Surface Duo's November update now rolling out unlocked and AT&T; here's what's new
Surface Duos locked to carriers are expected to get the update in the coming days.
What you need to know
- A new system update is now rolling out for Surface Duo.
- This update is expected to include Android's November security patch and other improvements.
- The AT&T update is also now live
Update 5PM ET 11/16/2020: Reports are out that AT&T-branded versions of Surface Duo are now getting the November system update as well.
Microsoft's second monthly update for the Surface Duo is rolling out now. Microsoft hasn't provided release notes yet, but the 137MB update includes the November 5th, 2020, Android security patch, and it's expected to bring the usual general improvements to the user experience. We'll also likely see some outstanding bugs squashed.
This follows the launch of the October update last month, which was the first major update to roll out to the Surface Duo since its launch. That update included the monthly Android security patch, along with some improvements to call and touch stability. There were also improvements to the single-screen experience for Facebook Messenger's chat bubbles.
This update comes in at version number 2020.1014.61. We'll update this post with the release notes once Microsoft makes them available.
Update November 13 (3:39 p.m. ET) — Release notes now available
Microsoft has now provided the release notes. Here's a look at what's new:
- Addresses scenarios outlined in the Android Security Bulletin - November 2020.
- Refines camera image quality.
- Improves moving or dismissing of apps when spanned across both screens.
- Improves touch stability.
- Improves device stability.
For more, you can check out the Surface Update History for Surface Duo.
If you own a Surface Duo, you can check for the update with the following steps:
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- Connect to a Wi-Fi network.
- Select Settings on your Surface Duo's home screen.
- Select System.
- Select System Update.
- Select Check for update.
- Select Restart now.
If you bought a Surface Duo through AT&T, it's likely you'll see this update arrive next week after the verification process. (Update: it's now live).
The Surface Duo is available now for $1,400. The Microsoft Store also has a bundle deal that shaves $200 off the price when paired with a Surface Slim Pen and a pair of Surface Earbuds.
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Dan Thorp-Lancaster is the former Editor-in-Chief of Windows Central. He began working with Windows Central, Android Central, and iMore as a news writer in 2014 and is obsessed with tech of all sorts. You can follow Dan on Twitter @DthorpL and Instagram @heyitsdtl.