Microsoft News Roundup: Surface Duo 2 update, new Dell XPS 13 laptops, and more

This week we saw a major update to the Surface Duo 2, new Dell XPS laptops, and much more.

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Each week we cover the latest news in the world of Microsoft, Windows, gaming, and more. To wrap up the week and kick off the weekend, we round up all the biggest news stories in a single post. This week we saw the announcement of the Dell XPS 13 and 13 2-in-1, Windows 11 version 22H2 rolling out to more Insiders, and a major update for the Surface Duo 2.

We also reviewed several PCs, accessories, and games, including Microsoft’s Surface Laptop Go 2.

Surface Duo 2 gets a major update

Microsoft’sSurface Duo 2 picked up a significant updatethis week that included several new features. The phone’s Glance Bar now supports third-party messaging apps, greatly enhancing its usefulness. The Slim Pen 2 can now receive firmware updates when paired with the Duo 2 as well.

The latest update for the foldable also improves battery health through a new setting that gradually charges the phone overnight.

Unfortunately, the update also removed a feature for the Surface Duo 2 and original Surface Duo. The foldables canno longer pair to the original Surface Pen. The pen can still be used to draw on and interact with the Duo and Duo 2, but its buttons don’t work with them.

In related news, YouTuber Shane Craig answered some questions about the unofficial project to getWindows 11 running on the Surface Duo.

Dell announces XPS 13 and XPS 13 2-in-1

Dell announced two new laptops this week, theXPS 13 and XPS 13 2-in-1. While they don’t feature as radical of a redesign as the XPS 13 Plus, both of Dell’s new laptops are compact improvements over the previous generation.

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“At first glance, it’d be easy to dismiss it as just another refresh with its famed CNC machined aluminum and glass chassis but with a newer processor slapped in and some new colors; however, that is severely underestimating the internal work Dell has done,” said our executive editor Daniel Rubino.

The XPS 13 (9315) is the thinnest and lightest XPS 13 to date. It also runs onIntel’s 12th Gen U-series processors.

The XPS 13 2-in-1 is a radical shift away from previous versions. Rather than a convertible clamshell laptop, it’s a detachable device, much like theSurface Pro 8. In addition to a new form factor, the laptop gained 12th Gen Intel chips. It also features a 13-inch 3K display with HDR400.

Windows 11 version 22H2 now available through Release Preview Channel

Insiders in the Release Preview Channel can now grabWindows 11 version 22H2, which is the next major update to Microsoft’s operating system. Both business and non-business Insiders can update their PCs.

Windows 11 version 22H2 includes several changes, the most notable of which are:

Our senior editor Zac Bowdenbreaks down the new version of Windows 11in more depth.

Head of HoloLens reportedly resigning

Two weeks after a bombshell report byInsiderabout Microsoft’s Alex Kipman, the HoloLens head is reportedly set to resign. Kipman was accused of effectively watching “VR porn” in front of employees and fostering “a culture that diminishes women’s contributions.” There were claims of inappropriate touching as well. A report was also filed by over 25 employees that complained about his behavior.

While Microsoft has not commented on the allegations, Insiders' report stated that Kipman will leave the company. The Mixed Reality Hardware group will be put into the Windows & Devices organization under Executive Vice President and & Chief Product Officer Panos Panay. The Mixed Reality Presence and Collaboration group will be put into the Microsoft Teams organization.

GeekWire, which corroborated Insider’s reporting, shared part of an internal email from Scott Guthrie, the head of Microsoft’s Cloud & A.I. Group. “Over the last several months, Alex Kipman and I have been talking about the team’s path going forward. We have mutually decided that this is the right time for him to leave the company to pursue other opportunities.”

Apple announcements at WWDC

While not strictly Microsoft news, Apple is a large enough company to warrant a look across the aisle. WWDC this week, including major hardware and software announcements. Our friends over atiMore covered the event in-depth, so we’ll point you their way for comprehensive coverage.

The news arguably most related to Microsoft followers was the fact that iPadOS is gaining support for floating and resizable windows. The feature was alluring enough to convince me tocommit to an iPad for my next productivity machine.

Our executive editor Daniel Rubino also highlighted thatApple may be copying Microsoft’s Surface strategy (again)with its rumored new 12- and 15-inch MacBooks

Review roundup

As we do every week, our experts shared their reviews of the latest pieces of hardware and software. Microsoft’s Surface Laptop Go 2 takes top billing, but we reviewed several other items as well:

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_.