There’s a texture to Apple products that you just don’t get from a Windows alternative. It has to do with the marriage between software and hardware, achieving a synergy that continuously eludes Microsoft and co.
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Take the iPad’s capacitive touchscreen as an example: as the gateway that allows you to manipulate its software, it recognises a variety of gestures and is characterised by utter precision. You won’t find this experience listed on a spec sheet because it’s not actually something that can be quantified. However, anyone who has used an Apple product needn’t any further explanation, because you would’ve already experienced it.
On the other hand is Windows, the software engrained in the enterprise market due to its open-source practicality. But no Windows tablet has managed to captivate users in quite the same way because you can always see the seam where Windows software meets tuned hardware, with the two making do with one another’s limited understanding.
Today Microsoft is beginning to make reparations by acquiring Perceptive Pixel, a recognised leader in research, development and the production of large scale multi-touch displays. Perceptive Pixel will be brought in house, and together the two companies will work on improving the touch experience found in Windows products.
“The acquisition of PPI allows us to draw on our complementary strengths, and we’re excited to accelerate this market evolution,” Kurt DelBene, president of Microsoft’s office division, said.
“PPI’s large touch displays, when combined with hardware from our OEMs, will become powerful Windows 8-based PCs and open new possibilities for productivity and collaboration.”
Perceptive Pixel previously worked with Microsoft to develop the world’s largest touchscreen display. The 82″ screen was on display at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona in March. TechRadar reports they also partnered with Microsoft to produce their touch mouse last year.
Microsoft also announced the release date of the touch oriented Windows 8 (October), which will complement the touch savvy Windows Phone 8 and Windows 8 Pro for tablets. With Microsoft’s new appreciation for touch interaction, bringing a multi-touch manufacturer in house was the safe move, allowing them to create products that actually inspire, and not just facilitate, work.
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