Microsoft's Continuum feature will expand the capabilities of smartphones. Why Microsoft Continuum Can Put Your PC in Your Pocket and The Motorola Atrix Project Failed Continuum lets you

Great times are coming! We're on the cusp of debuting Windows 10 Mobile. The unprecedented success of the desktop OS, with 75 million copies installed in just 30 days, laid the foundation for this unified platform.

But, until the new mobile OS came out, many have a question:

"How will the platform differ from iOS and Android?"

One of the answers from Sati Nadela and Joe Belfior:

Continuum for the phone.

Critics argue that an attempt has already been made to project a screen from a small phone display to a large display, and has ended in failure. They cite Motorola Atrix as an example. They concluded that the factors that led to the failure of Atrix would also lead to the failure of Continuum. If Motorola Atrix represented the full range of capabilities of this Microsoft technology, I would also join the critics' camp. However, this is not the case. Let me describe the whole situation for you.

We'll consider:

* technology

* position in the industrial sector

* time frame

Let's talk about the technical side of the issue

Let's take a look at the technology. In short, both Microsoft and Motorola promised to combine the functionality of multiple devices in the context of one. Both companies have pledged to turn a pocket smartphone into a PC using peripherals.

Motorola Atrix technology was launched 4 years ago in the first quarter of 2011. The device ran on Android 2.2 (Froyo), although at that time Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) was available for two months. We will come back to this point from time to time.

Motorola's approach was simple. Actually, it was a plug and play option. The user could connect Atrix to a proprietary desktop ($ 129) or laptop ($ 499) dock, and his phone screen, along with all the applications, was displayed on a large display. Unfortunately, there was no agreement between mobile applications for their correct operation as desktop programs on a large display.

They remained regular mobile apps that were simply displayed on a large display. The dilemma is precisely finding a one-device-for-all solution. The Asus Padphone suffers from the same problem. Microsoft Continuum has a cure.

What is the essence

To understand the difference between Microsoft and its competitors, you need to understand the core principle of Continuum. Continuum isn't just a feature on one Microsoft device. This is the ideology that Microsoft is using to adapt to today's transitional nature of computer science. Continuum is an ecosystem platform that supports this moment hybrid devices on Windows and phones on Windows 10 Mobile. The new category of devices that Nadella mentioned in his "7/10/14" note could also take advantage of Continuum.

So what kind of cure does Microsoft offer for its competitors' problems? Universal apps, of course. Microsoft's efforts to create a single OS kernel for all Windows devices have successfully laid the foundation for multiplatform applications that are not form factor dependent.

While some tweaks to the source code are required for each form factor, the dream of one-time coding for all devices has come true. Windows 10 allows developers to write application code that is optimized for desktop use with a keyboard and mouse. In addition, it maintains compatibility with portable phone systems.

In addition, Windows phones that support Continuum can connect to a keyboard and mouse as well as a large display via wireless... Microsoft will also release the "Munchkin" hub (for an unconfirmed price of $ 99), which will have multiple wired ports.

Since Continuum is more Windows feature 10 than some specific device Microsoft partners will be able to build similar hubs for their Windows 10 phones. For example, Acer recently announced the Jade Primo with a bundled hub. Open competition between manufacturers will help keep the price at an acceptable level. In contrast to the expensive proprietary solution from Motorola.

Moreover, Microsoft's solution allows the smartphone to work with two displays at the same time. This means that a parent can simultaneously transmit video to a large screen for children, while he himself can read email on display Windows phone... Atrix does not provide such an opportunity.

Strong position

This technology is just the first piece of the puzzle. The unique position of each of these manufacturers is the second major criterion.

First, Motorola is one manufacturer among many that uses Google's Android and is not allowed to modify it. Motorola didn't even use latest version at that time. While Motorola created flexible hardware to suit different scenarios, it couldn't do the same at the OS level. There was no OS for different form factors in the core of Android. In addition, in 2011, this problem went even deeper in Android devices.

On the other hand, Microsoft controls the Windows 10 operating system. Therefore, the company created Continuum as the main component of the OS. Any Windows 10 device (phone or tablet) with the appropriate hardware will be able to use Continuum. Microsoft will also make devices with built-in Continuum, and has many partner manufacturers doing the same.

