Dual-screen Microsoft 'booklet' uncovered
Not a tablet PC or an e-book viewer, apparently
Microsoft is developing a dual-screen tablet, sorry, booklet that could seriously shake the foundations of Apple’s rumoured tablet PC and Asus' dual-screen laptop.
Microsoft Courier's dual screens both look about 7in and are touch and stylus-sensitive
Credit: Gizmodo
Called Courier, the device is currently at the “late prototype” development stage – according to a report by Gizmodo, with Microsoft reportedly still heavily focused on advancement of the device’s user experience.
It’s thought that Courier’s two displays each measure about 7in. A digital spine with iPhone-esque ‘Home’ button connects the two and also allows items – such as memos or pictures – to be moved between the screens.
No word on HDD/SSD storage or memory card slots
Speaking of pictures, the report added that Courier also has a rear-mounted 3Mp camera. A video of Courier also revealed that a stylus can be used to sketch, well, anything you like onto either screen.
Alternatively, the stylus allows users to write text into Courier’s dual displays – which also support iPhone-like multi-touch finger input.
Technical details about Courier’s innards haven’t come to light, yet. However, images of the device have led to speculation that it may support wireless charging – much like the Palm Touchstone system.
1080p video playback, anyone?
In terms of applications, the Courier video shows the device linking into what looks like Google Maps. Friends in the gadget’s address book can then be located on the interactive map - Google Latitude, anyone?
Courier’s other features include a digital journal and a ‘To Do’ section – which also links into the address book.
Courier could charge itself wirelessly
Microsoft hasn’t officially announced Courier yet, so its potential launch date and price remain a closely guarded secret. ®
COMMENTS
A decent e-book reader perhaps?
I don't normally comment on these articles because of the fanboy wars, but this product looks promising. The Apple tablet also sounds promising but it seems that MS may be ahead of Apple in moving out of vaporware stage. Here in Zild neither Kindle nor Sony's e-readers are much use so something like this might be nice as an ebook reader, especially for non-tagged PDFs.
I hope
I hope on screen can be used as a faux keybord, would make it so much more useful
@Charles Manning
"MS have tried doing tablets at least three times in the past and all have failed dismally."
...except they haven't. Microsoft don't manufacture tablet PCs. All they did was extend XP (and now Win7) so it could be used with a touchscreen and let the OEMs make tablets - not exactly a lot of outlay by Microsoft. The tablet format is unlikely to replace traditional desktop/laptop setups, but it still sells and Microsoft still make money from it.
Similarly, WinCE/WinMob have been used on small tablets. Again, Microsoft made money from these.
I suppose you could argue that the OEMs have "failed dismally" at making tablets, but then again, they have been making them for the best part of a decade now, and show no signs of stopping, so I guess they must be making money too...
All of which leaves me wondering why you think MS have "failed dismally" at "doing tablets" in the past... unless you know nothing about tablets, which would explain it.
nth time lucky?
Tablets have always been Billy-boy's pet format. MS have tried doing tablets at least three times in the past and all have failed dismally.
Why should this one be any different?
ok, I like.
Needless to say it may not be right first time around, but I want one.
