Microsoft Courier — Secret Tablet Book in Progress?
Gizmodo has sparked a lot of interest with word of a secret project within Microsoft that is a new take on the Tablet PC. Code-named Courier, the gadget is a dual-screen gizmo in a book form that works with both pen and touch. This isn’t surprising, given the Windows 7 focus on pen and touch. What is surprising is how far along in the concept stage the Courier appears to be.
What the folks at Giz uncovered looks to be a video showing off the Courier as a lifestyle gadget. This could be legitimate, as we recall that is how the ill-fated Origami product line surfaced on the web. The Courier certainly looks compelling, although as shown might be awfully heavy to carry around. It looks like it’s an inch thick, too, and that would have to change for a consumer project.
It is great to see Microsoft hasn’t given up on the Tablet PC category. Those of us who are familiar with the technology realize the potential, but we’re the only ones. The Courier could change that if it becomes a real product. Stranger things have happened, right? Be sure to check out the Giz video — it’s pretty cool.
For those who have been following the tablet scene for a while it seems familiar. If you need a hint check out Ken Hinckley’s blog post from October 1, 2008 http://community.research.microsoft.com/blogs/alpineinker/archive/2008/10/01/microsoft-research-codex.aspx. Ken talks about and shows off in pictures his “Codex” made from 2 OQO model 2 PCs and running a customized interface based on InkSiene. I loved this from the moment I first read about it and even considered creating my own primitive version using 2 TC1100’s.
Does this remind anyone of the Inkseine video done awhile back with 2 OQO2’s hooked up in a case?
You guys rock! This is very similar and I’ll write this up later. Thanks!
cybertactix and Jeff FTW! I had some nagging idea that I had seen this before and you both reminded me where!