carrying at least 1 or 2 other devices in addition to the Duo.
A great first try
While I have enjoyed the Surface Duo and I prefer to use it as my ‘work’ device over others, there are still lots of things that I would like to see Microsoft do with the second version. First, Microsoft needs to upgrade the camera and camera software. If the Duo is only going to have one front-facing camera, it needs to be much higher quality than what’s currently on the Duo. Personally, I can’t make the Duo my daily do-everything device because it doesn’t have enough cameras or good enough cameras. Triple camera is the minimum for me on a flagship device and that’s not going to change — I love taking pictures and I take lots of them.
While it’s forgivable that Microsoft didn’t ship the Surface Duo with this year’s flagship processor, it’s much harder to justify charging a $1,399 retail price for last year’s. For a Surface product, one would expect the latest Snapdragon, either an 865 or 865+. Especially considering that without the latest Snapdragon, the Duo lacks both 5G and Wi-Fi 6 capabilities. I believe that these are all big misses on the device’s productivity and performance capabilities. Faster connectivity and processing power all translate to a better productivity experience and that story has been pushed by virtually all of Microsoft’s competitors in the space. I also believe that the 6GB of RAM the Duo ships with is low for a device being promoted for its ability to multitask and increase productivity. I believe that 8GB should be the minimum for any Android-based flagship, let alone one meant for productivity. .
In terms of design, while the Surface Duo looks unique and extremely clean, it could benefit from a serious downsizing of the bezels at the top and bottom. The extremely thick bezels obviously hide a lot of the device’s electronics, but I believe that many of the components should be smaller to enable either a larger display size in the same body or a smaller overall body. That said, the overall build quality is absolutely fantastic and the device feels and looks absolutely premium.. The Surface Duo design seems to elicit the same reactions from people as the first Surface PCs did — amazement and confusion.
What’s next?
Microsoft needs to decide what its ambitions for Windows on ARM and Android are for the future. I think that Microsoft absolutely made the right call to launch the Surface Duo on Android and I don’t think it should waver from that decision. That said, Apple has leaned heavily into its own M1 processor and, as my boss Patrick Moorhead has illustrated, even companies as big as Apple have growing pains. The Surface Duo is Microsoft’s first real try at a smartphone since the company launched the last Lumia phones in 2016 with Windows 10 mobile. While there are many ways I believe that the Surface Duo could improve, especially in terms of system specifications and software maturity, there are glimpses of brilliance in there as well. As I used the Surface Duo more and more, I felt increasingly more productive and capable of multi-tasking in a way that I didn’t think was possible on a mobile device. For that alone, I hope that Microsoft comes out with a second version with an improved design, better specs and more polished software.
Oppo Files Patent For Smartphone With Removable Cameras
Chinese smartphone maker OPPO has patented a new smartphone with detachable cameras, meaning the module that has cameras onboard can be removed and attached anytime.
This patent was filed by Guangdong OPPO Mobile Telecommunications with the WIPO (World Intellectual Property Organization), reports GizmoChina.
The rectangular camera module can be removed anytime and used to click selfies using a USB-C connector.
According to the patent, this camera module on the OPPO phone will have two cameras in circular designs and a pill-shaped cutout possibly for LED flash.
The camera module would come with the USB Type-C connector and can bend at two angles — 90-degrees and 180-degrees.
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The patent further reveals that the motherboard of the camera module will include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and NFC for remote communication. It will additionally have a lithium chargeable battery.
In addition, the rest of this device will look identical to how some other smartphones look.
The 10 Best Smartwatches, Because We’re All Looking to Move More and Sleep a Little Better
Best Smartwatches for Women
Technically, getting a smartwatch won’t magically make you fit or cause you to start getting tons of sleep. But these little devices have an army of fans who swear the right smartwatch is an important tool in improving your overall health, no matter what your goals.
After all, smartwatches can count your steps, track your heart rate, monitor your sleep, field incoming texts and calls, and do a slew of other things to help you be your most organized, healthy self. And, while older smartwatches for women looked kind of clunky, next-gen models are sleek and stylish. Looking for a woman’s smartwatch but aren’t sure where to start? These are the best smartwatches for women out there.
