What Is Microsoft Continuum?

What Is Microsoft Continuum?

What Is Microsoft Continuum? GA S REGULAR Menu Lifewire Tech for Humans Newsletter! Search Close GO Software & Apps > Windows

What Is Microsoft Continuum?

Hint: It's all about displays

By Stefanie Fogel Stefanie Fogel Writer, Editor, Commerce Producer University of Central Florida Stefanie Fogel has written about consumer technology since 2009. Her work has appeared on Variety, Engadget, Polygon, and many other online publications. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on December 2, 2020 Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Windows The Ultimate Laptop Buying Guide First introduced by Microsoft in 2015, Windows Continuum is an app that lets you use your smartphone like a PC. You can connect it to an external monitor and run productivity apps like Microsoft Office, check your email, schedule appointments, and more, while still using your phone as normal. Available only for certain compatible phones like the Lumia 950, the feature has potential for people who work on-the-go, but it has some limitations.

How Does Microsoft Continuum Work

Once you launch the Microsoft Continuum app, you can project your phone to an external monitor or big screen in one of two ways. You can use a wireless adapter to cast what's on your phone with or without an internet connection, with your phone functioning as a virtual trackpad and keyboard. It's good for web browsing and viewing photos, but not much else. The second option is to use a wired adapter like the Microsoft Display Dock to connect your smartphone to external peripherals like a monitor, mouse, and keyboard. The dock boasts a 1080p HD output and USB-C port that charges your phone while you work. Your external monitor must support HDMI input to work with Microsoft Continuum. Either way, apps will scale up to the monitor's size, giving you a better viewing experience than simple screen mirroring. You can use some common Windows keyboard shortcuts and the right-click usually functions the way you expect. You can also use your phone's features like you normally would while using Microsoft Continuum, meaning you can talk, text, tweet, and more without interrupting what's casting to your monitor.

What Are Microsoft Continuum' s Limitations

Obviously, Microsoft Continuum isn't as powerful as a desktop PC or laptop. It's limited by your smartphone's hardware, which means it's good for simple tasks like word processing or a PowerPoint presentation, but there's likely going to be some lag involved. Furthermore, while Microsoft Continuum convincingly mimics a PC, it only offers a limited number of Microsoft apps. Legacy apps that are 32- or 64-bit won't work, meaning you can't install third-party software like Photoshop. Microsoft Continuum also isn't the best multitasker. All of its apps run in fullscreen, so you can't run apps side-by-side, but you can Alt+Tab between them. You can also still access Cortana while in an app, just like you would on a normal PC. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire How to Change Brightness in Windows 11 How to Use a PS5 Controller on Your PC or Mac Is Microsoft Word Free? Yes, It Can Be How to Install and Use Microsoft Edge for Android How to Connect an Android to a PC How to Do Screen Mirroring on LG Smart TVs 8 Things to Consider Before Buying a Desktop PC How to Run Android Apps on Windows 10 What Is a Hard Disk Drive? How to Bring the Windows 10 Experience to iOS and Android How to Use Alexa and Cortana Together How to Create and Delete User Accounts in Windows 10 How to Close Your Laptop and Use an External Monitor Your Best Year Ever: College Tech Tips How to Download a Different Samsung TV Internet Browser How to Show Any Phone Screen on a Windows Computer Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies
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