Microsoft has gone for simplicity with the 950 XL. Your laptop, mobile phone and tablet will all work in the same way using the new technology, and this will open up a whole new set of options for software developers when it comes to applications and games.
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While Islandwood is storming ahead and making the most of Windows 10 features, Project Astoria is now “on hold”.
The Lumia 950 comes in at $549 while the XL comes in at $649.
That gives you a clue as to the central thrust of Windows 10 Mobile.
Microsoft’s Lumia 950 XL will now be cheaper on Amazon UK.
There’s a quad-core 1.1GHz Snapdragon 210 processor and 1GB of RAM under the hood, which is low end but fast enough to comfortably run Windows Phone.
The Lumia 950 has a 5.2-inch Amoled screen coated in protective Gorilla Glass 3, with a resolution of 2560 x 1440 pixels. Extra lenses need to be downloaded but can be from within the camera app. It’s plain, featureless, and the rear is made from thin plastic that sounds worryingly hollow when you tap it. The matte finish is totally uninspiring, and the metallic trim surrounding the camera lens only catches the eye because the rest of it is so boring. Microsoft has released the two phones with USB C connectivity and continuum feature. The screen can even be used as a touchscreen mouse if you decide. External display with DisplayPort, HDMI connector or compatible adapter required.
Although consumers across the Pond will only begin to get their units on Microsoft’s launch event, Windows Central has reported that avid Microsoft tech users in India can get both devices by November 30. Emil Protalinski reports for VentureBeat that Microsoft has just released an Android app, called AppComparison, to enable current Android users to determine which of their favorite apps are also available on Microsoft’s mobile platform. Once a TV or monitor is hooked up to the Display Dock as well, it will display a desktop-style UI running off the handset, complete with a Start menu in the style of Windows 10 proper.
This is the device for any Windows fan or Windows 10 user that wants the easiest hand-off between computer and mobile device.
Still, improvements over Windows 8.1 Phone remain, including the Recently Added section of the main apps list and the extremely versatile Action Centre, so that’s something to be happy about.
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Since its launch back in 2013, Lumia 520 was the best-selling Windows Phone handset available on the market. There should also be more apps down the line. But we predict that’s all about to change.
