Microsoft who are currently struggling in the consumer and mobile phone markets has canned plans to launch a two-screen, touch-sensing pad similar to Apple’s iPad.
The device known as Courier was seen by many as a “knee jerk” device rolled out by Microsoft in an effort to muddy the waters around the launch of the Apple iPad.
The Courier that was never formally announced by Microsoft was often talked about by Microsoft executives.
Frank Shaw, vice president of communications at Microsoft said yesterday “At any given time, across any of our business groups, there are new ideas being investigated, tested, and incubated. It’s in Microsoft’s DNA to continually develop and incubate new technologies to foster productivity and creativity. The “Courier” project is an example of this type of effort and its technologies will be evaluated for use in future Microsoft offerings.”
Microsoft does have other irons in the fire when it comes to table computers, with CEO Steve Ballmer in January showing off a new “slate-style” PC built by HP and due for release later this year.
Mr. Shaw declined to discuss Microsoft’s reasons for the decision. News of Microsoft move was reported earlier by the Gizmodo technology blog, which also originally posted the images of the Courier prototype last year.
