The foldable space has been largely dominated by Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold lineup and Huawei’s ambitious tri-fold Mate XT Ultimate. But rewind a few years, and Microsoft had an entirely different vision for what a foldable device could be. The Surface Duo—born from the remnants of the long-lost Courier project—delivered a dual-screen experience that was as innovative as it was divisive. However, after only two generations, it faded into tech obscurity.
But what if Microsoft had played the long game? What if the Surface Duo had evolved into a powerhouse productivity device, one that seamlessly integrated into a hybrid work ecosystem? This concept design envisions an alternate reality where Microsoft doubled down on its vision, turning the Surface Duo into an indispensable tool for professionals—one that could have solidified its place as the ultimate productivity device.
The Surface Duo That Could Have Been
Unlike today’s foldables, which are largely entertainment-centric, the Surface Duo offered a different approach—two discrete screens working in tandem. It had its quirks, sure, but it also had potential. With the right accessories and ecosystem support, it could have been the ultimate workstation for power users.
Enter the Microsoft Workstation, a concept that imagines what the Surface Duo could have become had Microsoft committed to refining its hardware and software synergy. This vision extends beyond the device itself, incorporating accessories that would have transformed it into the beating heart of a modern workspace.
A Dual-Mode Workhorse
One of the standout accessories in this concept is a wireless charging hub that does more than just top up the battery. When docked, the Surface Duo could seamlessly transition into a desktop computing experience—much like Samsung’s DeX, but with deeper integration into Microsoft’s Windows ecosystem.
From the outside, the hub looks like a sleek, compact slab, reminiscent of a Mac mini. But flip the lid open, and it transforms into a viewing stand, making it easier to use the Surface Duo’s screens for productivity. With an external monitor connected, it could offer a full Windows-like environment powered by Windows on ARM—an eventuality that never quite materialized in reality, but could have been a game-changer.
A Seamless Second Screen for the Surface Lineup
Another intriguing concept is a magnetic stand that turns the Surface Duo into a floating secondary display for Surface laptops and tablets. Attaching seamlessly to a Surface Pro, it could serve as an always-available reference screen or even an interactive extension for multitasking—perfect for productivity enthusiasts who thrive in multi-window workflows. This would have made the Duo a true companion to the Surface ecosystem rather than a standalone oddity.
The Future of Hybrid Work?
The Surface Duo may never have reached its full potential, but the ideas behind it remain as relevant as ever. With the rise of hybrid work, foldables—and their potential as productivity-first devices—are still an untapped market. While Microsoft has pivoted away from its original vision, these accessory concepts could still find life in future foldables, helping to bridge the gap between mobile and desktop computing.
Perhaps the Surface Duo was just ahead of its time. And maybe, just maybe, its core ideas will find their way back into the foldable future.
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