Continuum is a powerful tool of Windows 10 Mobile. It enables the user to use the smartphone as a PC replacement. The Lumia 950 XL can either be attached wirelessly or via cable (Microsoft Display Dock) to an external monitor. The presentation of Windows 10 is now even more similar to a PC and there is even a desktop instead of the tiles interface. Unfortunately, there was no Display Dock available at the time of writing, but we could get a first in-depth impression during a presentation.

The optional Display Dock has a USB Type-C port at the front to attach the smartphone, which is directly charged. Another Type-C port powers the dock. Furthermore, you get three USB 2.0 ports to attach peripherals as well as one HDMI and DisplayPort. The use of a mouse and keyboard is therefore quick and easy and it is possible to use the Lumia smartphone as a touchpad. It is also possible to use Continuum wirelessly via Miracast, but the picture quality was better via Display Dock. However, the quality will also be linked to the corresponding receiver, and the Amazon FireTV Stick that we used is probably not the perfect choice. The picture was not transmitted in Full HD, but in a lower resolution with a 4:3 screen ratio. A mouse can easily be attached to the USB port of the smartphone.

If Miracast is not stable enough and the dock is too expensive, you can also use a simple USB Type-C to HDMI cable to use Continuum. Those cables start at around 9 Euros (~$9.70) depending on the quality.

Continuum is basically predestined for word processing and the like. But you will be surprised when you use the smartphone in this mode for the first time, because the Office use in Continuum requires an Office 365 license. Otherwise, the situation is similar to Android and iOS, where you can only read documents, but not edit them. There was a lot of criticism, so Microsoft now throws in a one-year license for free when you buy the Lumia 950 XL. This license is available via the Lumia Offers app.

In combination with a remote desktop connection, the Continuum operation of the smartphone could be particularly interesting for companies with WTS environments. But it seems that Microsoft blocks the user, because none of these apps could be launched from the desktop. We contacted Microsoft to find out whether this is intentional or if this feature will be provided later. We will update the review as soon as we have new information.

Continuum is still a great idea that is well implemented. There will certainly be some users that are completely satisfied with the experience and replace the slow PC at home.

Update: We've added a demonstration video below that shows Continuum and Miracast being used in unison to provide an extended, projected screen experience.