Microsoft is currently asking participants of the Windows Insider program for their feedback on the importance of five app categories aimed for Continuum. The request arrives by way of an email to those who received the Windows 10 Mobile kit containing the Lumia 950 or Lumia 950 XL smartphone, the Microsoft Display Dock, and the Actiontec wireless adapter. Participants are asked to rate each category from a scale of 1 (most important) to 5 (least important).
According to the email, the company is seeking opinions about productivity apps for work, productivity apps for the home, entertainment apps, social media apps, and games designed for Continuum. Participants are also to provide app names they want to see supported by Continuum, and why. Microsoft simply wants to understand “which apps are more important” to Windows 10 Mobile device owners.
If you’re not familiar with Continuum, it’s a feature built into Windows 10 Mobile that turns the device into a portable desktop. Users simply need a wired dock or a wireless adapter so that the phone can send the screen to an HDTV or monitor with an HDMI input. A keyboard and mouse can be connected as well, providing a full-blown Windows 10 experience. Even more, the phone can be used as a touchpad in the process.
Peter Bergler, principal group program manager of Windows Mobile, sent out real-world letters to participants of the Windows Insider program back in December, who provided heavy feedback regarding to Windows 10 Mobile. In addition to replying to the letter indicating an interest in receiving the hardware, chosen Insiders also had to provide up to two sentences on how they would describe Continuum to a friend.
Microsoft is currently selling the Lumia 950 and 950 XL for $400 and $450, respectively, a huge discount from their previous price tags. Even more, purchase one of these phones, and customers will receive a free Microsoft Display Dock that’s worth an extra $100. The Actiontec wireless adapter isn’t listed on Microsoft’s online store, but there’s the ScreenBeam Mini2 Continuum Edition adapter for $60.
So far, Anniversary Update has not rolled out to Windows 10 Mobile despite the update’s availability on Windows 10 PCs, the Xbox One, and HoloLens. However, Windows Insiders can download the latest build, 14493.5, to enjoy what Anniversary Update brings to mobile. Windows Insider boss Dona Sarkar said two days ago that her team needed “a bit more time to get everything running the way we like.”
As for Redstone 2, Microsoft will reportedly start dishing out preview builds for Windows 10 Mobile a few weeks after Redstone 2 builds begin rolling out to the Windows 10 desktop crowd. According to a post in the Feedback Hub, Microsoft will initially focus on structural improvements to OneCore, the shared core of Windows across multiple devices. That process will include code refactoring and “other engineering work.”
Late last month, Microsoft said that the Release Preview ring for Windows 10 Mobile would move up to build 14393. That meant unsupported devices would not receive any builds or updates newer than 10586.x, nor would these devices be able to select other Windows Insider Preview rings in the Windows Insider app. Updates to services and apps may not be provided either.
