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Microsoft Goes All-In On Android, Brings Development In-House

With the upcoming, Android-powered Surface Duo, Microsoft is bringing Android development in-house.

Microsoft shocked the industry with its announcement of the Surface Duo, a foldable device running Android. The Surface Duo appears to address many of the issues other foldable devices have experienced, and offers an innovative approach. For many future users, the big selling point is the fact the device is made by Microsoft, and should support their ecosystem of apps.

It appears Microsoft is determined to make a success of the new device, and is investing in developers to accomplish that goal. Previously, the company was working with Finnish company Movial, whose developers were working on the version of Android OS that will power the Duo.

According to Windows Central, while Microsoft is not buying Movial outright, it has hired a number of its developers, specifically 60 from Movial’s Romania office. These developers will continue to evolve Microsoft’s Android efforts, adding software, features and improvements to the Duo post-launch.

This is good news for consumers anticipating the Duo’s release, and should help increase developer confidence in Microsoft’s new platform.