Microsoft pushes new Launcher update for Surface Duo with a refreshed design

Surface Duo Launcher Refresh Dec Original Surface Duo with updated Microsoft Launcher. Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central

Dorsum in late October, Microsoft paused updates for Surface Duo and Surface Duo ii's Launcher app via the Google Play Store. At the fourth dimension, it was speculated that perhaps Launcher'southward builds were existence forked for some special Surface Duo features, but later learned information technology was likely due to some internal software upshot that needed to be resolved.

Starting terminal night, both Surface Duo and Surface Duo 2 are now back to getting their respective Launcher app updates via the Google Play Store (instead of monthly system updates). Additionally, the app now appears in search, whereas before, it did not while Microsoft resolved the ongoing effect.

Interestingly, Surface Duo'southward update is more of a big deal. It brings the slightly refreshed design institute on Surface Duo two with Android 11, including updated Widgets in the Your Feed (Glance, News) sidebar and improved translucency. These updated designs more closely lucifer Windows 11 with rounded corners and updated graphics. Besides, the app drawer at present matches Surface Duo 2's, with a new grab bar near the peak.

Not much has changed for Surface Duo two owners, though presumably there are always small tweaks going on with each update.

The Google Play Shop updates should utilise for regular versions and those enrolled in the Microsoft Launcher beta program. Hither is the full changelog for the beta version, which brings the new UI changes described above:

Launcher'due south feed and overall blueprint were updated.
The News feed experience was enhanced.
The toggle between work and personal apps was improved.
Additional filters are now available to improve searching.
Other known bugs were stock-still, and improvements were made.

Microsoft is poised to distribute the Android xi update for original Surface Duo owners, though it is cutting information technology downward to the wire as it stated "by year's end" for the release. Indeed, updating Microsoft Launcher to lucifer Surface Duo 2'due south look and feel is a necessary step in that process, and so this may be a adept sign that the update is imminent.

Microsoft Launcher

This Android launcher has a clean design that works well with several Microsoft services, including Microsoft To Do and Microsoft 365. The latest update brings a couple of handy new features, several bug fixes, and some performance improvements.

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