Surface Duo 2 emulator with Android 11 now available for developers

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Developers can optimize their apps for the Surface Duo 2 with Microsoft's updated emulator.

Surface Duo 2 Camera Editor Inking
Surface Duo 2 Camera Editor Inking (Image credit: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central)

What you need to know

  • Microsoft released the Surface Duo 2 emulator to help developers optimize apps for the new foldable device.
  • The emulator runs Android 11 and supports Jetpack Windows Manager APIs, which adapt to UI layouts.
  • Developers can download the emulator on Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Microsoft announced the Surface Duo 2 this week. The foldable device has significantly improved specs over its predecessor and a refined design. Microsoft invested time and effort to make a large generational leap between its foldable devices, and now it's asking developers to help on the app side of things. The Surface Duo 2 emulator is now available, allowing developers to optimize apps for the Surface Duo 2 and other foldable devices. Microsoft outlines all of its updates in a blog post.

The Surface Duo has larger screens than the original Surface Duo, so Microsoft's Design Kit has been updated. Screen resolution changes are also reflected in resource qualifiers for the Surface Duo.

You can download the latest version of the Surface Duo Android emulator from Microsoft's website. Microsoft highlights that the emulator "provides a complete dual-screen experience" for developers:

  • [Runs] Android 11.
  • Simulates the hinge with a 3D modes view.
  • Supports Jetpack Window Manager APIs for adaptive UI layouts.
  • When used on a touch-screen host device like Microsoft Surface PCs, supports multi-touch and pen sensitivity.
  • Available for Windows, macOS, and Linux.
  • Works with Android Studio, Visual Studio, VSCode, and other IDEs used for Android app development.

Microsoft's developer tools don't just benefit the Surface Duo 2 and original Surface Duo. The company's Jetpack Window Manager helps apps work with folding devices and large screen devices like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3. Jetpack Window Manager provides APIs that can identify if a device has a continuous flat screen or if it has a hinge that disrupts a display. This allows developers to optimize apps for different foldable devices.

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Surface Duo 2 emulator


This emulator helps developers optimize apps for foldable devices like the Surface Duo 2 and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3.

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Sean Endicott
Sean Endicott
News Writer and apps editor

Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He's covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean's journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_.