@@DoctorSkillz I was done with the video when he said that "Microsoft partnered with swiftkey". Didn't even bother to research that SwiftKey is owned by Microsoft...
First step for any reviewer is to recognize their biases. Unfortunately most cool kids today who call themselves as tech jurnos or reviewers don't even have the self-awareness to recognize that. Thus, there are very few people on youtube like Lisa who have that objectivity and rationality to do unbiased reviews.
Some viewers today aren't looking for reviews reviews per say, they are looking for entertainment or something that confirm with their bias. Those cool kids you've talk about are simply catering to this group of people. In my opinion it isn't some but most viewers belong to this category, hence today news news is rare and all we get are opinions pieces package as news.
Ordering one...I always like weird niche devices personally. On another note , I've been a subscriber for years...how does she not have 1,000,000 subscribers yet. I guess people like style over substance.
Finally someone who gets it! Not everyone cares about having the latest and greatest cameras and super thin bezels that screw up the aspect ratio. This is a very exciting product. Hopefully Microsoft keeps making improvements. Great review as always, Lisa!
@@williamboyce4030 sure it needs improvement in those areas for it to justify better the price. I just hope Microsoft won't cancel the whole project because of some harsh critiques and (hopefully not) poor sales. I really like the idea of it!
@@jfalmeidar I think the reviews are a bit on both sides. Almost everyone loves the hardware. The software after an update got better, Noone liked the camera and the speakers. The issues with the device are preety obvious but I don't want either to be canceled. I was waiting for this device since windows phone 8.1 I'm gonna wait another year or two for the second edition maybe they will fix some of the issues.
Kashiff Khan a decent midrange camera is good enough for many of us. It’s why I went with the iPhone se, the power and performance of the iPhone 11 just with a lesser quality camera and screen but also a lot cheaper.
Such a fair review! THANK YOU! You are one of the people that explained this device with an open mind and gave me confidence to get this! I absolutely love my DUO! I'm just waiting for updates to be released by AT&T this month sometime.
Videos like these remind me why I like your reviews so much Lisa. It's not a phone for everybody of coarse and it's not going to be perfect (none is), but so many hasty and negative reviews out there... This was refreshing
@@yeetusfetus8687 in part that of coarse. But many reviewers tend to review stuff only for them and their use. This is not a device for most people. Issues are issues and bugs are bugs, but bugs can get ironed out. Camera is not that important for the use the device is intended for. I think this device has a context. And things like bezel are not pretty but have a a use and are there for a reason. Those reviewers didn't give a f*ck about bezels for years when Apple kept using them on the iPhone for example.
@@yeetusfetus8687 it's a gen one product and it shows, it's also too much money for my wallet. And even if I had it I don't know if I would buy it because it's not for me, I'm on my laptop all day. But I can see it useful for many people, hopefully gen 2 will be a huge improvement but this one is not ass bad as many reviewers make it out to be
I love my duo. First phone to make me excited about a new phone since my first iPhone. I will say this, if all you care about is having a great camera or the latest specs, then this phone is not for you. If you're unsure, it has a 60 day return policy.
@@mp2557 what do you mean I actually don't own one when I said I was returning mine? Did you not read my comment saying why I was returning mine? I'm not paying $1600 for a phone that is either freezing up on me or the screen keeps trying to refresh itself. It was driving me crazy 😜 🤪
@@mp2557 Maybe I don't want to figure out the device, and why I must I argue with you what I have and don't have. I don't need to seek attention, but you must do to make a comment about something you don't own.
@@mp2557 thats right, you can't use this duo if it constantly freezes up on you, you just can't enjoy the experience. I dont need to say I bought something when I didn't, and if I want to return it, thats my problem not yours. Until you get one you will never understand.
I am just LOVING mine! Great job, Lisa! After 5 days, I can't imagine returning to a single screen device. Yes, there are glitches, which I expected from a first gen device. My guess is Microsoft will be sending out fixes regularly. But as you said about the first iPhone, I didn't know I needed this until I got it! And now I'm in and there's no turning back!!
@@AMPFIELDVISION Yes, Anthony! It's pretty unique and so far I am enjoying it more each day. You won't believe the hardware! Microsoft put a lot of thought into it (especially the hinge) and it's a beautifully balanced piece of tech. The camera is not great; it's not terrible either. It's OK. The software has some burps and hiccups which I'm sure will be fixed over time. All in all, though, I'm glad I got it! I hope you will enjoy yours!
