14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft is working to make more new features available to Windows 10 testers, and according to new information, the company could release a new batch of improvements by the end of the year.
Even though it’s not yet clear whether it could be part of the next testing build or not, it appears that Continuum, a feature first demonstrated by Microsoft during the September 30 event in San Francisco, could also be included in a Technical Preview version scheduled for late 2014.
Continuum is a new Windows 10 feature that’s specifically designed for 2-in-1 devices and which allow users to continue their work even when connecting or disconnecting the keyboard.
The operating system automatically transitions from the desktop to the Modern UI when the keyboard is detached from the screen, thus providing continuous workflow in different environments.
In line with Microsoft’s Surface strategy
Back when Microsoft introduced the very first Surface tablet model in October 2012, the company stepped into the 2-in-1 business, hoping that Windows 8 would be capable of fitting both worlds with the modern desktop and the Metro interface.
Two years after that, the company appears to have acknowledged that the mix wasn’t quite successful and certain modifications are needed, especially for tablets that can work on the desktop much like a tablet, which is the case of all Pro models in its lineup.
The Surface Pro 3 tablet, which runs the full version of Windows 8.1, can be used on both the desktop and the Modern UI, and thanks to its 12-inch screen, it can easily replace a laptop.
Continuum can help users switch from the mouse and keyboard-optimized desktop to the Modern UI, where touch is the core of everything, making work on the tablet as easy as on the desktop.
Key part of Windows 10
Even though Windows 10 is very focused on the desktop in the Technical Previews, there’s no doubt that the full version of the operating system will continue to bet big on touch-capable screens, so the Continuum feature is really important for this strategy.
And still, the desktop has indeed received a bunch of improvements and many other will be introduced in the upcoming updates, but there’s no doubt that touch will continue to be a main focus for Microsoft as well.
A version aimed at RT tablets is also prepared, but word has it that Microsoft might actually merge Windows RT with Windows Phone into a single platform powering both tablets and smartphones. A preview version of this new version is expected to see daylight in preview form in early 2015.
