The stagnant stage of innovation in the laptop and tablet industry has persist for decades. Something which has been addressed by few, but the lack of driving force has failed to change the status quo. But, all is about to change, as we move forward to the age of folding devices with dual screen.
Dual screen devices aren’t anything new or an innovative game changer in the industry. But, due to being relative expensive; such devices were usually out of reach for the mass consumers. Until Samsung had a say in it. Earlier this year, Samsung unveiled the Galaxy Fold. A premium line of smartphone, which can be unfolded to transform it into a tablet. Some said it was gimmick, while others loved it. But as we move towards the future, it seems like more and more foldable devices getting released. When Microsoft dropped the curtain on the Surface Neo and Surface Duo; it was clear to all that foldable devices are the future.
Project Andromeda Sees Daylight
I reckon it was 2009, when the rumors first hit the internet about Microsoft working on a foldable tablet, back then it was called Project Courier; later which was renamed to Project Andromeda, around 2015. Since then, years have gone passed and Microsoft had not spoken a single word regarding it. Maybe they were scared that it might fail to attract enough audience to be a success. But with Samsung, Huawei and Xiaomi joining the folding smartphone fray, Microsoft decided it was high time they did as well.
Foldable phones are the future.
Microsoft Surface Neo and Surface Duo are two of the first of the revolutionary devices from the side, released during the Microsoft Surface Event 2019. The Surface Neo runs a newer version of the Windows OS, called the Windows 10X OS. While, the later, the Surface Duo runs on Android OS. Unlike Samsung or Huawei, Microsoft’s dual screen display are two separate screens on the two panels and have bezels around them; hence enabling them to have stronger build quality and chances of lasting longer. Till date, the Surface Neo and Duo are the most realistic and day to day usable foldable device that has been revealed to the consumer market. Both the devices are magnificent piece of technology, which are going to change how tablet, laptop and smartphones work. By making them more portable and productive.
Surface Neo’s looks and features beats every other laptop and tablet available.
Honestly, it’s great to see this sort of dynamic change in Microsoft. It has to be one of the most innovative company, as of late. The Surface Neo just destroys the stagnation that persisted in the laptop and tablet industries for decades. Something which even Apple could not do. The Surface Neo not only beats the iPad, but the Macbook Pro as well. Making it the perfect replacement for both. Hopefully, next year we will see more and more companies adapting this sort of innovation and will offer more affordable foldable devices to the masses.
Windows Doesn’t Matter Anymore
Who would have thought that Microsoft would release a smartphone running on Android OS. The changes in Microsoft’s ideology has been evident for some years now, they went as far as making Edge based on Google’s Chromium; which came as surprise to many. But, this by far, must be the most unpredictable move they pulled off. In a sense, it is a bold and wise move from the side. Joining the Android platform will allow them to regain lost market share as a hardware maker. But, that’s not the main point, Microsoft doesn’t care about whether the hardware they’re selling is running on Windows or not. That just opens up the feasible area for Microsoft’s operation widely and greatly. In the near future, we might even see Microsoft making innovative mid-ranger Android smartphones as well.
Traditional Dual Screen is The Solution
Most of the smartphone makers have optioned out for bleeding edge technology for the foldable smartphones, which is very rough around the edges and tend to break down with minimal force or use. Which has been of major concern for most. It was for this reason, both Samsung and Huawei had to change the release date for their foldable flagships and limit its availability. Alongside its durability, price has been an issue as well. Both of which will be addressed and fixed in the near future, hopefully. But, till then the foldable smartphones are a risky bet for most.
Props to Microsoft, they have perfectly blended modern ideas with older and more stable technology to create a perfect pair of foldable device; which I would love to own. The dual screen displays on the two panels are less likely to get damaged; as they are not compromising anything in-exchange for flexibility and bezel-less. Hence, making this setup the best solution for folding devices for the time-being.