Microsoft releases kernel for unique (but critically panned) Surface Duo phone
- Reference: 1599850513
- News link: https://www.theregister.co.uk/2020/09/11/microsoft_releases_kernel_source_for/
- Source link:
This, by itself, isn’t much of a surprise. Android uses the Linux kernel, and under the terms of the GPL licence, Microsoft is obligated to release all derivative works under the same terms. Where this gets interesting is the fact that Redmond has opted to release the Surface Duo with an unlockable bootloader, allowing punters to flash their dual-screen phones with community-developed software.
So far, no third-party ROMs for the Duo have hit the market. You wouldn’t expect them to, either. The Duo only emerged on the market yesterday. These things don’t happen overnight.
The Surface Duo isn't such an outlandish idea, but Microsoft has to convince punters the form factor is worth having [1]READ MORE
However, given the easy access to the kernel source – which comes with support for the underlying dual-screen hardware – and the overall permissive attitude to customisation, El Reg would wager it’s only a matter of time.
Of course, there’s an old saying: “You can’t polish a turd.” Reviews of the Surface Duo have, so far, been mixed, largely due to the [2]outdated hardware Microsoft’s chosen to use.
There’s no wireless charging, a relatively small battery, and a single rear camera – which is especially unforgivable when you consider that there’s sub-$200 phones shipping with quad-camera setups. The Surface Duo, for the record, [3]costs $1,399 .
Worse, the Duo uses a relatively old Qualcomm Snapdragon chipset, and lacks support for 5G. And while these are all complaints that could feasibly be resolved in future versions - and it is laudable Microsoft has committed to three years of OS and security updates - it’s hardly what you’d call an auspicious start.
You can take a look at the code yourself over on [4]GitHub . ®
Get our [5]Tech Resources
[1] https://www.theregister.com/2020/08/14/surface_duo_not_outlandish_not_that_expensive/
[2] https://www.theregister.com/2020/08/12/us_only_surface_duo/
[3] https://www.theregister.com/2020/08/12/surface_duo_ship_and_price/
[4] https://github.com/microsoft/surface-duo-oss-kernel.msm-4..14
[5] https://whitepapers.theregister.com/
Re: Wow! Brilliant
Personally, I preferred the Windows Phone 10 OS to either Android or IOS. I got 5+ years of OS monthly updates, versus the 1+ years of quarterly updates on my Galaxy. Windows phone also didn't have nearly the bugs that IOS has, which seems to get worse with every update. IOS 13.7 has taken my iPhone from 2+ days on a charge, to less than one day, for example. I guess this is Apple's way of telling me I need to upgrade from my iPhone 11 to the iPhone 12.
As always, YMMV.
It's quit bizarre that MS has chosen to used dated hardware on such a leading edge phone......! Personally the sky high price and the lack of 5G makes this phone a no go for myself.
The only thing "leading edge" about it is the price. Its a dual screen gimmick to follow the folding phone trend when most consumers have already lost interest in that particular gimmick.
Wow! Brilliant
I have to admit that it is unique but is it of any use in real life.
MS really has gone over to the Dark Side (that's and oxymoron if ever there was one) to use Android. Windows is such a great Operating System isn't it? Why didn't they use it?
Oh, and the camera?
Will this become Zune Mk 2? Place your bets please.