The Microsoft Surface Duo that was announced in October 2019 and launched in 2020 with Android 10 was supposed to get Android 11 in 2021, but that didn’t happen. However, the company hasn’t forgotten its foldable as the smartphone is finally receiving the Android 11 update.
The update comes with firmware version 2021.1027.156 and bumps up the Android security patch level on the Surface Duo to January 2022. It also comes with optimized Quick Settings, an updated app drawer and folder design, and an enhanced dual-screen experience for viewing and editing photos in the OneDrive app.
You can check out the update’s full changelog below for more details:
- Upgrades the Android operating system to Android 11. For more information about Android 11.
- Addresses scenarios outlined in the Android Security Bulletin—January 2022.
- 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 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 sold separately. Additional fees and/or subscriptions required for some apps and features.
Microsoft says that Android 11 is rolling out for the Surface Duo in North America and Europe, but those who own unlocked AT&T units will have to wait since Microsoft is still “testing this release and it is pending final validation.”
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