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Microsoft is unlocking a new feature on its dual-screen Surface Duo phone: the ability to use its second screen as a touch-based controller to play Xbox games.
Microsoft Chief Product Officer Panos Panay tweeted a picture today that shows off the functionality. When held in laptop-mode, the phone’s top screen will display the game while the second screen sits in the palm of your hands and acts as a controller.
The feature certainly adds some much-needed appeal to the Surface Duo, which arrived last year to underwhelming reviews. Second-screen support can essentially turn the product into a handheld gaming device similar to Nintendo’s 3DS.
Microsoft unlocked the functionality via Xbox Game Pass app for Android. If you’re an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscriber, the service can let you stream over 100 Xbox titles to your phone, as long as you have a fast enough internet connection.
The app displays touch-based controls on applicable games for single-screen Android devices. However, the controls will be overlaid on the main screen as you play, creating a crowded interface. The Surface Duo, on the other hand, can offload touch-based controls on the second screen, letting you enjoy the visuals without your fingers getting in the way.
According to Panay, the Surface Duo can play more than 50 games using the touch-based controls. The Verge’s Tom Warren tried out the feature, and found the virtual buttons and control layout will also change, depending on what game you play.
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