SlimPort is a technology that's been used in phones for a while now, allowing for outputs to larger displays to use your handheld on something like your TV. At Mobile World Congress we caught up with them to see what's new, and find out about a new product that should be available later this year.
SlimPort already has the Nano Console, a docking system to plug phones from the likes of LG into your TV and use them from the comfort of the couch. The next product is a similar console but using USB-C, and that means it'll be perfect for Continuum with phones like Microsoft's Lumia 950 and Lumia 950 XL. Better still, it'll cost a decent chunk less than Microsoft's dock, with targeted pricing around $50 we were told.
The downside compared to Microsoft's offering will be the added ports you won't get. It's literally just going to be an interface to plug your USB-C equipped phone into an external display. You won't get added HDMI outputs, USB ports or anything like that. But naturally you'll still be able to use a Bluetooth mouse and keyboard for that PC like experience.
SlimPort also has a little remote control that it includes in the box, which is currently a red square with a touch sensitive surface. We're told the updated version will have support for a scrolling mouse wheel action, which is pretty great. Otherwise it acts as a pointer to move around and navigate within the Continuum interface. It's included in the box, so there's no additional purchase.
It's less elegant than something like the included docks with the Acer Jade Primo or HP Elite X3, but it's also Universal, and has price on its side. We don't have any exact release timeline at the moment, but we'll certainly be looking to get one in when it becomes available.
