After almost 10 months since the first unveil, Microsoft finally detailed the Surface Duo and opened up pre-orders for the dual-screened device for a staggering $1,399. While the phone will be made available starting September 10 in the U.S., there has been no information on when the device will be launched in regions outside of that country.
Now, a new report suggest that Microsoft might not be expanding availability of the Duo until the first half of 2021. The firm is reportedly taking a measured approach when it comes to the device as it wants to gauge the adoption of the phone in the U.S. first. The company likely wants to avoid launching the device in more regions if it does not see positive consumer interest. However, the report adds that the Redmond firm could launch the phone sooner “if circumstances change”.
However, the wait and watch approach could end up turning into a double-edged sword for the device. While fans and journalists might still consider purchasing the Duo in markets other than in the U.S., the already outdated specs and the steep price could end up making the device a tough sell. Qualcomm’s flagship chipsets usually begin shipping in phones early in the year, which means that if the Duo does go on sale in February 2021 or later, the silicon will be well over two years old. The lack of NFC for payments and wireless charging are also omissions that might deter potential buyers from choosing the device.
It will be interesting to see how the plans evolve as more devices begin making it to users’ hands. Some carriers in the U.K. have reportedly already certified the dual-screened Surface phone and will be offering it for purchase on their networks when it does arrive.
Source: Windows Central