Windows 10 Continuum: What is the tablet mode?

Microsoft blog

Microsoft already rolled out the final version of its new platform, Windows 10. Among the numerous new features of the operating system is Continuum, which some users and fans have taken to calling the "tablet mode" for Windows 10. 

What exactly is Continuum? 

Most of the complaints about the previous version of Windows, particularly the Windows 8 platform, is the scrubbing of the Start button. At the time of its development, Microsoft decided to capitalize on the emerging touchscreen tech and incorporated user interface directly to displays, in the process doing away with the Start menu. 

Now, with the gaining popularity of 2-in-1 laptops and hybrids, Microsoft has decided to bring back the Start menu and focus on desktop-like interface. However, instead of abandoning the touchscreen interface completely, or having a different OS platform for mobile devices like tablets, the company decided to make the best out of Windows 10, incorporating touchscreen features in the desktop platform version. 

When a user turns on the "tablet mode" feature of Windows 10, the desktop environment can be turned into a Windows 8-like interface. One of the most important aspects of the Continuum feature is that the option to utilize touchscreen interface switches fluidly between desktop OS to mobile platform. 

In addition, Continuum is not just an interface and transition option for PC users – there is also a Continuum for phones that lets users experience desktop interface on their smartphones. Microsoft's Joe Fiore pointed out this cool detail about the "tablet mode option" on Windows 10 for smartphones in a recent Twitter Q&A. Although the feature for the mobile platform version is still in development, the build seems to be already on its finishing run, as Fiore already has a working prototype in his hand when he discussed about the latest developments in the continuing updates for Windows 10.