Microsoft discounts Lumia 950 and Lumia 950 XL devices, bundles Display Dock

Microsoft is having another sale for its unnapreciated Lumia 950 and Lumia 950 XL Windows Phones. This time, they're bundling the display dock which enables the Continuum feature that lets you use your smartphone as a desktop PC. This is likely in anticipation of the release of HP's Elite X3, which is an enterprise-focused smartphone that takes the Continuum ideal to another level with desktop and notebook accessories that run entirely on the phone's processor.

In Canada, the Lumia 950 is now $599.00 and the larger, more powerful Lumia 950 XL is $649.00, both come with the Display Dock. The phone version of the Anniversary Update has still to be released to Windows Phone but overall, these are solid devices. I've been enjoying the camera capabilities of my Lumia 950 with its 20 MP sensor and Zeiss optics as well as the great software inherited from Nokia.

Source: Microsoft

National Geographic photographer uses Lumia 950 to capture the aurora

The Microsoft Lumia 950 and Lumia 950 XL feature great cameras specifically tuned to shoot accurate and filmic images even in low-light. National Geographic photographer and Microsoft devices ambassador Stephen Alvarez decided to put the Lumia 950 to the test and capture aurora borealis as well as stunning vistas in the artic circle.

"As Microsoft’s Devices Ambassador, I knew Microsoft’s camera phone technology was advancing at a fantastic pace. Once I got the Lumia 950 in my hands, I was pretty sure it was capable of capturing a natural phenomenon that happens only at night," Stephen Alvarez explains. You can read about his technique, adventures as well as see his photos from the shoot right here.

Unlocked Lumia 950 and 950 XL smartphones available for preorder from Microsoft Store

Microsoft's new Lumia 950 and Lumia 950 XL Windows 10 smartphones are now available for preorder from Microsoft's online store. The devices are expected to ship on November 25 and will be featuring the latest build of Windows 10 running on smartphones. The 5.2" Lumia 950 costs $749.00 while the larger 5.7" Lumia 950 XL costs $849.99 and should work with all Canadian carriers.

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Video: Windows 10 Continuum demoed on a Lumia 950

By Gadjo C. Sevilla

One of the most compelling features of the new Lumia 950 and Lumia 950 XL is that they can function as desktop PCs running Windows 10 provided they're connected to Microsoft's Display Dock. I got to see this feature demoed firsthand earlier this evening during a Microsoft Device Night where a Lumia 950 was tethered to two monitors, a keyboard and a mouse.

When launching the Continuum app on Windows 10 Phone, the Lumia projects a full Windows 10 desktop experience on to the monitor. Once connected, the display of the Lumia can be used like a trackpad plus you can also access phone functions (i.e. calls, messages, certain apps) without disturbing the desktop. You can even launch desktop versions of Office applications and work on them just as you would on a notebook or desktop.