03-12-2015 21:48 - edited 03-12-2015 22:07
03-12-2015 21:48 - edited 03-12-2015 22:07
Today, with thanks to @Toby, I attended the Windows Mobile 10 Insider Launch. This was a "hands on" event to let invited people get hands on with devices and continuum.
When I arrived at the event location, it was quite quiet - I'd fitted this in between another meeting and heading back home, so was a little early. On display were a Surface Pro 4, several bands and a few 950 and 950XLs.
One of the Microsoft guys plugged up his prototype 950XL to demonstrate continuum, which is still in its core state. Looking at the physical box, the device is powered by a USB-C plug. It has a full HDMI socket, 3x USB, one of which is powered, DisplayPort and DisplayPort over USB-C. The Full Size USB are only USB2 though, which is worth noting. If your HDMI supports audio, it'll also play up to Dolby 5.1 surround sound.
Plugging in to the Continuum box with a USB-C cable, the phone detects the dock and projects onto the full screen, detecting the best resolution. The start menu also transfers to the screen, with non-universal (i.e. pre-Windows 10 code) apps greyed out. This leaves a limited choice at the moment, with a number of Apps known to be in the pipeline.
You can use Continuum to watch films though, either from a memory card or on your phone itelf, or through the movies app. You can also watch videos you have made on your own device.
Office is the biggest benefit from Continuum. As an Exchange server user and non-365 person, I was dismayed to hear that Office 365 was required in order to use Word/Excel/Powerpoint beyond the trial dates. This is a big downside, as the point of the Continuum is using the tools that come with the phone - only to find you have to pay extra for something that is already built into the phone. However, should you buy it, you have a great tool on your hands.
Benefits of the dock is the ability to use the phone whilst using other apps on the dock - taking a call, answering a text. You can also use Powerpoint on the phone and broadcast to the screen, a useful tool when presenting to customers and colleagues.
The camera is another selling point, with the reputation backing up the 20MP lens, RGB flash and a 4K video camera (or 60fps HD).
Handsets
The phones themselves feel robust, if not a little plastic. You are likely to put a new case on it in minutes anyway, so not a bad thing. The buttons feel very plasticy and not as strong as on the Lumia 925 - part of me looked at the Band2 and thought "I'd like to see that exterier on this phone".
The size of them though feels good - regardless of which phone you go for - and the silver ring on the 950 actually looks ok.
Summary
Was I wowwed by the event? Not overly. For a chance to get hands on, there was very little to do, no devices set up with every whistle and flute. I've asked though if I can try a demo device for two weeks to do a proper review though and hopefully I can tell you about the great things that can be done in more detail.
on 03-12-2015 22:56
on 03-12-2015 22:56
After reading this article, I wouldn't go near it.
on 03-12-2015 23:10
on 03-12-2015 23:10
on 04-12-2015 06:26
on 04-12-2015 06:26
It's Ok if you change mobile regularly but I wouldn't be thinking of buying a Windows 10 Phone.
on 04-12-2015 08:23
on 04-12-2015 08:23
on 04-12-2015 09:58
Great to hear your thoughts @Daddydoink!
Is it an event you'd go to again? Have you been to many other simialr events? How do they compare?
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on 04-12-2015 10:19
on 04-12-2015 10:19
on 04-12-2015 18:07
on 04-12-2015 18:07
on 07-12-2015 08:39