Microsoft separates Launcher app on Surface Duo from Play Store, heads to 'system updates' instead

Update: Windows Fundamental is hearing that this may have more to exercise with the Surface squad controlling what goes on Surface Duo rather than Launcher getting "forked" for the dual-screen devices. However, we are waiting to confirm this report.

Microsoft Launcher has been on the Google Play Store for a few years now, and with Surface Duo and Surface Duo 2, the company has customized the launcher to fit its dual-screen vision.

Technically, the Microsoft Launcher version on the store for all Android phones and Duo is the exact aforementioned app, but certain features are disabled via policy changes for Surface Duo. Users could use the production version or opt-in to the beta variant where some early fixes were pushed out.

But starting in the last calendar week, Microsoft Launcher no longer shows up in the store for Surface Duo and Surface Duo 2 users. Following the difficult link, the app states, "this app isn't uniform with your device anymore." Additionally, beta users are advised to "uninstall and reinstall this app."

Nearly people chalked this up to typical Microsoft errors. Surface Duo owners blamed compatibility issues with the new device, while Surface Duo two owners were left scratching their heads.

We reached out to Microsoft'south Vishnu Nath, Partner Director PM Microsoft Mobile and Ten-Device, who works on Launcher, for clarification:

Duo launcher updates will happen via arrangement updates
— Vishnu Nath 📓📝🗒️ 🚀 (@VishnuNath) October 27, 2022

While a rather terse explanation, it does ostend that this is deliberate and not some Play Store error. From now on, Surface Duo and Surface Duo 2 owners should await Microsoft Launcher updates via system updates like to the one pushed last week for Surface Duo two.

As to why Microsoft is doing this, two theories come to mind:

Microsoft wants tighter command over Microsoft Launcher for Surface Duo
Microsoft Launcher may soon be going in a very different direction with new code that requires a dissimilar commitment method

Of those 2 explanations, number 2 is the near interesting. Our Surface Duo ii review remarked that Microsoft Launcher had been finer stagnating for most of its life on Surface Duo with only modest bug fixes simply no new features. While the pre-installed version on Surface Duo 2 is ahead of the public version, in that location's not much new in it relieve for some updated graphics for the feed expanse.

Since Surface Duo is a journey for Microsoft, information technology makes sense that Microsoft Launcher may presently fork the codebase as it heads into Android eleven (and possibly even the just-appear Android 12L) territories. If Microsoft Launcher becomes, at its cadre, different from the regular Android version, using the electric current "single app" method may no longer be viable.

Of course, none of this is confirmed by Microsoft, then we'll continue digging.

During Surface Duo 2 briefings, Microsoft did confirm to Windows Central that it is exploring more customization options for its foldable phones, hinting we could finally see some more innovation with Microsoft Launcher. Separating the app in the Play Store and tying it to monthly updates could exist that commencement step.

Sentinel this space.

An internet connection will soon be required when setting up Windows 11 Pro

UH OH

An cyberspace connection will presently be required when setting upward Windows 11 Pro

Microsoft has announced that later this year, users volition be required to connect to the net and sign-in with a Microsoft Account during the out of box setup experience on Windows 11 Pro. Microsoft has already been enforcing this requirement on Windows eleven Home since launch last Oct, and Windows eleven Pro is at present expected to follow conform soon.

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