David Imel for Engadget
Before seeing Microsoft’s surprise release of the dual-screen Android phone Surface Duo in 2019, there was news that they were developing Andromeda OS for dual-screen devices internally. Although the development case was canceled because Microsoft chose the Android system, but today had the opportunity to see the true face of Lushan, Windows Central said they obtained a Lumia 950 phone with the internal beta version of Andromeda OS.
In this unfinished system, it can be seen that Microsoft has designed many ingenious functions for dual-screen devices, and they have been successfully transplanted to the Surface Duo based on Android. These include a peek mode where basic information is displayed when the screen is lifted a little. As for the Journal whiteboard tool on the main page, there are also separate apps on the Microsoft Store.
Although I failed to see a brand new mobile phone system to challenge Android and iOS, it is not unexpected for Microsoft to give up Andromeda OS, because an ecosystem can be maintained, and the most important thing is to have substantial third-party app support, which is also their Windows Phone One of the reasons for the end. As the saying goes, “if you can’t beat it, join it,” so it’s a reasonable outcome for the Surface Duo to run Android.