A Eulogy for the Surface Duo 2: How Microsoft Broke My Heart...

TEAM SGG PATREON / somegadgetguy The last update has arrived for the Microsoft Surface Duo 2. After two years, and only ONE proper OS update, Microsoft is finished supporting this incredible dual display device.
I felt like taking some time to talk about experiments and competition. It's sad that we dont have more experiments to play with...
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#android #microsoft #surfaceduo2

[@mvz]

Unlocked bootloaders should be an available option for every phone. Letting the nerds go to town on products like this, especially towards end of life, would benefit everyone.

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

Getting scary out there, especially seeing Xiaomi end their unlocking support. These companies are hellbent on turning all our gadgets into ewaste as fast as they can.

[@Harith21AL]

Actually Xiaomi is one of most mod/unlock friendly devices My 7 year old redmi note 5 pro with unlocked bootloader and running custom android 14 with latest September 2024 security patch even android 15 is available for my redmi note 5 pro, but still in beta, and the community keep updating the ROM on monthly basis which is impressive. Even Lineage Os has stopped their support for older devices But luckily Xiaomi has pretty huge community support that keeps those old android phones running on the latest Android version.

[@brundle_fly_3895]

⁠@@Harith21ALwe mean newer xiaomi has gotten rid of it for there newer devices

[@owomushi_vr]

Coming from someone with a pico 3 with a unlocked bootloader and no one has touched it . Seems even less people care about this

[@Harith21AL]

@@brundle_fly_3895 @brundle_fly_3895 nah man, I recently bought poco X6 with snapdragon 7s gen2 request for unlocking bootloader is pretty straight forward, waiting 7 days for approval and then you good to go I know nothing about their flagship device tho.

[@shanecraigtech]

Glad I wasn't the only one more or less eulogizing this phone lol

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

I JUST caught your video too! It's sad to see. We could be doing this better.

[@johndelabretonne2373]

​@@SomeGadgetGuyLoved the look back and discussion on this topic. Microsoft really should hire you or Shane to be the next Panos Panay and deliver better devices than are currently on the market!

[@orangeyellow-me1pz]

Has anybody suffered with the HD2 at the hands of Microsoft?

[@FAT8893]

Microsoft really never take mobile hardware business seriously. I still believe Windows Phone still has so much potential to be a real mobile PC, especially when they introduced Continuum for Lumia 950/950 XL two years before Samsung DeX and Huawei EMUI Desktop even a thing. Just imagine Surface Duo running native Windows ARM.

[@TheTheShizzler]

Maybe at first but seeing what they're doing with Windows 11 and copilot, not sure I'd want that on my phone too

[@aurelian1]

Microsoft's problem at the time was that it treated mobile as subservient to desktop. It was never going to get the full resources it needed because it was there to help sell Windows PCs. Apple and Google succeeded in part because they were willing to up-end their businesses to make mobile work.

[@scottlawson3365]

I was a staunch Microsoft, especially Windows Phone and Surface, supporter. After having the rug pulled out from under me 1 too many times I switched to iOS and never looked back. I’d love to think I could put my trust in Microsoft long term, but unfortunately history shows me why I can’t. It really is a damn shame as Microsoft’s platform had so much promise even if only 1% were on board.

[@Ozzymandius1]

I second this. The Lumia phones with the high-megapixel cameras hold up surprisingly well against the flagships released this year. It’s a shame they didn't just modernize their OS or give a crap about its all store to make it more appealing.

[@FAT8893]

@@Ozzymandius1 Can agree with my Lumia 1020. It might be more than a decade now, but my goodness the camera can still produce great photos.

[@jakesyoutubezone9808]

actively watching this on a duo 2 as part of my go-to ultra portable productivity setup. It's amazing how the "dual monitor workstation" mindset translates so easily to the dual-screen form factor.

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

It worked so well...

[@handlemonium]

Can't wait for more polished rivals to the Mate XT! Gonna be rocking a 6-11 inch productivity setup while streaming games via StarLink across The Pacific! ✈️🌏🛰️

[@michaelcorcoran8768]

lack of even a 2nd OS update On a $1,500 phone is truly something else. It's such a shame because my OG Duo is one of my favorite products of all times in terms of hardware and at least that one got two OS updates

[@Stanzlinger]

update it to Android 15

[@clem9031]

Take this form factor, make it e-ink. And voilà, you have a true ebook. Add pen support, call it moleskin. I'd buy that. RIP surface duo.

