Though Microsoft didn't go into details about the software, it did say Duo runs a custom variant of Android, which will likely put the company's apps and services front and centre.

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Microsoft already provides the likes of Outlook and Office on Android, as well as the Arrow launcher which gives devices a more Windows-like layout.

"This product brings together the absolute best of Microsoft, and we're partnering with Google to bring the absolute best of Android in one product," said Microsoft chief product officer Panos Panay at the event. "This is industry pushing technology."

Alongside Duo, Microsoft also unveiled the Surface Neo, a larger dual-screen device with two 9-inch screens and a removable keyboard, which runs a new version of Windows 10 optimised for dual-screen computers called Windows 10X.

The Neo has a "full-friction" 360-degree hinge so you can sit it up like a traditional laptop, and the keyboard folds over part of the lower screen when in use. It's also set for release in 2020.

For this year, Microsoft showed off a range of new Surface laptops and 2-in-1's, all with new processors and with USB-C ports alongside the proprietary Surface Connect.

The new version of the Surface Laptop comes in the familiar 13.5-inch, fabric-covered form factor but also in 15-inch and aluminium variants. The larger Surface Laptop 3 seems primed to replace the Surface Book, with Microsoft saying it's the "fastest 15-inch laptop you can buy". It has integrated graphics provided by a new AMD Ryzen processor. The Laptop 3 will start at $1699 and $1999 for the 13.5-inch and 15-inch models respectively, launching on October 22.

There were also two new versions of the Surface Pro tablet for this year; the Surface Pro 7 and the all new Surface Pro X. While the Pro 7 is an iterative upgrade, the X has been redesigned to be thinner, lighter and more powerful. It runs on a new processor designed by Microsoft and Qualcomm, rather than one from Intel.

The Pro X works with a new detachable keyboard that includes a spot to dock and charge a new slim stylus.

The Surface Pro 7 launches on October 22 starting at $1249, while the Pro X follows on November 19 and starts at $1699.

Finally Microsoft announced a range of new accessories for its Surface devices, headlined by Surface Earbuds that feature touch controls and come in their own charging case.