Surface Duo Will Get Windows 11-Inspired Android 12L Update By The End Of 2022

We already knew that Microsoft was getting ready to update the Surface Duo the latest Android 12L operating system.

During the 2022 Ignite conference, Microsoft revealed that it’s finalizing the update and preparing to ship it in the next few weeks.

And, after learning that Surface Duo and Duo 2 are getting a new Android, the tech giant also stated other interesting facts about this upcoming update.

Also, since we are going to be talking about the combination of these two operating systems, you might also want to know how to install and play Android games on Windows 11.

Android 12L update inspired by the Windows 11 Fluent Design

It was said that the Android 12L for the original and second-gen Surface Duo foldable devices will introduce design elements borrowed from Windows 11.

The idea, it seems, is that the company now wants to move away from this paradigm and focus on making the Surface Duo smartphones an extension of our Windows PCs.

Recently leaked pictures reveal the first look at the upcoming Android 12L update for the original and second-gen Surface Duo devices.

We can see a Windows 11-like control and notification center will blurred backgrounds and new buttons, and a set of icons for the Settings app pulled from Microsoft’s operating system.

From the pictures, we can also see additional customization settings, such as color palette and accent colors, and there is a new feed section with widgets similar to those in Windows 11.

Clearly, Microsoft wants to make its Surface smartphones look as similar as possible to Windows 11 to provide a seamless experience and it’s not a bad job, to begin with.

Unfortunately, for the time being, we do not know whether the upcoming update will introduce notable changes for the curved display near the hinge or bring something similar to the taskbar-like dock found in Samsung’s latest Galaxy Z Fold.

There are also claims that Microsoft is working on an alleged Duo Connect mode, which is supposed to be a spiritual successor to the long-dead Continuum on Windows 10 Mobile.

Apparently, Duo Connect will let enterprise customers connect the smartphone to a larger display and use it in pair with the Windows 365 service.

At this moment, there is no information on whether Duo Connect will be a part of Android 12L or if it will arrive in future updates.

To summarize everything, Android 12L will be available for the first and second-gen Surface Duodevices, as announced at Ignite.

We don’t have an exact release date but expect it to land later this month or in early November. It’s safe to say this is a realistic release window.

However, you will surely also remember that the Surface Duo can, unofficially, dual-boot Windows 11, and its newer sibling is also getting there thanks to the recently released UEFI.

Before we end the article, we should also remind you that the Redmond-based tech giant has leaked a screenshot of the UI for the upcoming Windows 12 operating system.

This new Windows OS is allegedly going to be ready for release, or at least testing, in 2024. We’re eager to learn new details on the matter and keep you posted.

What other improvements do you think are coming with Android 12L? Share your opinions with us in the comments section below.