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Continuum helps Windows 10 play nice with touch and peripherals
1:12
Touchscreen, or mouse and keyboard? Now Windows won’t have to decide because it can switch back and forth seamlessly. The new feature Continuum that debuts in Windows 10 helps the operating system work better with devices that support both a mouse and keyboard and touch input, like Microsoft’s Surface Tablet or Lenovo’s Yoga laptops.
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For convertible devices, there are two modes, tablet and desktop. When you want to use only the touchscreen, tablet mode changes the layout of the operating system so it’s more touch-friendly. That means any open apps go full-screen and you can use gestures to move through the OS.
Once you connect a mouse and keyboard, or flip your laptop around, Windows will go into desktop mode. Apps turn back into desktop windows that are easier to move around with a mouse and you’ll see your desktop again.
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Switching between modes is as easy as connecting or disconnecting your peripherals and choosing your mode from the pop-up alert.
Continuum should help convertible and hybrid devices work better with Windows, giving you a better experience on those devices. That is, if it works as seamlessly as Microsoft promises.
CNET
This is a developing story. For real-time updates, follow the CNET live blog. And check out our full coverage of today’s Windows 10 news.