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

I always wanted a dual screen kindle...

[@evindrews]

dude. YES

[@farishanafiah8461]

What I found it funny is that the OG Surface Duo was shipped with Android 10 and got two major OS update, while the Surface Duo 2 only got one since it was shipped with Android 11. The latter is more than possible to get official Android 13 or Android 14 OS update. I still find this way more interesting than foldable screen phone since the dual 3x2 screen can merged into one 4x3 screen. That is the kind of aspect ratio you'd find on an iPad, not on the likes of Galaxy ZFold or Pixel Fold.

[@markfinlay422]

This is the end Beautiful friend This is the end I would say RIP Duo, but I'm still using my OG Duo as a productivity device and ebook reader. There's still a wee bit of life in it yet and NOTHING ELSE COMES CLOSE.

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

I'm gonna be rocking these longer than any plastic screened foldable. Only my V60 is going to give this a run for its (longevity) money.

[@MrBaskins2010]

saw one of these at my cousin's c0vid era wedding, i've thought about this device ever single day since

[@RossChase]

It makes me a bit sad. I wanted this form factor to work.

[@farishanafiah8461]

Ikr. Because it have an iPad-like screen aspect ratio when using both screen together, there's no need to worry about app compatibility.

[@SomeRandomPersonOnTheNet]

i think future iterations of the surface duo would have accomplished the goal of MSFT. A thinner centre bezel would have mimicked today's folding glass but be more durable. I wish MSFT would revisit this in the future.

[@nsylvester6489]

As a long time iPhone user and galaxy user i have to say that Surface Duo and Duo 2 were ahead of their time. They were released in the middle of pandemic where people had nowhere to go and stayed hooked onto their phones. The mishaps of Surface Duos was magnified because we were all sitting at home and gobbled up the mislaunches. Fast forward to 2024, Duo 2 is still by far the most beautiful hardware and multi-tasking phone ever. Yes it does not have a great camera but it is decent. For all that it does it should have been continued for at least 2 more years. Each screen is large enough to where we don't need to spread a page to both screens. Media consumption is amazing. Reading is superb and feels like a book and the thinness unfolded is spectacular. I wished Microsoft saw what we see this device as.

[@masterquake7]

The Duo 2 is the best phone I've ever used still. The only reason I don't use mine anymore is because the layers literally started peeling away from each other, causing the back glass to break. Microsoft told me back when it happened that they couldn't honor my warranty because they had no stock. This was before they admitted they had stopped making them.

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

I got really lucky with Duo 1. Got it replaced, and the only model they had was a higher storage tier.

[@impulsesystems]

There is a time when you want a slightly bigger screen than a phone and two separate apps. I am more interested in the SD form than a foldable tablet. I was late to the SD party and got a great price. I didn't want cameras or even a phone but for podcasts, Spotify, banking apps etc, it is really useful to me!

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

It's one of the best tablets ever made.

[@tayfuntuna]

Still using one, still thinking it's one of a kind. It's not like it shuts down and bricks itself as of today. I will keep using it until I find a device worth upgrading to.

[@towcactus]

That's a sick skin on duo

[@lachlanlander6002]

I swear something weird is happening in tech.. everyone seems to be crying over a phone that, last time I checked, was called slow, not very useful and not even that good.. And now like 5 big(ish) KZbin Channels are covering it like it's the end of a great era.

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

It's a shame that THAT was the sense of the phone. It was one of the most brilliant tablets ever made, and was an incredible high performance multi-tasking solution. It was different, and different brings different pros and cons. But that's also why there's so little traction on truly new and innovative hardware. Techies become the first people now to trash unfamiliar things, and that's basically the death of our tech hobby.

[@revrodgers]

I’m still using my Duo1. I shed a tear everyday.

[@gcoupe1]

I'll continue happily using my SD2 until it, or me, dies. If it goes first, I really don't know what I would replace it with. It's a unique experience and I am wedded to it.

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

We had a whole collection of phones that really dont have proper replacements today. It's really sad.