@@Misterkennedy04 Hi! Well, I'm still using it because it's working fine. I was gonna get the new one but couldn't justify it since my original Duo is doing what I need it to do. The original is pretty reasonably priced now. Good luck! Happy New Year!
Adam Rees There are a couple of other very good ones, if you’re interested: Engadget’s review by Cherlynn Low, and iJustine’s as well. IJustine even tested the Duo with an Xbox gaming controller, _and_ demo’d the Duo’s “Cast” feature (can’t recall the exact term, but it’s very similar to Samsung’s DeX). I was pleasantly surprised/shocked, given that she’s such an unapologetic iSheep ! 🤣
Yours was the review that I was waiting for. I really feel like I need this product but I will wait for the second generation. I think the second will be the sweet spot. MS tend to get things figured out pretty quick. I think they’re going to pass all the competition just like they did with the Surface tablet. The concept is just so innovative. I’m really worried about the Neo tablet. I think that will be a step back.
THANK YOU LISA. Its awesome you see that you, unlike most tech reviewers, get it. Man I really have to find a way to ship this from the US to my country.
This might have been the best most complete review I've ever seen. You understand the purpose of the device which a lot of other reviewers, even some reviewers that I really highly respect don't seem to get. This is a productivity first device. I get the complaint about the camera, but for me this will be my work phone I'll have a personal phone that has a better camera so that's not a deal breaker for me at all. Besides most good cameras nowadays are 12 megapixels have been for about the last three iterations so 11 megapixels isn't a killer and it is an f2 aperture so it should be relatively bright and I think that software could probably fix a lot of the issues as they tighten that up.
A phone like this could really benefit me when I do Postmates and Doordash simultaneously, or when using digital art programs like Medibang Paint. But I'm still perfectly comfortable with my Samsung Galaxy Note 10+. Maybe when a Surface Duo 2 is announced or a year from now when the price drops?
The only downside I have with the Note 10+, like Lisa mentioned, is that the screen is so freaking narrow. I never seem to be able to do anything worth while with my pen.
Randomly came across this review and channel. You have earned a subscriber. You miss are awesome, articulate, and super informative. I look forward to your future reviews.
Thank you so much, Lisa. Been watching your reviews for a long time and I always look forward to your brilliant and wonderfully presented takes on things. You're a champion of You Tube, you really are! Just a perfect natural. I just bought the Duo on Amazon at that amazing price! It's the moment I've been waiting for! So scouring for good reviews now and so happy to hit yours! Thanks for giving your expert love to the Duo! I so enjoyed it! You're simply the best!
Hands down the best review on the duo I have watched. I bought the 256 gb unlocked version. I'm in love. Lol never going back to single screen or narrow screened devices.
I've been watching other reviews on RU-vid and I just realised that I had the 1.25x speed turned on, the other channels talk so slow.. Finally a channel that doesn't waist your time 👍
When you're talking about screen size at about 1:25, I have to say I HATE this long slender trend phones have been going toward. Especially on something like the Note (I have the Note 9 currently). What they hell am I supposed to do with a screen that's barely 2 inches wide? I can't take notes on that! It's wasted screen space in most cases. I'm glad you're talking about the aspect ratio here. This makes so much more sense IMO.
I really appreciate that you look for practical reasons to love the device. Only reviewer to really showcase the keyboard. Every reviewer seems to only be looking bugs. Fidgeting the device just to get it to bug out.
That was a great in depth review of the Duo. I like how you go through all the features, which looks promising. It's unfortunate that the Duo has had its issue with the software because this is a brilliant idea. Hopefully they will build on that if they decide to keep pushing. Great job Lisa.
OK and now I've watched the entire video and now I can confidently say: Everyone interested in learning about the Duo should watch this video and ignore most of the ones by other reviewers.. This is a big lesson in the crappiness of most tech reviewers: They are lazy and have no imagination. Lisa is the opposite.
I think early reviewers were soured on the product because the first version of the software they received was not ready for prime time. I know a lot of those folks personally, and they do care about the job they do.