Continuum, the evolution of smartphones continues

Many of Microsoft's 1.5 billion PC users are upgrading to Windows 10, which blurs the barriers between PCs and mobile OS versions. This solution has a very powerful effect. With partner support, Microsoft has the resources to bring Continuum to all Windows users. Whether it will be a success or a failure, we'll see. The main point here is that Motorola is trying to unify Android devices that don't have it (like Windows), so its success was unlikely.

In addition, the Atrix, which was only sold through ATT in the US, was in a limited edition. At the same time, the fact that Continuum has multi-platform compatibility and Microsoft has a wide network of partners indicates the future prevalence of phones with built-in Continuum.

Timeline is our everything

Atrix failed for many reasons. Which one is the main one? The world was not ready. When Atrix launched in the first quarter of 2011, we were witnessing the 4th year after the iPhone revolution in the smartphone space. At that time, the market was gripped by devices up to 5 inches. In the second half of 2011, however, there were signs of a new era. The hit parade was topped by HTC Titan with a "huge" 4.7 ”display and Samsung Galaxy Note with even larger dimensions - 5.3 ”. These phones, forcing the size factor, also propelled production to new standards.

In the next of the year Samsung provoked other companies to make phones of even larger sizes, close to those of a tablet. Now is the time for an industry where 5 "+ is the norm. Our smartphones have become a phone + tablet combination.

Please note, these large devices are not easy big phones from the same consumer niche 2007 - 2011. At that time, users considered their devices to be “telephones” with additional capabilities.

The introduction of the iPhone by Steve Jobs confirmed this opinion.

“… IPod, telephone and communicator” - Jobs, 2007.

Devices smaller than 5 inches, which were the norm at the time, fall under the paradigm where customers still needed computers on a mandatory basis.

With the advent and adoption of 5 "-6" devices, functions available only on PCs have smoothly moved to smartphones. Smartphones with large displays are regularly used for surfing the Internet, listening to music, watching movies, playing games, sending mail, chatting, and editing photos.

Consider the fact that these computer prerogatives have migrated to mobile platform... Manufacturing has organically moved to a certain paradigm where people can comfortably use smartphones and tablets as composite devices. This happened in a completely natural style. Barely restrained demand for big iPhones and record sales are vivid confirmation.

Smartphones are becoming on par with PCs, and can also continue to supplant computers, and completely replace them. Both factors, technical and human, have met and led to the trend of integrating computing devices.

The timing is right

The 4-inch Motorola Atrix didn't last long in the consumer space as it was tied to a single device. Now sales of PCs and tablets are on the decline, and smartphones are on the rise, and support the highest customer demands.

This is where Microsoft unveiled Continuum, Windows 10, and the Universal Apps Platform. Microsoft is the only company to have built an ecosystem platform that will support the all-in-one devices that current manufacturing is striving for. Consequently, Continuum achieves what the Motorola Atrix failed to achieve:

* Has the advantage of universal apps optimized for both phone and PC.

* It is a core OS and platform component that can be used by partner manufacturers to design Windows 10 phones and peripherals.

* Manufacturers, business partners, and municipalities can help support third-party infrastructure for Windows 10 devices (hubs, docking stations).

On the other hand, Atrix failed because of the following:

* Mobile applications have not been optimized for large displays.

* Motorola did not control the software platform required to support the hardware.

* Motorola was the only device manufacturer, not a platform provider.

* The accessories required for the Atrix were proprietary and expensive.

* Atrix had a limited edition.

Let's summarize

Perhaps the critics are right. Continuum may fail. But if that is the case, it will certainly not be for the same reasons as Atrix. Motorola had a one-feature-one-device approach rather than a large ecosystem.

Microsoft's approach is a platform that enhances many devices in a large ecosystem.

With the support of partner manufacturers, I envision airports, schools, libraries, and homes that have hubs (and wireless gadgets) designed for Windows phones that support Continuum. The world is ready for this.

Express your opinion in the comments!