[@davidburns8113]

Thanks to the calcification of the tech market nothing fun or new can come out, especially in the US. this market doesn't want new, innovative, or interesting. I really wish they had put an 8 Gen 2 in a duo. but alas

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

God... Just imagine this form factor, with an 8Gen2, and the equivalent of Continuum...

[@farishanafiah8461]

Meanwhile, Android OEM keeps on chasing to copy whatever Apple is doing. Only Sony manages to be different, but even its smartphone division now seems to be on life support. If Sony decided to shut down their smartphone division, it means the real death of headphone jack and microSD card slot on flagship phones.

[@FAT8893]

@@farishanafiah8461 Brand ecosystem really ruins everything.

[@DavidNgo86]

US government banning Huewai over "security" was the death knell

[@TommyCrosby]

Man, that HTC Touch Pro is a nostalgia blast from the past. It was almost my first smartphone, and the reason why I was highly skeptical of the iPhone at first.

[@Tylercantfindanavailablehandle]

Watching this on my Duo 2. Shame Microsoft didn't go crazy with experimental features instead of abandoning it. I think the people who bought it were willing to be the test hamsters for something really cool in the phone world.

[@JeskidoYT]

can't wait for microsoft's next phone invention for in the next 5 years. mark my words.

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

LOL Well, they're currently cutting their AR and MR teams... I think once those departments are well and truly dead, THEN we'll see some executive come up with the bright idea "Hey, maybe we should try this smartphone thing all the kids are into!"

[@TheBismrk]

Separating android version upgrades and software security updates is something I'm in favour of. Some of my non techy relatives refused to update their phones because they'd rather not have to adjust to the changes that upgrades bring. Whether it be moving of options or removal of functions, for security or whatever reason

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

A LOT of folks are like that, and I wish companies like Samsung wouldn't change things JUST to change them. UI is important to people, but not in the way a lot of techies talk about it. Novelty is neat, but I think it turns most people off.

[@DavidNgo86]

That's why when I buy old phones I look for ones with the orginal Android versions

[@Kid15X]

The Surface Duo was such a cool design, I'm really sad they didn't last

[@GtheJuggler]

The fact that Duo 2 didn't get A13 isn't thethe biggest problem. My V60/Velvet got A13 (3 major updates) but there is no meaningful difference. The biggest problem with the Surface Duo 2 is that not all the bugs been fixed and now never will be.

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

No computer ever has "all the bugs fixed", but I certainly agree the Duo should have had more/longer security patching and bug fixing support.

[@MaximLedenev]

I am almost certain that microsoft duo was killed by bloggers and insufficient advertising by microsoft and incredible advertising of "folding screens without gaps" by samsung. I really wanted to buy this perfect laptop computer with a call function, but remembering the experience with windows phone, I decided not to hurt my heart. Really, really understand you, really hope someone understands and makes a foldable phone with just two screens. Thank you for the video

[@benjamindover4337]

I remember the original patent leaks for the surface phone... It was literally the Z fold years before that existed. For some reason MS decided to go another direction, right off a cliff.

[@brandonminiman]

Thank you for covering this fun and interesting product. RIP

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

BRANDON! Hey buddy. Always fun to revisit the novel and innovative gadgets.

[@gio4rmlawood]

That HTC Keyboard took me back. Had that one back in the days that I remember taking to Sprint several times. I actually still want a Duo as a pocket sized tablet.

[@212helpdesk]

Agreed. First they took my beloved blackberry away, now this. Duo had a REAL ruff start and that maybe what killed it, a bad rep.

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

Oh it definitely hurt it. Microsoft is their own worst enemy.

[@handlemonium]

I feel the same way about the Moto Z series that brought easy phone modding to life for 4 years from 2016-2019. Still rocking the Moto Z4 even though I'm on my 4th one cuz I'm not kind to my phones while biking. Luckily, both the phones & JBL mods are dirt cheap, in plentiful supply, and still work as great little pocketable boomboxes. 🤘 I will be moving on to the Pixel 5a by the end of this year as I need the eSim compatibility for traveling ✈️ and then the endomodular Fairphone 6/7 a couple years after that, but I'll keep the music blasting from my Moto Z2 Play and Z4!

