Microsoft announces new Surface Duo phone • Hacker News Board

Re: Microsoft announces new Surface Duo phone

#81

Post by catchmeifyoucan » Wed, Oct 02, 2019, 5:12 PM UTC

fortran77 wrote: post #32

I'm so glad Microsoft is trying again in the Phone space. I wish Amazon would try again, too. It's nice to have choices.

Agreed. Amazon is really experimenting recently with new form factors. It could be really exciting if there was a non-flagship phone from them in the future. What they should double down on is also making the Alexa experience the best.

Re: Microsoft announces new Surface Duo phone

#82

Post by chooseaname » Wed, Oct 02, 2019, 5:18 PM UTC

bhauer wrote: post #6

I'm going to pick one up regardless, but if they can bring Windows 10 X to this device, and provide a docking experience that expands to approximate a full PC, the result would be fantastic.

This is still my holy grail of computing device. I want a portable device (phone) that gives me a phone style interface when portable, but when docked, a desktop-like experience. Yes, there have been efforts, but I want this to be mainstream and well thought out.

Re: Microsoft announces new Surface Duo phone

#83

Post by chooseaname » Wed, Oct 02, 2019, 5:20 PM UTC

danielovichdk wrote: post #55

I miss Windows Phone everyday. The best designed UI imo, and a great alternative to Ios and android.

I wasn't a fan of the UI, but I can still appreciate the speed and fluidity of the phones I saw my friends using. We certainly need more than just iOS and Android in the market. But, I guess I'm wrong as the market spoke...

Re: Microsoft announces new Surface Duo phone

#84

Post by smacktoward » Wed, Oct 02, 2019, 5:22 PM UTC

whalesalad wrote: post #52

dao- wrote: post #48

Earlier quoted context omitted.

The MS device is a foldable phone with two screens, not a foldable screen. Samsung's (initial?) failure is irrelevant here.

It won't sell. It's a gimmick.

No wireless. Less space than a Nomad. Lame.

Re: Microsoft announces new Surface Duo phone

#85

Post by awill » Wed, Oct 02, 2019, 5:27 PM UTC

mwsfc wrote: post #77

Between this and the Samsung Fold it feels like we have entered into the netbook (form factor) era* void. We're past peak smartphone development and are in this space where manufacturers are stumbling around for the next "it" device but creating nothing that is truly revolutionary. Yes, there are "some" use cases where a larger screen on my mobile device would be useful…. But by-and-large I still want it to fit in my…

>Between this and the Samsung Fold it feels like we have entered into the netbook era

Except these will be >$1000 netbooks.....

Re: Microsoft announces new Surface Duo phone

#86

Post by matteopey » Wed, Oct 02, 2019, 5:34 PM UTC

aminecodes wrote: post #10

bhauer wrote: post #6

I'm going to pick one up regardless, but if they can bring Windows 10 X to this device, and provide a docking experience that expands to approximate a full PC, the result would be fantastic.

They already said it runs on Android, whith what looks like a heavy Microsoft like skin on top.

The only thing they said is that they "are building upon Android". I think it could both means that they are using Android as an OS or that they built some kind of WSL-like subsystem. The latter scenario is more interesting because it would open up the possibility to run UWP apps that can also run on Windows 10 X, both leveraging the two screens.

Re: Microsoft announces new Surface Duo phone

#87

Post by legohead » Wed, Oct 02, 2019, 5:37 PM UTC

this looks way better than the Samsung Fold. if you haven't yet, watch a durability video on the Fold. the display is plastic and will get scratched from basically anything (even your fingernail). Microsoft's version has glass. also nice that it's using Android.

but...how will I mount it in the car for GPS?

Re: Microsoft announces new Surface Duo phone

#88

Post by dagaci » Wed, Oct 02, 2019, 5:38 PM UTC

I like the idea of dual screen on the phone, its quite natural to browse two related pages at the same time and will improve that kind of experience. Will it have pen support?

However i'm very dubious of what the dual screen experience will be like bolted on top of Windows (NEO) and Android (DUO).

Somehow in my humble opinion Apple have been able to run rings around Google and Microsoft when it come's to pure UX in mobile tech and given the past history i fully expect that true in the future.

This is where i expect DUO will stumble, in the same way that Samsung fails with its extensions and bolt on's.

Re: Microsoft announces new Surface Duo phone

#89

Post by jbigelow76 » Wed, Oct 02, 2019, 5:42 PM UTC

I like how on the Duo and larger Neo Microsoft just embraced the fact that foldable OLED isn't ready for prime time yet and instead tried to engineer the seam with as much aesthetic and engineering quality possible.

Re: Microsoft announces new Surface Duo phone

#90

Post by Dirlewanger » Wed, Oct 02, 2019, 5:45 PM UTC

yRetsyM wrote: post #2

"Partnering with Google" - Be very interesting to see what that partnership entails.

I mean, Microsoft has always had a vested interest in Android's success, given that they are paid for every Android device sold because of software patents.