A list of apps that have been optimized for Surface Duo [Updated]

As Microsoft prepares to launch the Surface Duo, the company has been preparing its apps to deliver a useful and productive dual-screen experience.

By default, all apps can span across both screens regardless of whether they’ve been optimized for dual-screen devices or not, but their content will simply expand rather than adapt to both screens.

Apps that have been optimized, however, are updated to recognize that they are running on a device with two screens and therefore display different or complimentary content on each screen.

I’ve compiled this list of apps that have been optimized and updated for dual-screen experiences.

How to become an Insider on Surface Duo

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.

How to safely factory reset your Surface Duo

If your Surface Duo isn’t performing as expected, or if you plan on giving away or selling your device, it would be a good idea to perform a factory reset to restore Surface Duo to its original settings.

Restoring is fairly easy process, but there are a few things you need to do and keep in mind prior to performing a factory reset. Read on to learn more.

The different ways of answering phone calls on Surface Duo

The Surface Duo is an unusual device, and as such comes with unusual ways on of doing everyday things, like answering phone calls.

Thankfully, unusual does not mean complicated, and in the case of Surface Duo, answering phone calls unusually is still relatively intuitive. Here’s how.

How to use an eSIM with Surface Duo

Your Surface Duo supports both physical SIM cards and eSIMs. If your carrier supports it, eSIM makes switching between mobile carriers and data plans really easy. It’s especially useful if you rely on multiple carriers or data plans for different occasions, such as a work and personal plans.

eSIM can be used in conjunction with a physical SIM, or alone. Check out the tutorial below that walks you through connecting to your mobile carrier via an eSIM.

How to take a screenshot on Surface Duo

Despite being one of the most common tasks performed on a mobile device, taking a screenshot has always been very device-specific, with a different combo of buttons used on each device.

There are two ways to take a screenshot on Surface Duo. One is via software, and other is via a more traditional button press combo. Learn more below.

How to connect a Surface Pen to Surface Duo

Surface Duo has pen support, and while a Surface Pen is not included in the box, you can use any Surface Pen that supports Surface Pro 3 or higher, including the new Surface Slim Pen that made its debut with the Surface Pro X.

Doing so will allow you to write naturally in apps like OneNote, or sign PDF documents in Adobe Reader. Here’s how to connect a Surface Pen to your Surface Duo.

Watch Surface Duo software hands-on videos that big reviewers can’t show you yet

The Surface Duo is now in the hands of know reviewers, and many of them have posted unboxing videos of the device, detailing what the hardware feels like. It ends there, though, as the software experience is under embargo till September 10th.

That said, Surface Duo units are currently on display at AT&T and BestBuy stores across the US, and anyone can walk it and test the devices out, without any limitations as to what they can show or talk about, including the software.

So here are some initial impressions from people who have done just that.

How to attach the bumper to your Surface Duo

Surface Duo is almost here, and initial impressions from the press have been extremely positive, particularly when it comes to the build quality, industrial design, and just how thin Microsoft has managed to make it.

With that thinness, and the fact that the Surface Duo is covered in glass on the back and the front, it isn’t too surprising that Microsoft decided to include a bumper case in the box with every device.

Watch the video below to learn how to properly connect the bumper to your Surface Duo.

Surface Duo unboxings have hit the web. Watch them here.

After months of waiting and a series of teasers from executives, Microsoft finally announced its intentions to launch the Surface Duo on September 10th.

Now, as we inch closer to that release date, Microsoft has sent out Surface Duo review units to members of the press and allowed them to show off the hardware, while the software remains under embargo until sometime closer to release.

First impressions of the hardware have so far been extremely positive, with reviewers praising the build quality and industrial design. Watch their individual takes below.

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