For Windows fans, this week has turned out to be quite entertaining, as Microsoft has unveiled some of the most powerful new products in the history of the corporation. At the Windows 10 press conference in New York, Microsoft surprised everyone with its Surface Book. As expected, the Surface Pro 4 and Microsoft Band 2 were unveiled. However, the most important event at the press conference was the appearance of the new Lumia smartphones.

During a media briefing, Microsoft unveiled the new Lumia 950 and Lumia 950 XL. These new devices look very stylish and their hardware is very powerful. In terms of hardware, smartphones are almost the same, the size of the screen and the processor became a tangible difference between them. The Lumia 950 is equipped with a 5.2-inch display, Qualcomm Snapdragon 808 processor and 3000 mAh battery. And the Lumia 950 XL boasts a 5.7-inch display, Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 processor and 3340 mAh battery.

Both phones run Windows 10 Mobile and because they are so easy to use, both are Continuum-ready. Let's take a closer look at how this feature works on the Lumia 950 and 950 XL.

What is Continuum

Continuum is new function, which first appeared on desktop PCs with Windows 10. It is now available for mobile devices... Continuum lets you transform your mobile phone to the likeness of a computer by connecting an additional display, keyboard and mouse using the Microsoft Display Dock.

Continuum comes in handy when you urgently need to get work done and you don't have a computer at hand.

How does he work

So how does Continuum work? To get started, you need the Microsoft Display Dock. it additional device which includes an HDMI port, a display port, three USB 3.0 ports and USB port Type-C, with which your phone can be connected to a docking station.

It's very easy to get started with it. You just need to connect an external monitor, keyboard and mouse to the Display Dock, and then connect your phone there via USB Type-C.

The phone will be automatically detected and switched to Continuum mode. Once enabled, a desktop similar to the desktop version of Windows 10 will launch on the screen. However, it is still different. You will see mobile elements in the upper left corner such as signal strength mobile communications, and in the upper right corner there will be a battery level sensor and date.

Another difference is the Start menu. By clicking the Start button, you will immediately see that the menu is not the same as in the PC version, although it resembles it. You will see the Windows 10 Mobile Start screen with all of your animated icons.

If you want to open any Windows application, just go to the "Start" menu and click on the application icon, just like when working with a stationary PC.

The taskbar will contain icons for all running applications. If you have multiple applications running, just click on the icons on the taskbar to switch between them.

It should be noted that all applications on big screen will work in the same way as on a full-fledged computer, since the applications themselves are universal. When you go from phone to big screen, the system simply responds to a certain pattern - similar to how responsive website design works.

Everything starts to work just like on a regular PC. If you received an email from your boss with several attachments for your presentation, simply double-click on the attachment and it will automatically open in the desired program.

If you need to go back to previous application, just click on the icon in the taskbar. You can also click the "View Tasks" button to view all running applications and go to any of them.

Additionally, Continuum on Windows 10 Mobile supports the same keyboard shortcuts as on standard Windows 10. Therefore, you can switch between applications simply by pressing Ctrl + Tab... If you are working in a document, you can select the text you want, then press Ctrl + C or Ctrl + X to copy or cut it and then paste it where you want using the combination Ctrl + V.

The most interesting thing about working with Continuum is that you can work on a large screen while simultaneously using your phone for its intended purpose. On the small screen, you can receive calls, answer SMS, watch videos, play games, and more.

As Microsoft said, "Every experience is independent and continuous."

With Continuum on your Lumia 950, Lumia 950 XL, or any phone that supports this feature, you won't be able to expand or display your phone screen on external screen... You can't just drag and drop icons from one screen to another.

If you need this or that application, you will need to launch it through the "start" menu. For example, if you want to open mail on the big screen, just go to the start menu on the same big screen and open it. If you want to start mail on your phone, go to the start menu from the phone screen and click on the mail icon.

You cannot use Snap view with Continuum.

I asked a Microsoft rep if it was possible to run multiple apps on a large screen using Snap view. The answer was negative. Snap view cannot be used with Continuum at all. In general, you can only work in two applications at the same time - one on the phone and one on the big screen.

Even more impressive, you can also connect removable USB storage devices to the Microsoft Display Dock. For example, ordinary flash drives.

