Sources say Microsoft cancels Surface Duo 3 development and will push folding screens and straight-board phones

CTOnews.com, January 11, after news that Microsoft has stopped production of its Surface Duo 2 dual-screen phone, and the latest news from Windows Central, Surface Duo 3 has also been cancelled.

Microsoft's next foldable Surface phone will not be a dual-screen device, according to sources familiar with the company's plans. After years of hardware prototype design and experiments, Microsoft decided to switch to a more traditional folding screen design, with 180-degree hinges and internal folding design.

Microsoft Surface Duo 3 had been planned to be launched at the end of 2023, with narrower screen frames, wireless charging and other improvements, the report said. However, the dual-screen design is now obsolete, and the Surface team is now focused on providing folding screen designs.

The hardware specifications of Microsoft's new Surface folding screen are unclear, and CTOnews.com has learned that reported sources say there is no specific shipping window for the device, meaning it is unlikely to go on sale this fall.

The source also said that a larger software work is under way within Microsoft to better distinguish its future Android hardware products from other competitors. This work, known as "Perfect Together", aims to provide an ecosystem experience similar to that between iPhone and Mac between Microsoft's Android hardware and Windows PC.

Microsoft is also eager to expand its line of other Android smartphones and has been exploring different shapes in addition to foldable devices, according to sources. Microsoft has prototyped several traditional straight-board smartphones to be sold as "mainstream" Surface phones, while folding screen devices will be available to enthusiasts, according to the revelation.