Even before world’s first dual screen tablet could see the light of the day, it has been killed. Yes, I am talking about Courier, which was supposed to be a revolutionary new product from software giant Microsoft. Steve Ballmer, CEO of Microsoft issued a one liner to all those working on tablet Courier that it would no longer be supported by Microsoft though it is a fact that end consumer never got to see the amazing project, the concept of which was in itself revolutionary.
No plans to introduce it as of now
The news is surprising to say the least and there has been no clarification or reason coming out from inside sources of the company. Developer of Windows and communications VP Frank Shaw has been quoted as saying that tablet Courier, though it was a project of Microsoft, no longer is under way as the project has been shelved and there are no programs to revive the project in the near future. Though he did not deny if this dual screen tablet would ever be made by the company, he categorically said that the company definitely does not have any plans to introduce tablet Courier to the public as a gadget as of now.
Aimed at pros and students
Microsoft was aiming tablet Courier as a device for professionals and students needing two screens at the same time though it would have been heavily demanded by home users as well. This is because it was being equipped with all the latest features such as e-Book reader and media player along with cameras. The device was proposed to have multi input methods including a stylus as well as finger touch with full touch screens.
Fear of competition?
Though there is no doubt the unique dual screen design of tablet Courier would have evoked a lot of interest, it would have faced stiff competition from iPad 2 that has already created records of sale inside the country with nearly half a million pieces sold in the first 10days and surely having sold more than a million by now. There has been no confirmation of competition from other tablets as a possible reason of shut down of the project.
