Today Microsoft made headlines when it introduced the Surface Duo, its return to the smartphone market. That's not the only device that Microsoft announced today, though. In fact, it's not even the only dual-screen hardware that was shown today.
Surface Neo is another dual-screen device coming from Microsoft. Think of it like the big sibling to the smaller Surface Duo, because it's got two 9-inch displays that can open up to give you a full-size 13-inch display. Like the Surface Duo, the Surface Neo has a 360-degree hinge that lets you position it in any pose you'd like.
Unlike the Surface Duo, the Surface Neo is running Windows 10X, a new version of Windows that's designed for dual-screen devices. Windows 10X is optimized for "flexible postures and more mobile use" than regular Windows. Microsoft says that W10X can manage the battery effects of the catalog of Windows apps, whether they were made recently or five years ago, and the OS can run Win32 applications in a container.
Microsoft is also creating a removable keyboard that you can place on one of the screens if you prefer typing on physical keys, and the device is compatible with the Surface Pen stylus and Bluetooth mice.
The Surface Neo will launch during the holidays in 2020.
Another notable announcement from Microsoft today are the Surface Earbuds. These truly wireless 'buds feature a round touch surface that you can use to control your music, like swiping up and down to change volume, or touch and hold to launch your digital assistant. And on Android, you can triple-tap to instantly begin playing music from Spotify.
Microsoft is also adding some Office integration into its Surface Earbuds. You can access your Outlook calendar and email using your voice and get live, on-screen captions and translations in PowerPoint.
When it comes to sound, Microsoft says that the Surface Earbuds have the "Surface Omnisonic sound profile" along with custom-designed drivers and precision tuning.
The Surface Earbuds feature IPX4 waterproofing and can get eight hours of battery life on a single charge. Their case can get you two additional charges, and a 10-minute charge will get you up to one hour of battery life. The wireless charging case also includes a USB-C port for recharging.
Surface Earbuds will launch later this year for $249.
