Bizarre foldable Microsoft ‘tablet phone’ with two huge screens spotted in public
MICROSOFT’S elusive Surface Duo foldable phone has finally been spotted in the wild.
The zany gadget – which flips between smartphone and tablet shapes – was unveiled last year, and then largely forgotten.
It was revealed during a special Microsoft event in October, as a rival to the Samsung Galaxy Fold and Huawei Mate X.
But no one was allowed to touch the sci-fi mobile.
Since then, Microsoft’s Surface Duo has two more rivals: the Motorola Razr and Samsung Galaxy Z Flip.
Now the Surface Duo has finally been spotted in public, and even being used by someone.
The video was posted by a YouTube user called Israel Rodriguez.
According to The Verge, the footage was filmed on Vancouver’s SkyTrain.
The gadget looks unchanged compared to the device announced by Microsoft in October.
You can see the device’s owner loading apps, reading what appear to be emails, and even playing games.
The person uses the tablet in all of its screen configurations, including folded out, as well as vertically and horizontally while in smartphone form.
And when the device is completely closed, it’s possible to see a clear Windows logo on the casing.
Like other foldable phones, the space-age Surface Duo opens up like a book to reveal two screens, giving you a tablet-sized display that can fit in your pocket.
The PC-maker is working with Google to bring Android apps to the device, coupled with Microsoft’s productivity experiences.
Speaking about the device, Panos Panay, chief product officer at Microsoft, said: “It has to fit in your pocket.
“You will be more productive on two screens.”
It’s not clear why Microsoft’s handset is still unavailable, but it’s not at all surprising.
Rival phones have been marred by issues, defects and generally poor design.
The Samsung Galaxy Fold’s original launch was cancelled (and delayed by around six months) after early review units broke.
And the Huawei Mate X was also heavily delayed following its big reveal.
Motorola’s new foldable Razr has also been largely panned by tech critics.
All of the devices share very high price tags too, in some cases reaching £2,000 / $2,000.
MOST READ IN TECH
In other news, Samsung recently unveiled a new foldable phone.
A brand new cheap iPhone is reportedly set to launch in just a few weeks.
And a top “leaker” has revealed the alleged design of Apple’s rumoured iPhone 12.
What do you make of Microsoft’s strange new blower? Let us know in the comments!
We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online Tech & Science team? Email us at tech@the-sun.co.uk