Tag: Surface

Android Firmware

Surface Duo 2 gets October 2023 firmware update

The Surface Duo 2 running Android 12L

Plenty of Surface devices have already received the October 2023 firmware update, and now it is time for the Surface Duo 2, the only non-Windows Surface device, to get its share of patches and improvements. Version 2023.501.37 is now rolling out with a traditionally lackluster changelog containing only general Android security patches for October 2023. On the upside, the update requires less than 6MB, so there is no need to delete apps or files to get the latest release.

What is new in the October 2023 firmware update for the Surface Duo 2?

Here is the detailed information about the release:

Update Version 2023.501.37
Update Size 5.78MB
What is new

This update:

Addresses scenarios outlined in the Android Security Bulletin – October 2023.
Extra Information The update does not require extra steps to perform before or after installation.
Known Bugs Microsoft says the update does not contain any known bugs.
How to install the update
  • Connect to a Wi-Fi network you trust.
  • Open the Settings app.
  • Navigate to System > System update > Check for update.
  • Wait for your Surface Duo 2 to download and prepare the latest update, then click Restart now.

Although you are unlikely to experience issues with the latest firmware update, you should keep in mind that it is non-uninstallable. Therefore, backup important data before installing the October 2023 update. If you are up for more exciting Surface Duo news, check out the latest DuoWOA update, which adds preliminary support for the Surface Dial display accessory and other improvements to make running Windows on the first-gen Surface Duo slightly better.

As a reminder, Microsoft stopped supporting the original Surface Duo in September 2023. Its successor, the Surface Duo 2, will get one more year of support, but chances of getting something more substantial than monthly

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Android Firmware

Surface Duo and Duo 2 get first unofficial Android 14 ROM

A photo of several Surface Duo 2 smartphones in various positions

The original Surface Duo is now officially dead—it reached the end of its troublesome life last month. The Surface Duo 2 is still supported, and Microsoft is committed to releasing software and firmware updates for one more year. However, do not expect much from those updates. Most likely, the Surface Duo 2 will remain on the current Android 12L with no hopes of ever getting Android 13, not to mention the recently released Android 14.

Fortunately, the hope is not lost. Those owning the first or second-gen Surface Duo can now download the first unofficial Android 14 ROM for their dual-screen device. Android 14 for the Surface Duo and Duo 2 comes from Thai Nguyen, a former Microsoft engineer who previously ported Android 13 to Microsoft’s smartphones.

A photo of a Surface Duo and a Duo 2 running Android 14 AOSP

The initial release is based on the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) and includes the following:

  • AOSP base image with Google applications
  • The option to turn off the hinge gap on the Surface Duo 2.
  • Settings app icons from the stock Surface Duo ROM.
  • Over-the-air updates for future build updates.

Although it is great to see enthusiasts bringing new life to, let’s be honest, dead smartphones, the first unofficial Android 14 ROM is raw and unpolished—the developer says users should expect “lots of bugs.” Besides, unlike Android 13 for the Surface Duo lineup, Android 14 does not feature the Pixel Experience with its features and enhancements.

You can download Android 14 ROM for the Surface Duo and Surface Duo 2 from GitHub. Remember to back up important data before flashing and prepare for bugs, instabilities, and other wonders of using unofficial early-bird software.

Those not risking flashing their Surface Duo 2 with third-party ROMs can download the latest firmware update released a few weeks ago. Sadly, there is nothing new but

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Android Firmware

Surface Duo and Duo 2 get August 2023 firmware update

Fully open Surface Duo being held by its hinge in the middle

Microsoft has started rolling out a new firmware update for its Android-based Surface devices. The original Surface Duo and its second-generation sibling have received the latest Android security patches (August 2023) with nothing else in the change log.

What is new in the August 2023 firmware update for the Surface Duo Series?

Here are the official details:

Surface Duo 1 Surface Duo 2
Update Version 2022.902.48

2023.429.67
Update Size TBD ~80MB
What is new

This update:

Addresses scenarios outlined in the Android Security Bulletin – August 2023.
Extra Information The update is available for unlocked Surface Duo devices in North America and Europe. Locked and unlocked AT&T devices will get the release later. The update does not require extra steps to perform before or after installation.
Known Bugs No known bugs in this update. However, customers continue reporting issues with NFC on the Surface Duo 2 (the original Surface Duo does not support NFC).
Device Supported Until September 10, 2023 October 21, 2024

The August 2023 firmware update is one of the last releases for the original Surface Duo. Microsoft will stop supporting the smartphone later this month, so do not expect big OS upgrades, new features, or substantial fixes. Sadly, Microsoft’s latest attempt to disrupt the mobile market with a fresh and unique device fell flat on its face. Microsoft could not provide proper support for its own mobile operating system (rest in peace, Windows Phone), and history is repeating itself with Android.

