Microsoft Windows 10 for Business brings the Internet of Things home. A new feature called Continuum provides continuity between the home and business environments to make work easier and more convenient than ever.
A host of Interconnected sensors and devices comprises the Internet of Things (IoT). Refrigerators, security systems, thermostats, cars and the entire power grid represent just a sample of the myriad devices connected to the Internet and each other. Some devices on the IoT interact with humans using apps, but others never interact with anyone.
Thanks to Smartphones and wireless Bluetooth technology, people now wear fitness sensors, watches, heart monitors and other devices connected to the IoT. Thanks to Microsoft Continuum, Smartphones can now remotely connect workers to their business computers almost anywhere in the world. As important bridges between humans and the IoT, Smartphones have almost unlimited potential to change the way we live, work and play.
Although several tech companies have sold remote access technology in the past, Continuum adds to it a new dimension. New features offer new possibilities that can help businesses work more efficiently in the modern age.
Here you will learn a little about how smartphones work with Continuum and how it can affect your life.
Smartphones in IoT Setups
The always-connected, mobile nature of smartphones promise to play an increasingly important role in the integration of people and things, especially in the area of personal, home and vehicle networks. Smartphones automatically generate information, because they have built-in sensors that provide the time, location, and environmental information. With appropriate software, smartphones can automatically trigger events such as financial transactions and appointments; they can also control an increasing number of things, such as televisions, lights, security systems, and cars.
In a considerable way, smartphones act as a gateway for the IoT, especially given the growing number of devices and sensors that surround us. Because of these connected devices promise to enable smarter homes, automobiles, factories and cities. Smartphones even change the way we work by supporting crowdsourcing, smart offices and factories, and employment-as-a-service.
Windows 10 Continuum creates a particular IoT setup that enables a collection of devices to become a functional workspace. In the future, the world will probably see new initiatives that harness the IoT for personal and business use.
Continuum for Windows Phones
Smartphones have helped marginalize the personal computer. A smartphone can accomplish almost anything a computer can do, freeing workers from their cubicles and desks. Still, the traditional computer workstation has some appealing attributes. For example, computers usually have larger screens than smartphones have. Continuum for Windows Phones enables workers to connect a monitor, keyboard, and mouse, in a remote setting, to recreate their office computer.
Continuum for Windows Phones allows smartphone users to have a Windows 10 Desktop experience. Continuum connects wirelessly to a mouse, keyboard and monitor (TV screen or projector), with scaled apps that work as if they were running on a regular PC. Familiar operating system features such as the Start and Task View buttons as well as everyday applications make the remote workstation look and feel like the computer in the office.
Continuum uses the smartphone’s start screen as the start menu, and the applications list resembles the All Apps list from the phone. Microsoft Office appears in desktop mode, however, making work accessible in Continuum. Universal apps in Continuum look and feel exactly the same in Continuum as they do on a computer, tablet or phone, because of their cross-platform design.
Being part of the Windows 10 experience which has been designed with the ease of use in mind, the Windows Phone, while in Continuum mode, still works for phone calls and messaging, so users can maintain voice and SMS contact as they work. The smartphone can connect to a video projector and a television, making Continuum perfect for presentations and team meetings. Users can display different apps on each screen.
Continuum only works with the latest Windows Phone smartphones, so users will need to buy a new phone if they want to use Continuum. Users can enable the feature using either Miracast or a Continuum dock. Windows uses Miracast to support wireless monitors. The Microsoft Continuum Dock peripheral will allow the use of three USB ports, one HDMI port and one Display Port for use with Continuum. The dock can either plug into the smartphone’s power connector or use a separate AC adapter for power. Users will need to use Continuum Dock if they do not have a MiraCast display or projector.
New Microsoft powered smartphones including Microsoft’s Lumia 950 and 950 XL support Continuum, as does the Acer Jade Primo smartphone. Users should expect to see a growing selection of Continuum-compatible phones as more businesses understand their need for Continuum.
Conclusion
Smartphones have become an enabling technology to perform personal and business tasks. They have also become a personal gateway to the IoT, by connection people to their surrounding world.
Although people can accomplish a lot of work using smartphones, many people prefer the use of a desktop computer, because of their size. Thanks to Continuum, people can easily setup workstations that work just like their computers. Using a smartphone as a hub, Continuum connects multiple devices so that they can act as one coherent device. Best of all, users can quickly set up Continuum, so they can do work at a moment’s notice. In many ways, people can have a PC in their pocket, when they carry a Continuum-compatible Windows smartphone with them. People serious about their productivity and their freedom will love the way the IoT converges with their smartphone in the form of Continuum.
Author Bio: Gabriel is a tech writer and enthusiast. He has been in tech for a while, but just recently directed his attention to writing. If you’ve got a topic up his alley, you can reach him @Gabemich1337
