14 DAY TRIAL // Windows 10 sure comes with quite a lot of improvements, including a Start menu, multiple desktops, and windowed Metro apps running on the desktop, but it also brings some other changes that make the operating system more appropriate for hybrid devices.
Called Windows 10 continuum, this new option will allow users to switch from laptop mode to tablet with just a quick tap, thus switching to an input that helps them do certain things faster.
As you can see in this video, the Windows 10 continuum system allows users to make a 2-in-1 PC transform from laptop into a tablet almost instantly by enabling touch-optimized features and bringing the Modern UI into focus.
Apps are automatically launched in full-screen mode when using the touch input, while options to run them in their very own windows are provided when working with a mouse and keyboard.
Perfect for Surface tablets
Windows 10 is just the perfect operating system for Microsoft’s very own Surface tablets, and this shouldn’t come as a big surprise. Redmond wants its tablets to provide the best experience of all devices on the market, so Windows 10 will neatly integrate with their features.
For example, this Windows 10 continuum option will allow users to switch from laptop to tablet mode when removing the keyboard.
Simply disconnect the Touch or Type Cover and the Surface automatically goes into tablet mode, bringing the Metro UI into focus and allowing users to continue their work with the help of touch.
Windows 10 on as many devices as possible
Microsoft said during its San Francisco event that Windows 10 was designed to work on as many devices as possible, including those with smaller or larger screens, some of which have 80 inches in size, as the company itself noted.
“Windows 10 will run across an incredibly broad set of devices – from the Internet of Things, to servers in enterprise datacenters worldwide,” it said.
“Some of these devices have 4 inch screens – some have 80 inch screens – and some don’t have screens at all. Some of these devices you hold in your hand, others are ten feet away. Some of these devices you primarily use touch/pen, others mouse/keyboard, others controller/gesture – and some devices can switch between input types.”
Although the focus is now on the desktop, Microsoft will also improve the Modern UI for touch-capable devices, so the continuum experience is clearly a critical feature for the upcoming operating system. The Windows RT/Windows Phone sibling of Windows 10 is expected to be unveiled in early 2015.
