The Insider program that Microsoft has been running for a years now across Windows, Xbox, and Office has allowed enthusiasts to try out the latest and greatest features before they hit the mainstream audience.
As a Surface Duo owner, you might be wondering if it were possible to become an Insider on this Surface device as well. The answer is yes, you can! Kinda. Here’s how.
Become a beta tester
Many apps that Microsoft has published on the Google Play Store have beta channels, where like the Insider program, allows users to try out new features before they hit the stable channel. Joining the beta channel of an app is fairly easy.
Step 1: Launch the Google Play Store
Step 2: Search for a Microsoft app. e.g. Microsoft Outlook, and tap the app to open its page.
Step 3: Scroll down. If the app has a beta channel, you’ll see a “Join the beta” section.
Step 4: Press the Join button. It may take a few minutes to complete the process.
To leave the beta, simply repeat steps, and select leave under the now renamed You’re a beta tester section.
Unfortunately, there is no Insider Program to access early versions of the Android OS running on the Surface Duo, yet. Hopefully one becomes available soon and we get a clearer roadmap of the improvements Microsoft plans to bring to the OS.
Note: While joining an apps beta channel gives you an early look into new features, these apps are not fully tested yet, and may crash, bug out, or fail often. If stability is important to you, joining an apps beta channel is not recommended.
The Surface Guide 