MobileTechReview I know most of them definitely care, but I find it frustrating that many of them seem to view products in this certain way, where they’re kind of bench marking various features against the dozens of other gadgets they were recently exposed to, and emphasizing features that they are more interested in than the intended consumer. I watch a bunch of review videos that all hit the same kind of notes, yet at the end I feel like they’ve missed the forest through the trees. These companies are trying to address a pitfall that fills a hole in the target users specific workflow and save them time and productivity. If it can do that successfully then much of what they spend so much of the reviews talking about becomes trivial. Yet they give equal weight to all these feature categories that are really just missing the point. I feel like a lot of reviews are good entertainment, but then when I need to actually purchase products as professional tools that I will be relying on to put food on the table, much of the content is just not helpful. I quite appreciate that you seem to invest your effort into the substance as opposed to using flashy production to avoid it haha
Lisa so happy that you reviewed this device. I had set aside funds to buy the Duo last year and pre-ordered. I realized that Microsoft made an error in sending out the marketing kits based on the original launch date of 8/28, and not waiting until after the firmware update that became critical after Harry McKacken identified bugs in his early testing. I've truly enjoyed my time with the Duo, but I understood that this was a new way of pocketable computing. I was also a fan of the Psion 5MX. Very cool a d as always a thorough and enjoyable review.
Thank you so much for your review. If I didn't watch yours I would not have bought it. The other reviewers made it sound terrible because like you said the got early buggy units. I love this thing and it works perfect, no problems. Thanks again for your awesome review!!!
Excellent review Lisa. One of very few reviewers who have understood the whole purpose of this device. Can you do a 3 month and 6 month review of this device just to show the progress Microsoft will hopefully make with further refinement and updates when it comes to software. Also in relation to the camera, any ideas if a GCam mod will work on this, and if so be able to provide an update. Thanks
I'm sure I will, it looks like Microsoft will be pushing quite a few updates, some with new features. GCam currently doesn't do a great job, hopefully someone will do a good mod that can do a better job than the stock camera.
If you actually use it for awhile (after the latest updates), it's a really good device. I love mine and will never go back to a tall skinny aspect ratio phone. And I'm so happy to leave the in-screen fingerprint reader of my galaxy s10+ and s20 phones. Even the reviewers said that the first week and a half, the firmware they had was very buggy. But then they got an update like 4 days before release date that improved things. But it's been updated again after release. And Microsoft said they hope to update monthly. Even if they update every other month, that would be a record for Android phones.
You must have only seen 2 reviews! Haha, honestly it's a pristine idea that is definitely welcomed! Great engineering and it's something the tech world should celebrate about :)
Looks good if you're a traveling professional who will multitask regularly. For me, I'd rather have a single larger screen (Z Fold2) to make a normal task more immersive.
Ideally not having a hinge would be better...but I'll take 2 solid glass screens over a foldable plastic one. If M$ can shrink the bezels on this and work the bugs out for next year I might bite.
Thank you Lisa for showing this device and the fold playing video side by side. I have been considering ditching my iPhone and iPad for a device like this since my iPad is mostly used for web browsing and videos. I was concerned that even the Fold would be not be great for video because even though it has a big screen, it is a weird aspect ratio so a lot of videos would have huge black bars.
Thanks for all the information ! Probably grabbing this as my second phone since my IPhone 12 Max Pro has all the “missing” features and I’ll still have an amazing camera on me... Excellent review!
Lisa, I've enjoyed the depth of your reviews for several years now. I've finally subscribed, so I won't miss anymore. I don't see myself getting a Duo, due to price, but as always your take, and info help me stay up-to-date and knowledgeable.
Forget the damned phone, I just can't get the image of an Elephant in underpants out of my head :-) Thanks Lisa :-) Oh my!! FYI Do not ever Google 'Elephant in underpants" and if you do, well you'll see :-) As for the device. I think, now we are in 2nd generation foldable territory (Galaxy Fold and Motorola Razr) there are a few to many compromises for this 1st generation product. I am excited for the next version of the duo. Maybe, we will finally get the rumored Surface Watch next year too.
@@mobiletechreview hah hah hah well I think I will need to watch Dumbo a few times to get those images out of my head. Thanks again Lisa for another stellar review. Hope all is well in Texas, much respect from me here in Sydney Australia ;) BTW!! Thank you for being one of the few reviewers who are not trying to sell those godawful wireless earbuds, double the respect, but we need to get you to 1 Million Subs by 2021! :-)
Wonderful, thoughtful review. This device is not without it’s issues (I’ve been using one for about 48 hours). But it’s important to share in proper context. This is a transformational device that has great potential. My only challenge to this review is that I’m not getting the same positive results with my battery life. I’m hovering more around 3 to 3 1/2 range. But Day 2 was better than Day 1, so I’m cautiously optimistic. Great review as always. Thanks, Lisa!
