Microsoft Courier: Photos of the leaked interface

(Credit: Gizmodo)

We've seen slides and videos of Microsoft's Courier dual-screen booklet in action, but nothing has quite explained how all of these things actually work. This document explains Courier's interface, gestures, and features more in-depth than ever before.

Courier user interface in-depth -- photos

This story originally appeared on Gizmodo.

[Gold_Storm_Mac]

it looks like this could be a very good product. useful for students, journalists, artists. hopefully it wont run windows :)

[Vegaman_Dan]

Don't worry, you can always violate Apple's EULA and reload it with OS X if you want, I'm sure.

It won't do what you want it to in order to make use of the features, but at least you'll be happy.

[MrZook]

an abbreviated version of win7 most likely. probably like android where it isn't designed to connect to extra peripherals, just a core hardware set.

[wavjockey]

@G_S_M
Gee, why would Microsoft want to use their own software on hardware they built?

[arbrackin]

looks nice but think it looks better in pictures like many windows products.

[hongcho]

@Gold_Storm_Mac It is currently supposedly running Windows 7 underneath.

[kormiko]

Ohhh ... it says Finger FLICK.

I though Microsoft was heading in a new direction.

;)

[eltoro2827]

Looks awesome.

[Fire Balls]

I would love to own one of these.

[rwm72]

This looks great with a funky and potentially innovative UI. However, I need to ask, is this a real product with a working prototype? Or a proof of concept? Is it a product that has a release date roadmap of some sort, or is it just pretty vaporware?
Sorry to sound sceptical, because I would love to see it and test it, but I have to wonder if it's just a cool "hey look what we can do" concept. I hope it's real and comes out next year at the latest, otherwise it just feels like a hyped up vaporware distraction to deflect attention away from ebooks entering the market, and Apple's long rumoured tablet, which is also just vaporware until it is released to market. But Apple haven't been releasing teasers getting everyone into a lather.
It's a great distraction to get people to hold off buying a competitor's product and an old MS business tactic... but it's no good if you are waiting forever, if it ever comes at all, or works as promised.

[JonathanOst]

From what I've read on it, there is a working prototype and its due out early to mid 2010. I think if Apple was ready to release a tablet beforethe end of 2010, they would have at least hinted at it during their display of new iPod hardware.

I'll probably get one because I have been looking for a tablet in this sort of form and the iPod Touch/iPhone is too small to function as a note pad. It's a great concept, I just hope they don't mess up the OS and keep it simple.

[Slick1of2]

If students are going to use this, I think it really needs to have the ability to sit up like a laptop. Most of us can type faster than we can write. I prefer typing because I'm faster at it and it's neater. It would also be nice if it can fold in half, because isn't that what we all do to our paper notebooks? Otherwise the interface looks nice. We just need to see the guts and a price estimate now. Any guesses?

[Dowap0]

More vaporware from MS

[CrashPad63]

Got you jealous didnt it? Who knows? It may be real then again it might not. Maybe it was an intentional leak maybe not. This press and the resulting yammering by the majority that likes it is all good for MS. Cant buy hits like this.

[Ebraheem]

It looks great in concept. It would be especially useful for students. But I am wondering about few things..
First, the connectivity options. I'm sure it will have Wifi, but will it have built-in 3G (or 4G) support? That would make it much more useful.
Second, the price, and if it will be subsidized by a telco (only if it has 3G/4G). A price of around $350-$450 sounds acceptable for me, or $150-$200 with a 2-year contract. It could even compete with Kindle/Nook (despite the much lower battery life) at such price range.

However, I have to say slightly skeptical, Microsoft often turns great concepts into mediocre products.

Off-topic, is that a Macbook on the fourth photo?

[iSlate101]

Sorry Microsoft but the Apple iSlate wins this round. www.islate.org

[CrashPad63]

Lmfao, What round??? You having a rather buggy blog site? What a tool you are.