What you need to know
- Surface Duo has made an appearance in certification documents at a Japanese regulator.
- This follows similar certifications for Canada and at the FCC in the U.S.
- Microsoft hasn't announced a release date for Duo, but we're largely expecting it to launch in late August.
With the launch of the Surface Duo expected any time now, the device has been making its way around regulators to receive certifications. We've seen it land at the FCC in the U.S., along with a global certification company to receive certifications for Canada. Now, the Duo has stopped by Japan's Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, suggesting it will see a launch there within the coming weeks or months.
Spotted Japanese publications S-Max.jp, the certification filings list Microsoft Corporation as their owner. The model number listed is 1930, which is the same model number we've seen in other documents in relation to the Surface Duo. From S-Max.jp:
From the authentication information published by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, we have obtained 2.4 and 5.xGHz and Bluetooth authentication for 2.4 and 5.xGHz of W-CDMA-based Band I and VIII in 41 and 3G, as well as Band 39 (sXGP) and 41 and 3G of the FDD-LTE band 1 and 3, 8, 18, 19, 26, 28, TD-LTE type Band 39 (sXGP), 4G, and wireless LAN (Wi-Fi) in 4G.
The latest official word on teh Surface Duo's launch is that it's headed for a holiday 2020 launch. However, rumors have been circulating for months that Microsoft will launch the Duo earlier, aiming for this summer. We've heard that Surface Duo production has already started, and it's expected to arrive later in August.
These filings don't guarantee that Duo will see an international debut at launch, but they hint that it could arrive outside of the U.S. in short order.