True, it's worth noting that USB drives must be supported by your phone. And here it all comes down to the drivers. Most drivers for USB drives will work, however if your drive requires specific drivers, you may not be able to connect it to your phone.

Drawing conclusions

Continuum is the only platform on the market that lets you use your phone like a stationary computer... If you want to be productive and if you want to get the best mobile device on Windows 10, choose Lumia 950 or Lumia 950 XL. This is exactly what you need.

You can also connect to Continuum using Miracast on supported devices. However Wired Display Dock better fit for this purpose. In addition, with it you can avoid compression, unlike Miracast. In addition, your phone will be charged from the docking station.

What do you think of Continuum for phones? Write in the comments!

At the presentation on October 6, Microsoft showed two new flagship smartphone Lumia. Both devices received excellent performance, and therefore compatible with the new "feature" from Redmond programmers - Continuum. Windows Central explains how this feature works in real life.

Recall that Lumia 950 is powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 808 processor, received 3 GB random access memory and a high-speed USB Type-C port. The Lumia 950 XL has the same specs except for the processor (Snapdragon 810 is installed here). This hardware is enough for the smooth operation of Continuum - one of the main innovations in Windows 10.

What is Continuum

New feature that turns a compatible smartphone into a miniature one system unit for PC (with inevitable limitations, more on them below). It was originally presented for the desktop version of Windows 10, and now it has been ported to new smartphones for Windows control 10 Mobile. A phone is connected to a special docking station called Microsoft Display Dock (it will be the "brain" in the new configuration), an external display, a mouse, a keyboard, and any other peripherals... The intention of the developers is obvious - Continuum will be needed in those situations when you need to do something for big screen, and your work computer or laptop is not nearby and is not expected.

How Continuum works

First you need a Microsoft Display Dock. This is an optional accessory docking station with HDMI, DisplayPort, three USB 3.0, and one USB Type-C (connects a smartphone through it). Setup is very simple - you just need to insert the wires from the monitor, keyboard and mouse into the "correct" connectors of the Display Dock, and then connect the Lumia 950 or Lumia 950 XL. If desired, even a flash drive can be connected to the resulting "computer" through the Display Dock (the main thing is that the smartphone "knows" its driver, in theory this can be a problem).

The smartphone will be recognized automatically and enter Continuum mode. After activating it, you will see work environment- very similar to what it offers desktop version Windows 10. But “similar” does not mean “exactly the same” - here, of course, there are differences, and they are quite significant.

You will see a lot of mobile items (for example, the signal strength indicator in the upper left corner of the screen and the battery level in the upper right corner). Another notable difference is the Start button. Instead of the Modern UI version of Start in Windows 10, you will see the start screen of your smartphone with all the tiles on it.

To open any application (for example, one of the Office programs), just click on the Start button icon and then on the desired icon - just like you do it on an ordinary computer with Windows 10. The difference with Continuum is that Start is the only place where you can start programs, there are no other sources.

Everything open applications displayed on the taskbar - again, exactly the same as on the PC. To switch to one of the running applications, just click on its icon in the Taskbar. Another option is the Task View button on the same Taskbar, by pressing it displays all running applications on the screen. Finally, the usual Windows users 10 shortcuts - for example, Ctrl + Tab. To work with text, you can and should use such combinations as Ctrl + C (copy text to the clipboard), Ctrl + X (cut) and Ctrl + V (paste).

The application on the big screen looks and works (based on its capabilities) the way we are used to it on computers. Microsoft has accomplished this by creating universal (ie, any-screen) applications for Windows. The program will automatically "understand" that you have switched from a 5.2 / 5.7 "screen to, say, a 22" screen, and will automatically adjust the interface to the new monitor. If you know at least a little about web design, the closest analogy is “responsive” design.

At first, a complete illusion is created that you are sitting at an ordinary "computer". For example, if you go to mail client, check the incoming correspondence and receive a letter from the boss with attachments to create the desired presentation, just double-click on the attachment with the left mouse button - and the file, as in the usual "big" Windows, will open in the desired program.

