Microsoft reveals the secret origins of Continuum

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 to reveal a little bit more about 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 running Windows 10 Mobile such as the Lumia 950 and Lumia 950XL with 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.