Microsoft has quietly started upgrading the original Surface Duo to Android 11, which is not the most recent version of Android. The firm originally promised to do so by the end of 2021, which is when Android 12 shipped. Surface Duo originally arrived in 2020 with Android 10, which was at that time a year old.

If you have an unlocked first-generation Surface Duo and live in North America or Europe, you can check for updates and see if the January 24 Update is available. This includes the upgrade to Android 11, the January 2022 Android security patches, and the following updates and changes:

• Enabled launching of OneNote when clicking the top button on Surface Slim Pen 2. It requires Surface Slim Pen 2 to be paired with Surface Duo.
• Enabled in Surface Duo features, in Settings, to choose preference [sic] for answering phone calls when folded.
• Enabled in Surface Duo features, in Settings, to choose specific apps to automatically span across both screens when you open them.
• Optimized Quick Settings and notification width for portrait and landscape orientations.
• Adjust media volume directly from Quick Settings in any device mode.
• Use thumb mode in Microsoft SwiftKey now with all device modes and application states.
• Updated app drawer and folder design with improved drag-and-drop support.
• Refreshed Microsoft feed design with updated cards and new Microsoft Start widgets for News and Weather.
• Photos by OneDrive: New dual-screen enhanced experience for viewing and editing photos in the OneDrive app.
• Xbox Game Pass: Discovery and play games from the cloud with an on-screen controller. Some devices, accessories, and software [are] sold separately. Additional fees and/or subscriptions [are] required for some apps and features.
• Send feedback to Microsoft by opening Settings, then tap About, then tap Give feedback to Microsoft.

I assume Microsoft will either provide Android 12 to Surface Duo users in 2023, after Android 13 ships, or not upgrade it again at all. I’m glad to see this upgrade finally arrive, but seriously. Too little, too late.

Tagged with Surface Duo