Here at Parade.com, we’re all about sharing products we love with our audience. When you make a purchase on an item seen on this page, we may earn a commission, however all picks are independently chosen unless otherwise mentioned.
Best smartwatches for women
Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2
(Amazon)
Samsung’s Galaxy Watch Active2 looks like a “regular” watch, but does so much more. The $269 watch tracks your heart rate (and gives you a notification if it’s too high or low), has a built-in sleep tracker and GPS, and even monitors your stress levels. It also comes in aluminum or stainless steel, as well as a slew of stylish faces, bands, and finishes to suit your personal style. Check out the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2 here.
Apple Watch Series 6
(Apple)
The Series 6 is the latest iteration of the Apple Watch, and it’s jam-packed with plenty of features. This $399 watch features a pulse oximeter to measure your blood oxygen, sleep tracker, and FDA-certified heart rate tracker. It also has a massive range of different options for faces and fashionable bands, so you can truly DIY. Check out the Apple Watch Series 6 here.
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Garmin Vivoactive 3
(Amazon)
Garmin is one of the original smartwatch makers, and the company’s products just keep getting better. At $120, this is more affordable than most other smartwatches for women, but still offers up plenty of great features. Included are Garmin Pay (a contactless payment solution that lets you pay for purchases with your watch), 15 preloaded GPS and indoor sports apps, workout tracking, and stress monitoring. It also lasts for up to seven days on one charge in smartwatch mode. Check out the Garmin Vivoactive 3 here.
Fitbit Versa 2
(Amazon)
Um, is there anything this smartwatch can’t do? Fitbit’s $176 watch uses Amazon Alexa to get news and information, check the weather, set timers and alarms, and even control your smart home devices with the sound of your voice. It also tracks your heart rate, gives you a sleep score, plays music, and tracks your steps, distance, calories burned, hourly activity, active minutes, and floors climbed — whew! You can even get text, calendar, and smartphone app notifications when your phone is nearby. Check out the Fitbit Versa 2 here.
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Fossil Gen 5 Julianna
(Amazon)
Fossil’s $295 watch isn’t the cheapest one out there, but it has a lot of cool features that make it worthy of that coveted spot on your wrist. This watch has heart rate and activity tracking with Google Fit, a built-in GPS for distance tracking, sleep trackers, and a swimproof design, so you can wear it while you do laps. It also charges up really fast — like, up to 80% in under an hour. Check out the Fossil Gen 5 Julianna here.
Huawei Watch GT 2
(Amazon)
Looking for something that can hang with your active lifestyle? Huawei’s GT 2 is here for it. This $160 watch is made for fitness and outdoorsy fans, with 15 different workout modes and pro training courses pre-installed in your watch to guide you through your sweat sessions. It also has plenty of everyday features like message notifications, a sleep tracker, and a heart rate monitor, along with tracking for your steps, calories burned, and overall activity level. Check out the Huawei Watch GT 2 here.
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Michael Kors Access Gen 5 Bradshaw Smartwatch
(Amazon)
This smartwatch looks like a swanky designer watch because it is a swanky designer watch. The Michael Kors smartwatch is $262, and has all of the great features women love in other smartwatches wrapped in a sleek little package. Enjoy tracking your fitness, steps, and heart rate, and check out the weather and your calendar — all from your watch. You can even make and receive calls from your watch. Check out the Michael Kors Access Gen 5 Bradshaw Smartwatch here.
Fitbit Sense Advanced
(Amazon)
This $280 smartwatch is nothing short of amazing. An EDA Scan app detects electrodermal activity which can indicate your body’s response to stress, along with a built-in skin temperature sensor that takes and logs your temp each night. The watch comes equipped with a six-month trial of Fitbit Premium and has plenty of other great features, like heart rate monitoring, a built-in GPS, and built-in Amazon Alexa. Oh, and the battery lasts for six days and charges in just 12 minutes. Check out the Fitbit Sense Advanced here.
Apple Watch SE
(Apple)
Apple considers its $279 SE a starter smartwatch. But, of course, this is Apple we’re talking about. You get a bunch of good stuff with the SE, including water resistance, a heart sensor, an oximeter, and metrics for movement, exercise, and standing. The watch will also coax you to get moving when needed. Check out the Apple Watch SE here.