Hi Lisa. Love your Chanel and immense t-shirt collection. The Duo has just been released in the UK and from I have heard the software updates have transformed the device and has rectified some of the gremlins. Would love to see you do a second review to see what you think now. Thanks, Mark
Hey Lisa! You're not just a "woman" in the tech but you're one of the best in tech. You inspire me to shine in areas where men tell you you can't exist. Lots of love!
Yesterday i wanted to catch up on some series like lucifer on my ipad pro 12.9" and i was watching on my balcony. So the 4 speakers of the ipad are not useful at all (i dont want to disturb my neighbors), i listened with bluetooth headphones. Im arguing that there are situations where many speakers are not that useful. So with people around who should not be disturbed 4 speakers are like 0 speakers.
I can safely say this is the only review you should watch about this phone. Lisa has reviewed this from the intended user's POV ie productivity person. It's not a consumption machine! The aspect ratio is the selling point for me. PDF heaven
Excellent review! Paraphrasing: "We think we're happy doing one thing -- because that's the only choice we've had." And solving a problem you never knew you had. Yes.
I actually like the split screen for the reasons you stated. Isolated work area are something that I can see as adding practical value to devices such as this (Apple... are you listening?).
Lisa just does the best reviews, honest and not biased and she always touches on the important points. I've bought products based on her reviews. And of course, subscribed :) Big thumbs up for this review and I look forward to the slam down with the Fold 2.
I really appreciate all the information and actually giving a detailed review. It seem you actually took the time to give us a lot of information and no fluff.
Great video as always Lisa! I highly doubt it since no reviewer has mentioned it but need to ask...Does this have an always-on display (with it flipped 180-degrees)? If I'm at my desk (stationary in general), I'd like to see if I have any notifications (it's on silent when on conference calls & what not) without having to open/touch it. Yes, I know there's that peek feature but not the same thing.
I bought it. Hated the lag, etc. I was ready to return it. Then I found that the use case shouldn’t be as my daily driver. I’ve instead replaced my work phone with it. Having Teams on the top screen and work email on the bottom (when flipped) is awesome. When I want to shoot a text to my friends, or check Twitter, my iPhone is fine. But for work, I can see the potential here. Thanks for a review that didn’t just bash it, Lisa.
THIS is what the Note8 and forward should have been. I don't want to pay that much for a phone, but I feel inclined to do so just to promote the first good idea I've seen in cell phones since the first Note device. The stylus though, am I understanding that there is no connectable stylus and no small portable stylus?? Oh, and how does kindle work out on this phone? That could be cool.
I think it would be easy to use as a phone. I have the iPhone XS Max in a folio case, so I have to flip it open to answer a call. Using this, would be similar. Great review & video!
Watching this video makes me want this phone even more. Gosh what a great piece of tech! Wish it had more ram tho, at least 8GB ram with the 256GB model
100% agree with you about the dual screen vs a Foldable Screen like the Fold 2. I've been using the Fold 2 for the past 9 months and it is nice, but I feel like its not hitting that sweet spot for multitasking. I've been on the edge of the fence and I really want to swap over to the Surface Duo for the dual screen (LR on one side and Social on 2nd screen). But I am so edgey about the battery size, lack of NFC and slightly better camera. Not sure if I should wait for the MK2 of the Duo or not haha!
Must say even though this might not be the device for me I do appreciate your in depth review of all the products you review. Gives me a better understanding on the device.
I love the idea of this phone. For me I would like to see something a bit smaller (typical phone size when folded) and a proper camera. But if this paved the way for a new category, then I'm all ready for it.
Thank you Lisa for such a great review as always! You answered all the questions that's missing from every reviewer, esp aspect ratio and great sample side by side with 16:9 phone, for us to see the difference. 👍👍👍
Glad to know I can count on you to actually use a product before writing it off. There are so many so-called "tech reviewers" who have a few software hiccups during setup and play with it for 20 minutes and call it bad. I have a Duo and agree with everything you said. Sure there are issues but once you get beyond initial setup where its downloading your whole life from Google it does pretty well. You do also have to take time to get used to the gestures and screen rotations in order to make the most out of the device but from there it's pretty awesome! So many people are quick to call it trash but then say they can't wait to see the second generation. Well... we may not get a 2nd gen if you don't even take the honest time to appreciate and place any sort of value on the first one...