[@moranmono]

I really sad that Microsoft didn’t succeed to bring another smartphone to the mainstream. I really miss windows phone and I really like to see more competition in the mobile world

[@rafaelantoniodiazamador2514]

That Duo would be fantastic if it had a "ePaper ink screen" upfront (it would be a 3-screen phone, not a duo), much more versatile. For work, even if technology favors "plastic foldables" very much soon, the duo form factor is a lot more practical an durable. For media consumption and reading, the uninterrupted screen is great. But for doing many stuff, the Duo is the way. Sad LG committed suicide taking the V60 with it and the duo-like screen accessory. Hope maybe HP could come with a rescue product similar to the duo, but HP also surrendered to China. Maybe an screen accessory comes along for a popular phone? Hope, hope, hope...

[@elcholesterol]

im so sad Microsoft did not do this device justice. i happily owned both duos and had to sell them because i broke the screens forcing myself to sell it because i could not get it fixed

[@christopherkinslow5432]

I hate their trend of ending support for products that don't take off initially. The only push I've seen from them recently was when Nokia joined up as the official partner for WP, which was a golden era. I wasn't a fan of the Duo 2 due to functions they opted out of putting into the device hardware and also lack of software updates. I'm not one of the fan boys that gripes about lack of major updates, but for what this device was selling for initially, it kept me away from being a potential buyer

[@robertmyers6488]

I have the three windows phones you had on the video. I don't think I've seen a company bring so much innovation to never capitalize on it in the mobile space.

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

Yup. So damn sad.

[@mxbblife_mu]

When I lost this phone I was the absolute saddest I've ever been Losing a phone being Fucked up

[@_SurferGeek_]

I thought that the lack of a customized OS made for the DUO was a big let down. I believe that had Microsoft fully developed Courier rather than using a jury-rigged version of Android... it would have been a very different story.

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

It's what we wanted. The Surface Neo looked really cool.

[@Shoeboxcat7]

I've pretty much concluded that my lateral move/upgrade from the Duo 2 would be a flexy foldable that sports a wider aspect ratio than what's currently on the market. That, accompanied by dual screen multitasking that's (at least configurabily) reminicent of what the Duo 2 does natively in hardware. I'd prefer a foldable that isn't strictly a candy bar when folded. I'm very accustomed to and love the 4:3 layout and it's hard to let go of it. There's just too much sweet screen space to be had by going wider. Apps just sit so nicely beside each other too. Just waiting to see who gets there first. I think there's absolutely still a big market for those of us who enjoy that cup of tea.

[@evindrews]

I really think the Duo design is underrated. Unfortunately it was a microsoft device so it was doomed, but I wish other manufacturers gave it a shot. Folding screens are cool, theoretically they let you see things bigger, but 90% of the time I hear people barely using it, and the tradeoff of a plastic screen is really really big. Glass + metal is beautiful and I can see this one lasting for awhile.

[@Mojomanultra]

Security and bug fixes are the most important, don't care about android updates. Note: I personally think we need new os design. An os design for a specific device.

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

Same. Especially now with "longer support" promised, individual android updates are smaller and more iterative. I'd have been fine on Android 13 with a couple years of security and bug fixing.

[@Mojomanultra]

@@SomeGadgetGuyYup, the updates don't improve anything.

[@MrLoipurz]

I had OG Duo. LOVED IT despite its numerous flaws. The design, the build, the feel, the usability. Unfortunately one drop onto a concrete proven to be deathly for Duo. After that I dabble with other foldable but I never get the feeling of excitement and happiness I get when I use my Duo. Decided to jump the gun and bought Duo 2 (cost more than $2,000 in my country since it needs to be imported). I fall in love all over again. Will keep using it until the battery gave up (because MS can’t even replace Duo 2 battery). The only deal breaker for me in terms of design and usability is that horrendous camera bump. It bugs me. I can’t fold it flat. It feels really uncomfortable using it folded back. Now it rocks on table too. I wish MS had a version of Duo 2 without camera. MS definitely lose its way in the market direction for Duo 2. They trying to please general user while basically ignoring Duo very very niche but very very loyal user base. I’m pretty sure Duo real user doesn’t need that huge or amazing camera. I rather trade the camera for cleaner, neater, and more comfortable design for me to get my work done

[@johndelabretonne2373]

