Microsoft helps with Google’s Flutter 2 update to improve apps on Surface Duo
Microsoft worked with Google to help developers optimize apps for foldable Android devices.
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What you need to know
Google’s Flutter is a cross-platform UI framework that allows developers to create apps across several platforms that share a single codebase. Flutter works with iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, LInux, and the web. Today, Google announced Flutter 2, a major update to the UI framework. We already covered the fact thatFlutter 2 could be a major win for apps on Windows 10and give a boost to the library of thebest Windows 10 apps. In addition to the update helping bring apps to the web, Flutter 2 helps developers create apps for theSurface Duoand other folding Android devices.
Today, Microsoft released contributions to the Flutter engine that support folding Android devices, including Microsoft’s own Surface Duo. Dual-screen devices are still relatively rare, but they’re a growing category. The work Microsoft has done helps apps span across multiple screens. It also helps apps work well side-by-side.
We keep track of whichapps are optimized for the Surface Duo. There are some impressive apps already, such asAmazon Kindle,Adobe Acrobat Reader, and several Microsoft apps, but it would be great to see this list grow.
Over 150,000 apps on the Google Play Store are built using Flutter. All of those get a free upgrade to Flutter 2. If the developers of those apps take advantage of the new tools to optimize apps for dual-screen devices, the Surface Duo’s app experience should get a significant boost.
Microsoft’sSurface Duo blogshould have a post up about the company’s contributions to Flutter, but it’s not up at the time of publication.
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Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He’s covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean’s journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_.
