Microsoft reveals the secret origins of Continuum

2 min. read

Published onJanuary 14, 2016

published onJanuary 14, 2016

Share this article

Read our disclosure page to find out how can you help Windows Report sustain the editorial teamRead more

One of the most-hyped features available in new Windows phones running Windows 10 Mobile is Continuum, the ability to connect a mobile device to a larger monitor for a fuller Windows 10 experience.

Microsoft has decided toreveal a little bit moreabout how the feature came to be and claims that the initial inspiration for Continuum came from countries where mobile devices are the primary device of many users. “We knew this was especially true in emerging markets where people rely only on their mobile phones to get online,” Microsoft’s Principal Program Manager Lead, Keri Moran says. “So — with these thoughts top of mind — we set out on our mission to help people get real work done with just their phone.”

In their research, which was conducted around the world in numerous regions, Microsoft discovered that what mobile users really wanted was a phone that did more and took the tech to the next level. “We realized that people embraced the idea of having a phone that could work like a PC.”

There were two main hurdles encountered while designing Continuum. One was making sure users could use a keyboard and mouse with their mobile device, the other was more complex. “We needed to create a new design paradigm with two independent experiences – one on the phone and a separate one on the second screen,” Moran says of the challenge. “This was important because customers wanted to continue to use their phone as a phone, even while having a PC-like experience on the second screen. We spent months iterating with paper and software prototypes to arrive at an experience that was easy to understand and use.”

Continuum is now available in newer phone models runningWindows 10 Mobilesuch as theLumia 950andLumia 950XLwith the assistance of either a small dock or wireless dongle. Is Continuum something that you use or have an interest in using? Let us know in the comments below.

Radu Tyrsina

Radu Tyrsina has been a Windows fan ever since he got his first PC, a Pentium III (a monster at that time).

For most of the kids of his age, the Internet was an amazing way to play and communicate with others, but he was deeply impressed by the flow of information and how easily you can find anything on the web.

Prior to founding Windows Report, this particular curiosity about digital content enabled him to grow a number of sites that helped hundreds of millions reach faster the answer they’re looking for.

User forum

0 messages

Sort by:LatestOldestMost Votes

Comment*

Name*

Email*

Commenting as.Not you?

Save information for future comments

Comment

Radu Tyrsina

With KB5043178 to Release Preview Channel, Microsoft advises Windows 11 users to plug in when the battery is low#

Copilot in Outlook will generate personalized themes for you to customize the app#

Microsoft will raise the price of its 365 Suite to include AI capabilities#

Death Stranding Director’s Cut is now Xbox X|S at a huge discount#

Outlook will let users create custom account icons so they can tell their accounts apart easier#

Microsoft reveals the secret origins of Continuum#

With KB5043178 to Release Preview Channel, Microsoft advises Windows 11 users to plug in when the battery is low

Copilot in Outlook will generate personalized themes for you to customize the app

Microsoft will raise the price of its 365 Suite to include AI capabilities

Death Stranding Director’s Cut is now Xbox X|S at a huge discount

Outlook will let users create custom account icons so they can tell their accounts apart easier

Microsoft reveals the secret origins of Continuum