Juan, I couldn't agree more with your statements about the Surface Duo and LG dual screen multitasking! Still rocking my LG v60 and Surface Duo combo as daily drivers. Nothing in the foldables market to date has given me enough evolution to get me to jump on board (the Z Fold 6's fit and polish was tempting, but I really just want something bigger when unfolded --- the current form factor just doesn't work for me). I still say that Microsoft's only real mistake here was trying to sell the Surface Duo to people as a flagship smartphone instead of a tablet that can fit in your pocket... which is how I use it (I don't really make or receive calls on it). I'm really hoping that we get 5 or 6 companies making trifold devices in the next year; that would really get me to jump from my current devices if competition can bring the prices down, or if my cell carrier offers some killer subsidies on one of them! Until then, I can easily continue using the LG v60 and Surface Duo combo for another year (even though I don't like having at least one of my devices still in a support window)...

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

We didn't know how good we had it... We've lost SO much on phones since the V60...

[@mpeters97]

As a Duo 1 user as a secondary device, it pains me that I’m unable to find a Duo 2 for reasonable prices. I’d love to have one that doesn’t go for $800 as a dead device. Duo 2 owners are the perfect tech analogy of those old dudes at car shows with a “1 or 10” corvette that “know what they have”.

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

Yeah. THat market kinda sucks. There aren't many out there, so that's what the price is going to be. I'm just never going to pretned like I'd be open to selling mine. I could have gotten a LOT of cash for the Duo2 and my Red Key2, but naw. I like using them too much.

[@Samp1eTech]

I really wish Microsoft had stuck with making phones. It's a shame.

[@ignaciorodriguez5008]

I remember being so excited for this product. I firmly believe taht if the priced it at ~$800, it would have been a very good option. It's sad to see Microsoft repeatedly fail at this

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

The price argument is one of the worst aspects of tech reviewing. "This fone wold be gooder if it cost less" is one of the least insightful "critiques" the bigger channels offer up. We're ONLY just getting to Flip phones that cost properly under $1000 in SOME markets. Mini-tablets with a hinge still haven't fallen significantly in price. If we want this kind of manufacturing, and a lifestyle durable hinge, we have to expect the MSRP to be roughly $800-$1000 more than a comparably specced premium slate phone.

[@nycbike73]

How do you find that Google update

[@wilko8225]

After Windows Phone (I really enjoyed Windows Phone), I swore off Microsoft products in the mobile sector. It was clear as day this would happen. I would be interested to see what the strategy was for this.

[@PrinceMalachi7]

I had the original surface dual. It had it's issues but overall I liked it

[@usr01]

I didn’t even know that they made a second generation till now.

[@RealAaron317]

Man was looking towards version 3 so sad

[@ggatzjr4755]

ok, I'm not the only one that thought the marketing and roll out was flawed. I know they didn't want to go this route but I thought a partnership with a major cellphone carrier was needed. When they didn't even try I knew this product was dead.

[@JessicaFEREM]

I don't care about the android version, as long as my phone isn't insecure and I can still get the apps I want, then it could be running reactOS for all I care.

[@User24x]

I just carry two phones.

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

Now just tape them together.

[@owomushi_vr]

Breaks my heart love the duo

[@LiveAerosmith]

About Duo simply did not sell much, spent a lot of money on product development and to put on the market, now about Windows Phone was a matter of market share and boycott of developers.

[@philipperostin]

Batteries still working, thus the phone IS NOT dead.

[@nutzeeer]

the ultimate revenge would be porting meegoo to it.

[@jothain]

Apparently I'm not only one that would like MS to try mobiles once again with ARM inside finally make true multipurpose device. Performance/tech wise so many things would actually now be possible. They could make foldable device like this that could run full Windows and borrowing bit the idea of like OnePlus Watches having low power secondary chip device could run Android simultaneously on smaller display as mobile phone. I'd actually want to see Metro revived. It was so insanely ahead of time and only thing they failed imo was they forced its usage on desktop computers which was a major screwup. But like I honestly think that from computer UI's point of view. Windows 8 was and still is quite solid touch device UI. MS was so close to create successful phone and computer UI...

[@spellerlittlewing]

I wished this tan windows

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

Still hoping MS might do that in the future... Sigh...

[@Stanzlinger]

I have updated my SD2 to Android 15 - so whats the problem?