Head to Settings > System > System Update and tap “Check for update” to install the latest updates. Not that you cannot uninstall firmware updates, so it is better to back up important data before proceeding.

In case you missed it, Microsoft is holding a Surface event later this month. We expect the company

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Android Firmware

Better late than never: Surface Duo and Duo 2 get July 2023 firmware update

A Surface Duo running Minecraft Dungeons using Xbox Cloud Gaming with controls on the bottom screen

Better late than never: Microsoft has again released a late firmware update for its dying dual-screen smartphone lineup. The July 2023 update is now available for the first and second-generation Surface Duo, bringing traditional Android security patches and fixes.

Surface Duo 1 Surface Duo 2
Update Version 2022.902.32 2023.429.46
Update Size ~115MB ~135MB
What is new

Addresses scenarios outlined in the Android Security Bulletin – July 2023.
Extra Information The update is available for unlocked Surface Duo devices in North America and Europe. Locked and unlocked AT&T devices will get the release later. The update does not require extra steps to perform before or after installation.
Known Bugs No known bugs in this update. However, customers continue reporting issues with taking screenshots using the Volume Down Button + Power Button combination.
Device Supported Until September 10, 2023 October 21, 2024

Microsoft’s Surface Duo smartphones currently run Android 12L, and the latest rumors indicate that customers should not hold their breaths for an official upgrade to Android 13. Microsoft will stop supporting the original Surface Duo in one month, but even the second generation is unlikely to receive another Android upgrade. The company reportedly discontinued its ill-fated dual-screen smartphone with no more plans for major software updates.

Still, enthusiasts are not giving up on the Surface Duo. The original variant keeps getting unofficial drivers for running Windows 10 and 11 (the most recent release introduced Miracast support and various fixes), plus you can upgrade the smartphone to an unofficial Android 13 port. All those efforts will help this unique smartphone live for a little longer.

There are rumors about a foldable and even regular-looking smartphone from Microsoft. Still, the company will have to try extremely hard to regain consumer trust with such lackluster software support and another failed attempt on the

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Android Firmware

The latest firmware update for Surface Duo and Duo 2 brings nothing but problems

Surface Duo, closed, with Slim Pen and Surface Earbuds

After releasing the April 2023 firmware update in the middle of May, Microsoft is back with another release for its dual-screen Android smartphones. This time, the May 2023 firmware update has arrived on time. However, the news will not make Surface Duo owners happy: according to multiple reports, the latest firmware adds nothing but a headache.

What is new in the May 2023 firmware update for Surface Duo?

As usual, firmware updates for the first and second-generation Surface Duo bring only general Android security updates. Here are the details:

Surface Duo 1 Surface Duo 2
Update Version 2022.829.13 2023.425.15
What is new The update addresses scenarios outlined in the Android Security Bulleting for May 2023.
Extra steps The update does not require any additional steps to install
Known issues
  • The update does not contain officially confirmed issues
  • There are reports from users about the smartphones booting into recovery after applying the update.

Microsoft says the latest firmware for its smartphones has no known issues. Still, some users say their Surface Duos rebooted into recovery mode, prompting them to factory reset before proceeding (others report random reboots for no reason). Luckily, another restart miraculously resolved the bug and allowed the smartphone to boot without losing data.

The bug seems to be randomly affecting the original Surface Duo and its successor, so proceed with installing the latest firmware update at your own risk.

This is not the first weird issue haunting Surface owners this month. Microsoft recently confirmed a problem in Qualcomm’s camera driver that caused integrated cameras to stop working in ARM-powered PCs, such as the Surface Pro X. The company has already issued a temporary fix with a notable side effect: it allegedly lowers the image quality or disables parts of camera features. You can learn more

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Android Firmware

Surface Duo and Duo 2 get April 2023 firmware update in the middle of May

A photo of several Surface Duo 2 smartphones in various positions

Microsoft is not having a good time updating its Android smartphone duo. After releasing Android 12L in 2022, the company has only shipped small and security-only updates for its dual-screen phones, leaving them without device-specific fixes and improvements. And to add insult to injury, last month’s update has arrived with a significant delay.

The April 2023 firmware update for the original and second-generation Surface Duo is now available for download with a puny size of just 25MB (via Windows Central). Although Microsoft has yet to update the official documentation, it is safe to assume that the only change in the release is monthly Android security patches.

The lackluster software support and reports about Microsoft scrapping its plans to release a Surface Duo “3” picture a grim future for the company’s post-Windows Phone mobile ambitions. Still, there are rumors about Microsoft considering moving from a dual-screen to the traditional foldable form factor, so perhaps the hope is not lost. However, you should not expect such a device to appear earlier than the second half of 2024.

With more manufacturers jumping into the sea of foldable, Microsoft might be as late to the game as it was in 2011. Meanwhile, the original Surface Duo and its successor now look more like abandonware.


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