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The event started like any other, with a straight to the point unveiling of a newSurface LaptopandSurface Pro.
Same design, new specs.
But it was theSurface NeoandSurface Duounveiling that took the world by storm.
With hindsight, perhaps Panay wasnt so sure about talking about the future after all.
I have been debating how to do this, this is not my thing.
How do we show you our products before theyre finished?
I was backstage with Satya and I told him Im more nervous than normal.
Today we want to introduce you to a new product that I believe is the next category.
Panay claims this rig is built to be smaller, personal, yet fully productive.
We then get an incredibly polished look at the Surface Neo, and it looked fantastic.
Its unlike any other PC weve ever seen, and its coming next holiday.
Panay claimed that Microsoft had measured brains to come to this conclusion.
After the Surface Neo was unveiled to the world, Panay ended his talk with a thank you.
As a member of that audience, I cant tell you how intense the next few moments were.
Nobody knew what was about to be unveiled.
In fact, I think everyone was excited.
It was a bold idea; Microsoft hardware design paired with Googles Android software.
This moment was probably the pinnacle of excitement for me in my career covering technology.
I was all-in on Microsofts vision for the future of Surface and Windows.
Vaporware and failure
Things didnt exactly go to plan, unfortunately.
The hardware was beautiful, but plagued with bad silicon that caused the machine to overheat.
Curiously, Surface Duo was not delayed, and launched ahead of schedule on September 10, 2020.
Surface Duo was our first look at Microsofts vision for a productive smartphone.
A dual-screen equipment running Android.
On paper, why would this fail?
As long as Microsoft nails the software experience, this unit should be a hit?
Well, unfortunately, Microsoft didnt nail the software experience, not even close.
The rig barely worked as intended.
I was a day one buyer, and I can admit that the software was rough.
Many people returned theirs due to the software alone.
Microsoft then fumbled supporting the rig once it was on the market.
Android 13 has been out for a year, and Android 14 is set to launch imminently.
Looking to the future
Ultimately, the dual-screen vision Microsoft had failed spectacularly.