[@julianpaul3990]

Omg the HTC touch pro I had that phone running windows mobile 6,1 I loved that phone

[@mvagusta]

best phone ever. i still use mine daily

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

It's sad. There were a slew of phones out from 2019 to 2021 that there really are no replacement for today.

[@smburn]

Excellent video, Although I am using a Oneplus Open The multitasking still pales in comparison to productivity to my Surface Duo, If my Duo battery would last longer I would still be using it.

[@hermanbeamer55]

Can you still use the duo

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

Of course! It's still able to use apps and services. You'll just want to be a little more careful about security issues in email and browsing, but it's still a capable device.

[@BrianGlaze]

Nice Boyz to Men reference 😂

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

I only steal from the best 😅

[@1GamersRewind]

Imagine if Microsoft and Sony actually competed at their max potential....

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

It kinda breaks my heart a bit...

[@1GamersRewind]

@@SomeGadgetGuy for sure. Imagine Sony Vaio z laptop Sony making a competitor to surface neo or surface Duo.

[@zoickn]

My LG V60 still rocking.....hard.

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

Yup! It's sad to see all the things we've lost on phones since the LG V60...

[@zoickn]

@@SomeGadgetGuy why can't they work on similar concept knowing this V60 is a great practical phone. All the foldable phones are just scammer!!! My friends got those latest foldable phones and never last more than 1.5 years. My V60 coming to 5th year soon.

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

Money? If your friends are flipping the MOST expensive phones every two years, what incentive do the manufacturers have to make a more durable phone? You bought a premium (but not ULTRA priced) phone four years ago. They only got ONE sale from you.

[@zoickn]

@@SomeGadgetGuy welcome to capitalism I guess.

[@JalanJalanAroundTheWorld]

Remember the time when gadget tech is all about full functionality product without software update that you can use for several decade? not now i guess

[@levisayev4398]

I had Huawei mate9 for over a year after Google said they won't support it anymore. Got stuck with Android 8 best android phone experience ever.

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

Mate 9 was a monster. Loved that phone.

[@Smoulderingmel]

This is a global problem with all things in the world (games, TVs, gadgets, smartphones, tablets) when instead of engineers, the company is run by managers who have a limited vision of the product.

[@erickruse4679]

I think they really dropped support for duo 1 and 2 at the same time. It signals that they will never pursue phones again to me. In 2025 they are certified untrustworthy.

[@Carnyzzle]

Microsoft didn't even try with the duo, and what hurt the phone the most is how overpriced it was compared to even the Z Fold lineup

[@doncgez1673]

Is there anyway that you can get a surface duel launcher on a pixel fold. if they can do that, I will buy a pixel fold until then I will hold on to my surface duo

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

Oh I wish. I'd love the default to be half screen app opening.

[@christopher480]

and this is why i stick with the pixels when it comes to phones......stock android and 7 yrs for updates.

[@ironman8257]

Someone in MS knows about sunk cost fallacy and avoids it at all cost, even when its worth pursuing. They want right first time and popular adoption immediately. Many interesting project opened and closed quickly.Like WM could be 3rd option for mobile phones, having the most popular PC OS and fail to make a bridge to phones... Apple in my opinion started from other end, got Iphone and locked users in their OS

[@ndk0191]

'Wish I could buy a new Surface Duo 2 😔

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

Same. 🥲

[@WaffleusRex]

It's still my favorite phone, despite the occasional jank.

[@Zombies8MDingo]

Microsoft have XBox and Copilot, they could really make something good based on the Duo, but I'm not holding my breath.

[@haloboy456]

Still, I can’t let go

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

I know. Me neither.

[@fredrickbambino]

Microsoft’s really gotten proficient at making e-waste when it comes to mobile hardware.

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

Sigh... Yeah...

[@guymontag5]

I miss my Surface Duo so much. If I could justify the crazy prices for a SD2 I would jump on it, but I'm not willing to pay current market value for one =/

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

I feel itll be a weird one for a while, like the BB Key2. For a time I could have sold off that Key2 for a CRAZY amount.

[@guymontag5]

@@SomeGadgetGuy yeah, the EOL will probably drive the price up more too, weirdly, but I'll just keep a weather eye out I suppose, maybe a good deal will crop up

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

I'd sell you mine, but this is going to be a museum phone for me.

