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Monday, April 16, 2012

Microsoft playing active role in ultrabook development?

The software company is reportedly spending time with ultrabook vendors to ensure that the designs of those devices will work well with touch-enabled Windows 8 environments.
Mooly Eden, head of Intel's PC unit, shows off an ultrabook with a transparent touchscreen this year.
Mooly Eden, head of Intel's PC unit, shows off an ultrabook with 
a transparent touchscreen last year.
(Credit: James Martin/CNET)
Microsoft might only be a software vendor, but the company is playing an active role in hardware, according to a new report.
Digitimes is reporting today, citing sources, that Microsoft is "actively involved" in ultrabook product designs. The reason the company is so involved revolves around Windows 8's touch-enabled features. When displays are touched in traditional clamshell notebooks, the screens will shake and move a bit, making it difficult to handle tasks. Microsoft has now placed more stringent specifications on vendors, according to Digitimes' sources, to ensure that the touch screens will deliver a more reliable experience.
The combination of ultrabooks and touch screens is something many vendors believe could be a key ingredient in the form factor's success. Last November, Intel CEO Paul Otellini, whose company developed the ultrabook specification, said that touch-based options will become increasingly important as the devices try to compete against traditional notebooks and Apple's own iPad.