Making the case for a Microsoft Surface Phone that runs Android

The idea of a truthful Android smartphone by Microsoft has e'er piqued my interest, these days more than than ever now that Windows Phone is a thing of the by. It'southward fair to say that in 2022, Microsoft is "all-in" on the Android platform thanks to its efforts like the Microsoft Launcher, Edge, and Role, all offset-grade experiences on Android smartphones effectually the globe. While Microsoft is all over Android on the software side, one area where information technology hasn't grasped the platform is in the class of hardware.

Android software and apps on Microsoft hardware

To experience Microsoft software and services on Android, you must use non-Microsoft hardware. Samsung, Huawei, Xiaomi, OnePlus, Google, Nokia, and plenty of other smartphone makers all offer Android hardware that can run Microsoft software when on the get. This isn't a bad affair, just an Android smartphone wouldn't be the worst thought Microsoft has ever had, especially if it keeps expectations depression and doesn't make any huge bets on it.

While a Surface Phone running Android would never sell to the quantity that Samsung smartphones practice (or at least non a first- or second-generation phone), Microsoft could employ the Surface brand to showcase the best of Microsoft's Android efforts all in i identify, just like it has washed for Windows PCs. I'm picturing a Surface-branded, Microsoft-built smartphone that comes with Microsoft Launcher, Edge, Office, Your Phone telephone-mirroring integration, and more than, out of the box. In fact, that'south 1 of four unique selling points that a Surface Phone running Android could have:

• Showcase the best of Microsoft's efforts on Android.
• Seamless integration with Windows PCs using Your Phone.
• Provide the best security and update support on Android.
• Brand recognition that can rival Apple and Samsung.

That last signal is more for Microsoft fans, but the outset 3 are important. A Surface Telephone running Android would be the only smartphone out there that's e'er guaranteed to work with all of Your Telephone's features. I have a wide array of Android smartphones, yet 90 percent of them don't support all of Your Telephone'south features on Windows 10. Screen mirroring is only available on select devices, and while that may improve, there's no guarantee your smartphone will ever go information technology, or if it'll work well.

Microsoft could provide a better experience if it had more control over the hardware and OS.

Microsoft could also provide enhanced features, such as the power to take cellular telephone calls on your PC directly from your Surface Telephone. It could also build out defended Phone and SMS apps that sync up with the Messages app on your PC, instead of having to relay information technology through the Your Phone app. There's and so much more potential when you build your ain Android phone.

Information technology would be much easier for Microsoft to provide improve experiences that sync beyond PC and Android if it controlled the hardware and Bone experiences at both ends. I'thousand not saying Microsoft should cut out third-party devices, simply it wouldn't injure to provide its own offerings in improver to supporting Samsung, OnePlus, and everybody else. It could also be the become-to device for Project xCloud, its upcoming game-streaming service.

A more controlled Microsoft experience

Android Q, which comes out later this year, will feature gesture back up for navigation throughout the Os, just information technology but works with first-party launchers. That ways if users desire to use the Microsoft Launcher, they must surrender gesture control, and vice versa. This is a prime example of how non having a Microsoft-made Android phone limits the experiences users want. A Surface Phone could have both Microsoft Launcher and gestures, every bit the Launcher would be more than integrated with the Os.

Microsoft could also focus on security when it comes to Android, only similar BlackBerry does. Microsoft is all about catering to enterprises, and I'k sure many enterprises out at that place would be interested in an Android smartphone that has security as 1 of the elevation things information technology focuses on. Integration with Microsoft enterprise security systems could as well be valuable. That, and software updates that last longer than two years. An Android smartphone that remains updated for equally long every bit an iPhone doesn't withal be. Perhaps a Surface Telephone could be the first.

I think the biggest reason for doing a Microsoft-made Android smartphone is that Microsoft could control what actually ships on the device and what'due south fix by default. While the Play Store comes with baggage such as Gmail and YouTube, Microsoft could arrive so Outlook, Border, and SwiftKey, are ready past default out of the box, along with Microsoft Launcher.

When it comes to design, a Surface Phone could inherit the staple Surface design language establish across Microsoft's other Surface products.

Would the market embrace an Android Surface phone?

When the Microsoft Shop in London opened last week, information technology was interesting to see just how many consumers were interested in Surface. They wanted to know what Microsoft is up to and were impressed by what they saw. I even heard someone ask whether they sell phones. (They do, but in the grade of Android phones made by Samsung.)

Imagine if those store reps could signal them to a Microsoft-made Android phone instead? The same great design every bit the Surface PCs, but running Android, pregnant it has all the apps your existing telephone does. It would complete the circle of hardware. Surface has its fingers dipped in almost all common hardware markets, except smartphones, arguably the number one device market out at that place correct at present. It wouldn't injure to have a Surface Phone with Android in the mix, as well.

It's non well-nigh the OS ... it's about apps.

People don't care whether their phones are running Android or Windows Phone or iOS. They care about apps. A Surface Phone that operates merely like any other phone, and has the Google Play Shop, is a device people would consider buying. I know die-difficult Windows fans might hate a Surface Phone with Android, but the fact is, it doesn't matter what they call back. Information technology'southward all about catering to where people are, and people are on Android.

To be clear, I don't recollect nosotros're close to Microsoft releasing an Android-powered smartphone anytime shortly, but I don't think it tin can't happen. I wouldn't exist surprised if there are people internally at Microsoft thinking about this very idea right now, weighing up whether it's worth trying. Does Microsoft want to put coin into researching and developing a new smartphone, while also maintaining its own Android ROM, updates, and paying Google for a Play Store license? I'm not so sure they exercise.

What are your thoughts on this? Would you lot be interested in a Surface Phone that runs Android, with all the Microsoft bells and whistles that provide a seamless feel between your Windows PC and phone? Let us know in the comments.

Our favorite Surface accessories from Microsoft

Every one of these valuable Surface accessories is Windows Central Approved and guaranteed to please.

Surface Precision Mouse ($77 at Amazon)

The Surface Precision Mouse is not but one of favorite Surface accessories, information technology's one of our favorite mice for any PC. It's packed with valuable features and customizable buttons. Its scrolling and tracking are seamless and spot-on. And it's rechargeable so you never have to buy new batteries for information technology.

Surface Pen (From $72 at Amazon)

Every Surface owner needs this Pen. Period. It supports 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity, tilt support for shading density, and enjoys supremely low latency. When paired with a Surface PC, the potential is countless. And information technology comes in a bunch of cool colors.

Surface Dock ($136 at Amazon)

With two Mini DisplayPorts, four USB-A 3.0 ports, an Ethernet port, and a three.5mm sound jack, this dock gives you the ports you need to stay connected to all your favorite devices. Plus, it easily turns your Surface into a desktop power hub. We highly recommend it.

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Source: https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft-surface-phone-android

Posted by: ellenburgimithe67.blogspot.com

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