Xbox Series S and Surface Duo make TIME’s ‘Best Inventions of 2020’ list
Two pieces of tech from Microsoft earned spots among TIME’s Best Inventions of 2020 list.
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What you need to know
Two pieces of technology from Microsoft earned the honor of being onTIME’s Best Inventions of 2020 list. TheXbox Series SandSurface Duoare featured on the list alongside other innovative and unique tech from 2020. The list includes 100 pieces of technology, including game consoles, homes for bees, and augmented reality devices used to guide surgery.
“The tech giant’s new video console is more than just a next-gen gaming device—it’s the basis for what could become the Netflix of video games,” says TIME in its summary of the Xbox Series S. The new console earned its spot for its thin design, ability to deliver games at 120 frames per second, and for its relationship with Xbox Game Pass. While Microsoft’s subscription service for games works with other devices as well, the Xbox Series S is a solid entry point for gamers who want next-gen gaming but don’t want to spend the high price for the Xbox Series X.
The Surface Duo earned its spot largely due to its unique folding form factor. While the Surface Duo falls behind more traditional phones, it shows innovation, according to TIME, which states, “The Surface Duo feels like a concept device but also a glimpse into the future of mobile computing: it won’t replace your iPhone and its killer camera just yet, but it’s easy to see how it one day might.
Two screens are better than one
Microsoft delves into the future of foldables with an ambitious dual-screen device, featuring two ultra-thin 5.6-inch AMOLED displays bound by a 360-degree hinge. This pocketable inking-enabled Android smartphone marks the latest in the Surface lineup, geared for mobile productivity.
The full next-generation experience.
Xbox Series X is Microsoft’s new flagship, as its most powerful console with over 12TF GPU performance and a custom SSD. It boasts up to 4K resolution and 120 FPS, full backward compatibility across four generations, and ray-tracing support.
Experience next-gen gaming for less.
Microsoft serves the next-generation for less with its budget-friendly Xbox Series S. The console packs the same high-performance CPU and SSD technology as Xbox Series X, while scaling back the GPU and removing the disc drive.
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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_.