[@guymontag5]

@@SomeGadgetGuy Nice! I have a number of lumia devices serving the same roll, I can appreciate the museum :)

[@oladrolahola]

From all the good examples you gave in this video, I'm starting to think companies need to market properly more often and should stop trying to copy Apple

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

That's been my drum beat for YEARS now. LG left the phone market. Sony seems to be on their way out. Moto is giving up on premium phones in the USA. Microsoft labeled this a SURFACE and advertised almost not at all. Seems it doesn't matter how good a phone is. People wont buy what they dont know about...

[@fabriciusfab]

I get your reasoning with manufacturers "perfecting" their android version, but honestly, what TCL and BlackBerry did to the key2 is unacceptable. Android updates bring features, and in the case of 8 to 9 to possibly 10, we could've gotten dark system theme, gesture navigation, etc. Not to say anything about app support

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

Android 8 is STILL being supported for new Android features. Like quick share and the new find my phone framework, still accessible to the Key2. Any developers ending support for Android 8, that's a recent issue. It would have been nice to get another year or two of developer support (after Android 8 is official removed from Google's support), but we're currently at SIX years of feature support, and the Key2 is still pretty current. Yes. Dark theme would have been nice. That still wasnt the point of the phone. TCL/BB were upfront about what they were doing in making a secure messaging platform, and Android was the spine they decided on.

[@fabriciusfab]

@@SomeGadgetGuy Again, I get everything you're saying, but I didn't even know about Play updates until yesterday, I don't think we have them there, do we? And monthly security patches surely must do something, right? Otherwise, what's their purpose? And in that regard, Key2 must be behind for at least a couple of years. Recently, Google Pay dropped support for Android 8 and that's not something you can patch hardening the ROM or anything. Like I said, not even ONE major android version is absolutely unacceptable in my eyes. Back in the BB10 days, every phone released got like 2 or 3 years of feature updates (however little you want to call that) so it's not like BlackBerry doesn't believe in feature updates

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

You're asking great questions. If you're curious, there are answers to those questions. What we would want to follow up with your questions, what are the support expectations of a manufacturer today versus a manufacturer from 2018? If a company front loads a TON of investment in a phone's security six years ago, and it's still impossible to root it or flash it, wouldnt we say they did a "good" job supporting their security claim? TCL/BB still delivered roughly 3 years of BLACKBERRY feature updates and app updates and services updates. If the phone had been on BBOS, it wouldn't have benefited from almost FOUR additional years of Android core services and Play updates. Since then, there are definitely issues running an Android 8 device today, but not because of what BB/TCL did, and more because of Google's apps and security. If you only just discovered this kinda stuff yesterday, I'd recommend making it matter to you more than just trying to pick apart one thing I said in this video about an almost seven year old phone. The point of my video wasn't "you should use an almost seven year old phone today". You do get that right?

[@fabriciusfab]

@@SomeGadgetGuy of course, I just got interested in that particular point because I was in fact until very recently a KeyOne/Key2LE user. My budgets are very limited and when I buy a phone, I really want then to last for as long as possible. KeyOne is from 2017 right? What other phone came out in 2017 and was not that well received? Essential PH-1. Now, the Essential Phone ended its run with an update to Android 10... That's a full 2 more versions of Android. Did essential had a massive team of developers and BlackBerry was a small start-up? Definitely not. Would you say using a KeyOne is more secure than using the Essential Phone only because it cannot be rooted? I think that even though it is very commendable that they did a fantastic job making sure that you can't hack into the phone, that doesn't mean in itself that it's secure. Case in point, you cannot root a BB10 device. That's absolutely not to say that nowadays those are secure phones, or the Priv, since you've mentioned it on your video (and I also had but sold because of the lack of new features) Now I think I might be giving the impression that I'm nitpicking. I'm not. I found your video super interesting and it made me think about the point of hardening the ROM instead of focusing on updates to the major version. I get it. I think that's more of a Google job than the manufacturers though. Also, 100% sure that if I ask 10 random people if they knew about Play updates and what they mean, the vast majority would say they don't. Anyways, I enjoyed your video, sorry if my comment made it seem otherwise

[@arkkhamful]

Yes!!!!

[@greggski3710]

I don't know what is going on, but I still can't see your videos is my subscription feed.