The most interesting thing about Continuum is that you can do business on the big screen and still not give up on the "smartphone" capabilities. You can still make calls, answer SMS, watch videos, play games, and more from the Lumia 950/950 XL screen. As Microsoft says, "Every user experience is independent and continuous."

What shouldn't you do in Continuum?

The main disadvantage of the mode can be described as follows: "you cannot start something that does not exist." If the developer has not made a universal version of his application, you simply will not see it on your monitor screen. True, Microsoft has already created universal versions of its products, and also agreed on "universalization" with some major players, for example, Facebook.

You most likely will not get the full functionality of the program. Windows blogger Paul Turot, who has already seen both the new Lumia and Continuum on them, says that the universal Office is more like Office Mobile than its “full-fledged” desktop brother. So users who need the most from Excel will hardly find Continuum useful.

Also, you cannot use the Snap mode, which is loved by many (several applications open on the same screen next to each other). You can run only one program at a time on your smartphone and one on the big screen.

You cannot drag the application with the mouse from the monitor screen to the smartphone screen, and vice versa. Still, in the case of Continuum, we do not do a "clean" projection of the screen onto an external display. Accordingly, there is no such freedom in work. On the other hand, this drawback can hardly be called serious for most users.

Conclusion

Continuum actually turns a smartphone into a PC (albeit one with limited capabilities) - something that no competing platform can boast of. If you want to work under any circumstance, and at the same time - and get the best user experience from working with Windows 10 Mobile, the new Lumia 950 and 950 XL are for you.

One of the most interesting and unusual features of the recently released Microsoft smartphones The Lumia 950 and Lumia 950XL have become the Continuum function, which allows you to turn a smartphone into a semblance with the help of simple actions personal computer by connecting a large screen and keyboard.

The gadgets themselves, the 5-inch Lumia 950 and Lumia 950XL with a 5.7-inch screen, their capabilities and "chips". However, the peculiarities of turning these smartphones into a computer should be discussed separately, since this unusual topic requires more careful consideration.

So, Continuum English to Russian is best translated by the word "continuity". This technology was introduced by Microsoft in the already mentioned smartphone models, which were the first on the market to receive native support. mobile version Windows 10. It is the continuity of the transition from the screen of a mobile gadget to a large monitor or TV that was highlighted in the name of the function, and the connection itself can be carried out in two ways.

First, you can use a wireless connection via Miracast-compatible devices. This method is the simplest, however wireless connection requires the support of these technologies from the monitor, and in the smartphone settings, you need to select the appropriate menu item.

Unfortunately, at the time of testing I did not have a single screen with Miracast support at hand, so we will connect in the second way - by wire. For this, a special docking station is used, called the Display Dock. It is sold separately and is a very weighty metal box weighing 230 grams with a rubberized stand, so it does not "crawl" on the table.

On one side of this box, all the interfaces for connecting to a monitor, TV, or projector are displayed, and on the other is a lone USB Type-C connector through which the device connects to a smartphone, and a notification indicator that changes color depending on the operating mode.

The entire wall facing the monitor is filled with 6 different connectors. The top row consists of 3 USB 3.0 ports for connecting various peripherals, at the bottom left there is a USB Type-C connector, through which the Display Dock receives power from the network adapter, and on the right there are two jacks for displaying images on the screen - DisplayPort and HDMI.

A complete power supply can be used as a power source. network adapter from the phone, since the new items are also equipped with USB Type-C connectors, while, from the moment the device is connected to the Display Dock, the smartphone receives energy for charging. If the smartphone is not connected to the dock, no image is displayed on the screen, and the device remains inactive.

When the cable is connected to the device, after a couple of seconds we see an interface on the screen that is very reminiscent of a desktop Windows version, and it is not required to overload or perform any actions with the smartphone. The device itself automatically turns into a 5-inch screen cursor control touchpad with support different functions pinch or scroll with two fingers, as on most modern laptops.

The keyboard is convenient to stick into any of the 3 USB connectors adapter, and now we have before us a kind of full-fledged desktop. Let's see how it works.

As I already noted, the main feature of Continuum is switching interfaces on the fly, from the same place where you interrupted your work with your smartphone.

