Microsoft Lumia 950 and 950XL: The smartphone turns into PC

Last updated Nov 22, 2018 604

During the event, #Windows10devices Microsoft has unveiled the new Lumia 950 and 950XL, the first smartphone with Windows Mobile 10. That’s all the news.

” Devices to make you more productive than ever, ” is how Microsoft has announced the new Lumia 950 and Lumia 950 XL. The company has confirmed what we already knew thanks to rumors in recent weeks, both as technical specifications in terms of aesthetics. The new top of the range with 10 Windows Mobile will have some unique technologies, such as a dual antenna and a new approach to cooling setup to get the best performance from the hardware integrated (characteristic to evaluate carefully in the future).

The two devices will be the first with the new mobile platform from Microsoft and will take advantage of OLED displays, respectively, 5.2 and 5.7″ both Quad HD, to take advantage of some software mode. For example Glance, which allows you to always have view incoming notifications without impacting significantly on the autonomy operative. The two smartphones will hexa-core processors and octa-core, respectively Snapdragon 808 and Snapdragon 810, combined with 3 GB of RAM and 32 GB of storage expandable via microSD built anyway.

As tradition Lumia, the two smartphones will be very accurate in terms of photography. The sensor will be back in both cases by 20 megapixels and supported by a triple flash LED and RGB technology of optical image stabilization of the fifth generation. Microsoft promises pictures ” incredible ” when lighting conditions are not optimal, and where necessary the new flash should ensure good results and no red eye. The camera will be accompanied by a dedicated physical button to make the shot. In short, all very interesting on paper, but will be evaluated in the test of facts.

https://youtu.be/snEIjWR4lQw

Smartphones using the new USB connector Type-C which, combined with the rapid charging technologies, will lead to the 50% battery charge in 30 minutes. On the software side we will find Windows 10, Office and of course Cortana, Skype and OneDrive, but to astound during the presentation was Continuum.

It is a feature of the new operating system introduced a few months ago, but that Microsoft showed diffusely only today. Continuum actually allows to turn your smartphone into a PC real thanks to universal applications, and seems to work really well.

During the demonstration Brian Roper Microsoft unlocked smartphone just by looking through the iris scanner and Windows Hello, while connecting the device to the ” Microsoft Display Dock ” is activated Continuum. In substance, it is how to use Windows 10 on a PC, with the only difference that to be performed will be only universal applications, ie compatible with the ARM hardware.

The actual performance is to be verified, but during the whole presentation took place with incredible fluidity and responsiveness when interacting. The gem: work the classic gesture of Windows, including the Alt + Tab to switch to another app.

In the dock, it will be possible to connect a USB device, such as a stylus for file sharing. Between ports, there is also a HDMI and a DisplayPort with the possibility to send the audio. Ultimately Continuum, citing Microsoft, will enable us to become productive ” like a boss “.

Microsoft’s goal with the new Lumia 950 and Lumia 950XL is clear and explicit: the company wants to turn smartphones into PC real, and the one shown is of course the beginning of a new course that will mark the future of Microsoft and probably, the entire category.

Lumia 950 Specifications :

Display : OLED 5.2 ” WQHD (1,440×2,560)
SoC : Qualcomm Snapdragon 808, hexa-core 64-bit
Memory : 3 GB of RAM and 32 GB of inbuilt storage expandable via microSD
Cameras : Main from 20MP PureView sensor and flash dual LED – front 5MP with wide-angle lens
Battery : 3,000mAh
Feature : iris scanner for Windows Hello, Qi wireless charging, USB Type-C, chassis polycarbonate white or matte black

Lumia 950XL Specifications :

Display : OLED 5.7 ” WQHD (1,440×2,560)
SoC : Qualcomm Snapdragon 810, octa-core 64-bit
Memory : 3 GB of RAM and 32 GB of inbuilt storage expandable via microSD
Cameras : Main from 20MP PureView sensor and LED flash three times – front 5MP with wide-angle lens
Battery : 3, 340 mAh
Feature : iris scanner for Windows Hello, Qi wireless charging, USB Type-C, chassis polycarbonate white or matte black.

Pricing and Availability: Lumia 950 will cost $549 in the US market, Lumia 950XL $649. Both will be released to the public in November. It will join the top of the range an additional ultra-cheap model, Lumia 550. The company did not dwell much on this product, which of course will deepen with separately when more details are released. Its price will be $139.