Last year's Microsoft Surface Duo, a dual-screen phone with tremendous potential, was hampered by weak performance, a bad camera, and terrible software bugs. And it seems that Microsoft is wasting no time in addressing these issues with a new model: the Surface Duo 2 is reportedly already in the works.

According to Windows Latest, the Surface Duo 2 began development late last year and is expected to be released in the fall of 2021. The new model is said to address specific complaints about the original Surface Duo, with "particular emphasis" on software improvements.

Since this is the first we have heard of a possible Surface Duo 2, we should approach this leak with our usual caution, but focusing on software improvements would certainly be the right move. The dual-window multitasking feature of the original Surface Duo was great, but rarely worked, and Surface Duo reviews have cited issues such as poor performance, poor input recognition, and an unstable digital keyboard.

According to Windows Latest, Microsoft is hiring more engineers to work on the Surface Duo 2, and if the Surface Duo 2 is released, hopefully these software shortcomings will be addressed.

The report also claims that the Surface Pro 2 will have a faster processor and a new camera, both of which directly address issues with the current model; the Surface Duo 2 will also likely support 5G connectivity, which would put it in line with the Samsung Galazy Z Fold 2, which would put it in line with the Samsung Galazy Z Fold 2.

A fall release would delay the Surface Duo 2 by about a year from the original Surface Duo, which is a fairly standard schedule for a recent phone release. It also seems theoretically possible that we could see some or all of the allegedly improved software sooner, as Microsoft could apply it to the current Surface Duo through updates.

But that may be just wishful thinking, and along with the Microsoft Surface Pro 8, we'll add the Surface Duo 2 to the list of other Microsoft Surface devices rumored to launch this year.