Microsoft Courier

Microsoft Courier is the codename for the rumoured upcoming Booklet PC from Microsoft. The unit will contain two multi-touch screens that face each other in a book form factor, and will utilize a stylus and finger touch for input. The device is hinged like a book, with the seven-inch screens facing each other when the "book" is closed. A 3-megapixel digital camera with 4x zoom is integrated into the prototype system, and the final model may contain an inductive charging pad for charging batteries wirelessly. Reports have indicated that the system was largely developed outside of the normal development channels and existence of the project was only known by a few key engineers. The project may be a successor of Codex and InkSeine, to two earlier Microsoft Research efforts. The tablet is one of many prototypes, but the device is not near production.

Microsoft has given no official indication when (or if) the unit will be available for purchase, or how much it will cost, though there have been some reports that the delivery goal is "mid-2010". Microsoft currently classifies the project as in "incubation", which is further along than a "research" project but is not yet in the commercial pipeline. Microsoft is currently enhancing the user experience by giving demonstrations to and enlisting help from outside agencies, similar to the development cycles of the Xbox and Xbox 360. Microsoft is also considering using the Xbox manufacturing model where Microsoft manufactures the physical system instead of relying on OEM partners, which is expected to streamline the time to market.

Physical design== File:Http://cache.gawker.com/assets/images/gizmodo/2009/09/courier8.jpg== The tablet is reported to have two seven inch screens with a flexible hinge to allow closure like a book. The outside of the hinge contains wireless signal and battery strength indicators, and a home button to interact with the system while the booklet is closed. Courier will rely entirely on touch input and handwriting recognition, as no external keyboard will be available.

Usage

The systems main purpose will be to function as a personal notebook and day planner to track contacts, tasks, and appointments. Courier will include applications such as Microsoft Paint and notepad to help users create and organize original content, as well as web and photo browsers, email applications, and possibly an e-reader.

Core operating system

The core operating system of the Courier is reportedly a specialized version of Windows 7, however the Courier will not allow installation of native Windows applications onto the system. All Courier applications will have to be designed specifically for the Courier's booklet form factor.

Infinite Journal

The primary interface of the Courier will be the Infinite Journal, an electronic journal with an unlimited number of pages upon which users may take notes, drag photos, sketch drawings, and store "web clippings". Each page is stamped with the current time and location when each page was entered. The mechanism for the location geotagging function may come through an internal GPS, geolocation through IP connectivity through wireless access pointes, or through manual entry. Users may also highlight an infinite number of keywords to tag and index for future searching. The journal (in whole or in part) can be published online in several formats, including PDF and Microsoft PowerPoint documents.

The Infinite Journal concept reportedly originated from a desire to build Microsoft OneNote from scratch with the dual-screen booklet form factor in mind. This idea spawned from the popularity of the Franklin Covey planner products, which utilize the booklet design.

Smart Agenda

The "Smart Agenda" is a condensed summary of the Infinite Journal, in which hyperlinked content will bring the user to the appropriate pages of the Infinite Journal. The smart agenda will coordinate daily activities, appointments, and tasks, as well as coordinate email and messaging.

Clip, Tuck, and Paste

An innovative feature of the Microsoft Courier will be users' ability to "clip" content from web sites or emails, "tuck" the clipping underneath the physical hinge of the journal, and then flip the virtual pages until it is pasted into the appropriate page. This differs from a traditional clipboard, in which copied items are not visible while on the clipboard, and are usually manipulated one at a time.

Stylus

The Courier stylus will operate in several different modes, allowing users to easily toggle between writing, painting, and sketching. Additionally, the physical stylus will be able to access some new editing functions. It will contain two quick access buttons; one will switch between a writing pen and a marker style input, the other will serve as a quick "undo" function. Twisting the stylus will engage Courier's drawing functionality, and flipping the stylus over (like a pencil) will cause the stylus to erase content on the virtual page.