The main screen almost completely repeats normal Windows 10. There is also a start button, by clicking on which we get exactly the same "tiles", but some of these tiles remain inactive for the user.

The official website says about it like this: “At the moment, only some applications support Continuum technology for phones, including Microsoft Edge, Office applications and some others (for example, "Weather", "Music" or "Mail").

In fact, this means that most of the branded services and applications from Microsoft itself already work with Continuum completely, some programs on the big screen open in a smartphone form, and most other applications simply do not start.

For example, Microsoft Edge browser tabs opened on a smartphone launch on a large screen in the same order as on a mobile phone, but now with computer controls.

Likewise, "seamlessly", Office documents are saved using the cloud - they can be opened and edited from the same place where you left off before, and here, and on any other computer with installed service OneDrive.

As far as i can tell office suite on the big screen, via Continuum, it practically does not differ from the desktop version, and those who like to work with spreadsheets in Excel or create a complex presentation in Power Point will not be disappointed. An attempt to launch almost any other smartphone application, except for the ones listed, leads to the fact that it simply stretches when launched to full screen.

For example, this happens with a calculator, which cannot be collapsed into a window of arbitrary size - either this way or not at all, although the multitasking button on the bottom panel is present, and allows you to quickly switch between running applications.

Interestingly, during such a connection, the smartphone continues to function normally, regardless of the shell on the big screen, although it plays the role of a modest touchpad. You can still call and correspond from him and to him, as if nothing had happened, and the touchpad function can be temporarily or completely disabled, for example, if you have a separate mouse.

Now about what to achieve from such a symbiosis of a smartphone and external monitor failed: Most apps from the mobile app store don't understand Continuum and what they want from them on the big screen.

So far, you cannot play toys in this way, use messengers on the big screen and launch almost everything third party applications... In the list of supported software, unfortunately, there was no place for the RDP client, and an attempt to connect a remote desktop for virtual control failed, although this application alone could greatly expand the scope of such a bundle.

In fact, this is all because Microsoft Continuum itself is still considered an experimental feature, and already working applications are the "first wave" and an example for other developers to follow. Let's hope that the first wave will be followed by the second and the third, and Continuum will be updated and prettier, because the very idea of ​​combining smartphone and desktop hardware is damn correct. In the end, the power of modern multi-core processors is already quite enough for normal operation, and Microsoft has already proven this.

The lack of disk space for such a bundle can be easily eliminated using cloud services, or connecting an external hard disk via USB Display Docka connector, and microSD expansion cards are becoming larger, more affordable and faster, so this is not a problem either.

Among the big three mobile operating systems, namely Windows Mobile came closest to integrating the phone with the desktop, while Android and iOS have not moved further than talking. Let's hope that this example will inspire other developers too, and Microsoft itself has the strength and patience to bring Continuum to the point that from desktop computer can be completely abandoned. Goodbye!

Full video version - overview Microsoft Continuum technologies:

Continuum for Phones lets you use apps from your Windows Mobile 10 phone on a large screen, such as a TV, monitor, or computer screen.

Note Continuum for phones requires additional hardware and is only available on select newer Windows 10 Mobile phones.

Connecting to a TV or Monitor

Phone with Windows system 10 can be used as a computer - connect it to a TV or monitor, and at the end, take the content saved on your phone with you.

What do you need to connect your phone to a TV or monitor?

There are two types of accessories:

If you want to connect via wireless network, we recommend one of the following accessories:

• Microsoft Wireless Display Adapter ( software version 1.3.8220 or later)
• Actiontec ScreenBeam Mini2 Continuum Edition (firmware version 5.3.5.0 or higher)
• Actiontec ScreenBeam Mini2 (Firmware version 5.3.5.0 or higher)
• Actiontec ScreenBeam Pro Wireless Display Receiver (firmware version 1.3.5.0 or later)

How do I upgrade my dock to use Continuum?

The firmware upgrade process is device-specific, so you should check the manufacturer's website for more information.

Does your TV or monitor have an HDMI port?

To connect your wired dock to your TV or monitor, you can use an HDMI to DVI cable or an active DisplayPort to DVI cable. An HDMI to VGA cable will not be able to transfer video in most cases.

