Acer Announces Windows 10 Mobile Handset with Continuum

Months after Microsoft first showed off its Continuum for Phones feature, Acer has revealed the first official device that’ll take advantage of it. The Acer Jade Primo is a smartphone, that can replace a Windows PC.

Acer has showcased a new smartphone at IFA in Germany that will turn into a PC when you connect the accompanying keyboard that comes in the box. By connecting it to a monior, you’ll be able to run standard Windows apps from your phone, expanded to the appropriate size on the display.

We have seen Continuum demoed by Microsoft at major conferences this year however, just like the lack of a retail USB webcam that supports Windows Hello, the hardware has been missing in action since the launch of Windows 10. But with Windows 10 they are joining forces to give it another try with features like Continuum, which brings together PCs, smartphones and tablets. It will be powered by Qualcomm’s SnapDragon 808 processor rather than the new Intel Skylake m range of processors.

Along with the device, the company will also ship the accessories including a docking station, keyboard, and wireless mouse. Pick up the phone and you’ve got a mobile, touch-friendly user interface. A 21-megapixel camera will be available on the back of the device with dual-LED flash, while for selfies and video calls, Acer will offer an 8-megapixel unit. Using a mouse and keyboard, you can open apps including Outlook, Excel, and Maps.

Strangely enough, Acer didn’t announce the Jade Primo release date.

“There is a movement among smartphone users at all levels towards using their handsets as digital content and entertainment devices”, noted ST Liew, president of Acer’s smart products business group.