Microsoft Courier: A Feature Breakdown

More details have emerged about Microsoft Courier, Redmond's rumored tablet project. Gadget blog Gizmodo has uncovered a set of illustrations that make it clearer how you would operate the device, and what its mains functions would be. On paper, Courier looks like it would be an innovative device, with some killer features.

Unlike Apple's rumored tablet, which is assumed to be primarily an entertainment device, Courier's main function will be as a day planner/notebook that allows you to keep track of appointments, to-do lists, and contacts. In addition, Courier is believed to have significant flexibility allowing you to create original drawings and sketches using an application like Microsoft Paint. You will also be able to take notes, snap photos, browse the Web, and clip photos and text from Web pages. Courier may even function as an e-reader, although Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer has said the company is not interested in producing an e-reader.

Courier's Rumored SpecsBased on what has already been reported, the rumored Courier tablet would have two 7-inch color screens, with a flexible hinge in the middle allowing the device to close like a book. The hinge would also have a home button, as well as indicators for wireless signal and battery strength. The two screens can accept handwriting from a stylus or multi-touch inputs from your fingers. Courier would not have any type of keyboard, and rely entirely on handwriting recognition for text input. Courier would also include Wi-Fi connectivity, and a camera on the back of the device. There's no word on whether Courier would include extras like a Webcam for video conferencing or 3G connectivity.

Infinite Journal

At the core of Courier's functionality would be the Infinite Journal, which is exactly what it sounds like: limitless virtual pages where you can take notes, sketch, and store Web clippings. Gizmodo says the Infinite Journal would have page numbers for easier reference, and every page receives a timestamp and a location tag once content has been entered. It's not clear whether the Infinite Journal's location tag would come from automatic geotagging through GPS or wireless access points, or whether it's just a matter of manually entering your location for each page. You can also mark Infinite Journal pages with keyword tags to make it easier to search for content.

Smart Agenda

The Smart Agenda would essentially be a condensed version of your Infinite Journal pulling together day-to-day information for easy reference including e-mails, to-do lists, appointments, and recent messages. Clicking on any of these items in the Smart Agenda would take you to the page where these items are stored in your Infinite Journal.

The Cloud

Microsoft is all about the cloud these days, with company executives constantly referring to Microsoft's three-screen vision (personal computer, mobile device, and television all syncing or pulling information from an online database). Courier is no exception, as it offers a function that allows you to share portions of your journal with colleagues and friends online. When your content appears online, the people you share your journal with will be able to make notes and comments about your content. Once the comments have been entered, they are automatically updated on your Courier device so you can see what your collaborators are saying.

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