Note: Connection will be possible when using a passive DisplayPort or HDMI-DisplayPort card.

What keyboard or mouse can I use with Continuum for phones?

If your printer should be running Windows 10 Mobile but is not listed in the printer options, make sure it is turned on and connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your phone.

Questions about connecting your phone to your computer

Using a phone with operating system Windows, you can connect to a computer and after finishing work save files on your phone. No docking station or adapter required.

What do you need to connect your phone to Windows 10 on a computer?

To use Continuum on your computer, you need the following hardware:

• Continuum compatible phone... Continuum for phones is only available on select newer Windows 10 Mobile phones.
• Computer with:
  • Windows 10 (version 1607 or later).
  • Supports Miracast technology

How can I check if Miracast technology is supported?

Miracast technology is built into most new computers. To find out if your computer supports it, you can check the documentation for your Windows device or visit the manufacturer's website. Most quick way- open the Connection application.

To open the Connection application, select the button Start, and then select the appropriate application from the list. It will automatically check if the device can receive images using Miracast technology and a message like this will appear:

How do I check if my computer meets the phone connection requirement?

Here are some possible solutions:

• Connect your computer to a power source... In order to link your mobile phone to your computer, your computer's power supply must be connected. If you want to connect to your computer without connecting it to a power source, click the Start button, and then select Settings → System → Projecting on a computer and disable the option This computer can only be found for projection when it is connected to an electrical outlet..
• Make sure the computer is capable of projecting an image Options → System → ... Select an option Available everywhere or, the Connect app will open automatically when a connection is established.

Note: even if projection is set to Always disabled, you can manually open the Connect and Connect to Computer application - click the Start button and select Connect.

How do I change how other devices find my computer?

To change how other devices find your computer, click the Start button, and then select Options → System → Projecting to this computer and select one of the following options:

• Available anywhere in secure networks ... The computer is accessible only on secure networks, regardless of whether it is locked, by simply logging into Windows once. The Connect app will open automatically when you try to connect.
• Available anywhere... The computer is always available, regardless of whether it is locked and logged in to Windows at least once. The Connect app will open automatically when you try to connect.
• Always disabled... The computer cannot be found on the network, but you can still connect to it by manually opening the Connect application.

How can I improve the security of my computer connection?

There are several ways to improve security:

• Prevent devices from detecting a computer on the network... Click the Start button and then select Options → System → and then select the option Always disabled... Connecting devices to the computer will still be possible by manually opening the application Connection.
• Allow projection only through secure networks... Click the Start button and then select Options → System → Projecting on this computer, and then select Available everywhere on secure networks... Select this option if you do not want to manually open the Connection applications.
• Require a PIN to pair your device with your computer... Click the Start button and then select Options → System → Projecting on this computer and then enable the option Require PIN pairing.

Do I need Wi-Fi to connect my phone to my computer?

Yes. To connect your mobile phone to your computer using the Continuum function, Wi-Fi network must be enabled on both devices.

On your computer, click the Start button, and then select Options → Network and Internet → Wi-Fi and turn on the Wi-Fi network.

In the case of a telephone, on home screen swipe the screen to go to the list All applications and then select Options → Network and wireless connections → Wi-Fi and turn on the Wi-Fi network.

How do I disconnect my phone from my computer?

Open the Continuum app on your phone and tap Disable, or tap Disable on the screen Connection... You can also close the application Connection on the computer.

What type of keyboard and mouse can I use with the connected computer?

You can use a keyboard and mouse that are connected to your computer. They should work automatically. Otherwise, the screen Connection check the box Allow input from keyboard or mouse connected to this display.

If your keyboard and mouse still don't work, select Disconnect, and then select the computer you want to connect. If that doesn't fix the problem (or you don't see the checkboxes), you need to use the Continuum touchpad on your phone.

Why are some applications unable to open on my computer?

Currently, only select apps such as Microsoft Edge, Office apps, and a few others (such as Weather and Mail) will work with Continuum for phones.

Microsoft is working to bring support for other applications in future updates. At the same time, you can use unsupported apps on your phone, but they will not be visible on the connected screen.