Apple execs can breathe a little easier as one more potential competitor bites the dust. Gizmodo is reporting that Microsoft’s Courier tablet has stopped development. No specifics were given on why the tablet will never see the light of day.
Microsoft Corporate VP of Communications Frank Shaw told Gizmodo, “At any given time, we’re looking at new ideas, investigating, testing, incubating them. It’s in our DNA to develop new form factors and natural user interfaces to foster productivity and creativity. The Courier project is an example of this type of effort. It will be evaluated for use in future offerings, but we have no plans to build such a device at this time.”
The news is unfortunate for Microsoft fans, but not altogether unexpected. Despite numerous leaks from as far back as last fall, Microsoft never officially announced the tablet. Then, in January during his keynote speech at CES, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer announced the HP Slate, but there was no mention of the Courier.
Ironically, the HP Slate may also be delayed as HP concludes its purchase of Palm. It appears that the road to Apple’s total tabletdominance just got a little less crowded.
This is the product Microsoft should develop…Microsoft Method All-in-One http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E1FLyBY-Psofeatures a self-adjusting stand and touch screen that allows for immersive surface, digital draft board, 3D TV, gaming, PC and web experiences.
There is no doubt Apple is the best solution at this moment but, it can be poison someday. Someone should compete them for overall industry health.
I saw the concept video for it. It looked really great. Perhaps it was too ambitious for them to create. Or they felt they were making a PDA when everyone wants an iPad-like media consumption device. I’d love to know why they stopped.
I really thought that dual-screen, book-like display was more than just a gimmick. As an e-reader the use of the book-like display was a no-brainer, but how it would be utilized by the apps was the only thing to think out a bit more because it would be fairly revolutionary. I’m sorry they didn’t have what it took to see this through to market.
…and so another (er ‘the’) Windows competitor capitulates to the Apple.
Why do you guys think its was pulled? It’s like they just gave up and let Apple win the market share.
One of the few things I had hope for out of Redmond.. It’s a real shame.
It’s too bad… :(