3 reasons why Microsoft needs a 'Surface Watch' for the Surface Duo

On October 2nd, Microsoft surprised the world by teasing its outset phone since the demise of its Windows Phone platform. The Surface Duo is a dual-screen Android OS device (non a Windows 10X trojan horse) that looks to disrupt how we think about smartphones.

Simply what could Microsoft's next big surprise be? While no firm reporting has suggested a wearable is on the horizon, there are many compelling reasons to believe it makes sense. Hither are a few.

Surface Duo needs the third screen

A dual-screen foldable device goes beyond current trends. Surface caput Panos Panay reminded the audience concluding calendar week when he said it is "not a telephone; it'south a Surface." It'due south an important distinction that I talked near way dorsum in 2022 and nevertheless holds now.

But the most credible merchandise-off between Surface Duo and a regular smartphone is the airtight displays when non in employ. Sure, if a phone call comes in or notification arrives, Surface Duo rings and presumably vibrates. But are you expected to open it up and bank check each time an alert arrives?

Panay spoke a lot nigh "being in your menstruation" at the Microsoft event. Having to open up your Surface Duo to check for updates constantly is the exact opposite of that mantra.

So, why non make a wear brandish that handles all of that for y'all? When y'all need to exercise real work, you and so pull out the Surface Duo. Anyone who wears a Fitbit or smartwatch gets this basic concept.

Trifecta: Surface Duo, Surface Earbuds, and...?

From Microsoft'south "Productivity Future Vision" video from 2022.

While non garnering as much attention equally Surface PCs and a phone the Surface Earbuds are an essential piece of this new ecosystem. For i, it and the Surface Headphones already demonstrate that Microsoft is not agape of more than traditional wearable "smart" technology.

But when you combine a dual-screen phone with those new earbuds, well, you already accept two-thirds of the mobile trifecta. Apple knows this with its iPhone, Watch, and AirPods combo that has proven to be quite pop for the "hip" mobile native. Samsung, too, figured it out with its Galaxy phones, watch, and new earbuds.

Why non Microsoft? Information technology already has a history with the Microsoft Ring (which failed mostly due to quality control issues and the demise of Windows Phone). That applied science and know-how, including fitness and sleep tracking, Cortana, alerts, weather, and even typing on a teeny screen, is still owned by Microsoft.

Envision more than only a wearable

The critical thing about a Surface wearable would exist it has to be different than a smartwatch. Microsoft could push Surface Duo owners to a Galaxy Watch or whatever of the other Google Wearable OS options already available. Simply fifty-fifty the most charitable reviews of Wear Bone leave a lot of room for improvement when compared to Apple tree, and Google hasn't shown any serious interest in improving information technology.

Turning to Microsoft'south own "Productivity Future Vision" video from 2022 (seen above), it's not difficult to see hints at Surface Dial, Surface Hub, Surface Studio, Surface Earbuds, and a article of clothing for your wrist. In the clip, you can see an all-display wearable that brings up productivity notifications.

Such a grandiose vision of a habiliment display is likely hard to accomplish. But looking at the new Xiaomi Mi Mix Blastoff with a wraparound brandish shows information technology may not be entirely crazy either.

While "Future Vision" doesn't ensure Microsoft is even considering such engineering science, it seems hard to imagine the Surface team has non entertained the idea.

A Surface Scout makes sense

From Microsoft's "Productivity Future Vision" video from 2022.

Earlier Microsoft announced that it had an Android telephone, a wearable display seemed prissy, merely unlikely. Without a corresponding mobile story to tell due to lack of a mobile vision, it just did not make a lot of sense. That observation is merely more critical when you consider how competitive the market place is with only Apple, Garmin, Fossil, (and a at present struggling) Fitbit garnering most of the attending.

But with its telephone coming out in late 2022, Microsoft has a chance to build up a more thoughtful packet around the Surface Duo. Surface Earbuds with their touch controls are a function of that story. Having a wearable Surface brandish is non only intriguing but most necessary due to how the Surface Duo operates.

Every bit of at present, no reliable rumors or leads accept suggested that Microsoft is developing a Surface Watch. Considering how Microsoft can keep magnificent secrets, that doesn't mean too much either. Microsoft too has a history in this infinite, and its own Productivity Future Vision (2015) video suggests the team is actively thinking nigh it. The Microsoft Band, while a market failure, shows the company can bring new ideas to market.

My fingers are crossed that nosotros'll see Microsoft complete the Surface Duo story with a new Surface "band" in Oct 2022.

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