[@christiangaston3391]

Not a shock as microshaft has continually shown their ineptitude with Mobile and even desktop lately given their shoddy work on Windows 11. I'd leave microsoft behind completely if I could.

[@Fab666.]

Never used it as my phone, always as a mini pc for work. And it’s a brilliant size, something nothing else on the market feels right for the job. Galaxy and Pic are just the wrong size for working. I don’t understand the problem with support ending, I don’t keep anything sensitive on it. Have an updated antivirus and vpn running and that’s all. Apps will keep support for years still. And if the day finally arrives that so many apps have lost support for it then the newer versions of android for galaxy or other twin screen devices can with a little programming get cloned to work on surface duo .. just don’t tell the manufacturers 😂

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

Right there with you. I cant say it was my favorite phone, but it lives on as one of my favorite tablets of all time.

[@Slapsco]

Well done !! Let's Hope Microsoft will give it one more shot at the mobile world... even though, I felt sad by the forced ending of Windows Phones, then Windows 10 Mobile then Surface Duos..... if todays's chips are strong enough to compete with PC chips... especially with AI... why not give it another shot at the Mobile World, Microsoft!! Come on!!

[@eddietorres1059]

first oall the reason why MS Surface phone did not work out, because it was two seperate screens. with z fold 6 you can do the same the damn with a continous screen. you can read a book or study with screen that big. on your phone it break the page a apart not good. don't forget that on the z fold you can window all of you apps on the large screen without dex. so the answer the question that was not asked the z fold form factors is better.

[@otopico]

Never trust Microsoft when it comes to hardware. I *LOVED* Windows Phones, especially 8 and 8.1. In 2014 I had a device that had a fantastic UI, great use of live tiles for ambient info without needing to open any apps, and hardware that while not cutting edge, was solid and had features it took Android and Apple until now to start to adapt ( like a camera button). And a change of leadership killed it all and left people like me stuck with shit like Android and the lack of consistency, and iOS and being locked into what Apple *allows*. The only Microsoft branded hardware it is safe to still purchase are their keyboards and mice. That's it. Microsoft sometimes takes bold moves and comes up with something genuinely good and with an original take on a thing. But they always punish those of us that forget how they kill off almost as many useful things as Google.

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

LOL They split off those hardware accessories. Seems the folks who own Incipio will make those products moving forward?

[@neilnaz]

Let's be honest it was dead on arrival compared to the rest of the market. The LG v60 + dual screen was more affordable and equally productive. If it was $500 they might have sold enough for a v3, shame.

[@crisamiana3465]

Just another nail in MS hardware coffin. I never buy any MS hardware. I'm sure that a lot of people share the same mentality.

[@ChadAndChill]

oh remember the days spending so much money on Windows phone and being screwed by Microsoft😅

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

I remember the days of spending so much money on WINDOWS MOBILE and getting screwed by Microsoft 😅

[@djdontgetcooked]

Lovely phone tied to the worst hardware company in the world

[@Lazarev666]

Basically we have 3 brands to chose from, everything else is rubbish. Apple, Samsung, google. Microsoft flopped, I still miss Metro Design 😭

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

No surprise that the options in North America are now all slow playing hardware upgrades and falling behind the rest of the world... No incentive to compete...

[@Lazarev666]

@@SomeGadgetGuy I tried to look for a new phone to upgrade to... Wasted to much time. And decided to keep using my s20fe 5g, at least it has a SD card slot. They all are the same nowadays. The only gimmick is Samsung's s pen in note/ultra series, which I highly doubt I might use. All people I know who bought foldables have bent marks with plastic peeling off or/and scratches. My girlfriend who works as tattoo artist said that all clients with foldables are highly dissatisfied with a purchase due to durability issues. I guess we are stuck with similar phones for last 4 years. Who even cares about gaming phones if steam deck is a better experience... I don't think that a pocketable device can replace laptop, maybe surface tablet is better, but anyway it is basically a laptop without a keyboard. I live in UK and I do not care about updates as long as all apps work fine, all 3 big phone companies care about security and provide all the necessary updates. I guess they are looking for a new ways, excuses and useless gimmicks to sell us similar phones 😆

[@Rayu25Demon]

The phone is the best nintendo DS emulator.😂 It's useless as a phone