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‘Courier’ Stories

Four Microsoft Courier alternatives for Android

, Mar 30th 2012 Discuss [0]

This week we’re hearing quite a bit about a couple of applications for iPad, one of which was created by the folks who were once going to bring you the Microsoft Courier – but what about Android? As it turns out, these two applications for iPad, Tapose and Paper don’t currently have one whole heck of a lot of choice when it comes to such sleekness as Paper. That said, there are four apps out there at least that will bring you drawing power for the time being – with updates to each on the way soon, of course.

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Bill Gates stuck knife in Courier tablet tip insiders

, Nov 1st 2011 Discuss [14]

Microsoft’s Courier project died in no small part because Bill Gates feared it would cost the company in Outlook sales, despite the content-creation device being only months from a potential launch. According to new leaks about the dual-screen tablet, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer called company founder Gates in to meet with the Windows 8 and Courier teams, to help decide which of the two competing tablet strategies would be pursued. Gates, always a fan of anything that supported Microsot’s Exchange/Windows app ecosystem, grew wary of Courier project lead J Allard’s apparent unconcern with the status quo, CNET reports, and recommended to Ballmer that Windows 8 form the centerpiece of the tablet drive.

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A Real Tablet has a Stylus

, Jan 17th 2011 Discuss [24]

2011 may be the year of the tablet, but as a segment it’s still painfully immature. Our hands-on with ASUS’ Eee Slate EP121 last week triggered the usual arguments, dismissing the 12.1-inch tablet out of hand because of its perceived “old” technology. Admittedly, there are plenty of points where the EP121 could fall short: ASUS reckon users will see up to 8hrs runtime, which seems hopelessly ambitious for a relatively slimline slate with a Core i5 processor, and the display was frustratingly glossy. Still, the dual-mode hybrid touchscreen is its crowning glory for those who understand that there’s more to a stylus than most – Steve Jobs included – would have you believe.

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Microsoft page-curl Courier patent application seems far-fetched

, Jul 9th 2010 Discuss [0]

Sometimes we wonder whether companies file patent applications just to push their luck and see what they can get approved; how else can you explain Microsoft's attempt to patent page-curl screen transitions?  The new application - filed all the way back in January 2009 - describes a very iBooks-like system whereby dragging your finger across a page of text on-screen lifts the virtual page and previews the content underneath. According to the description, Microsoft were trying to replicate the real paper experience: the lifted page would have increased transparency, showing signs of the text on its reverse, while flipping repeatedly would quickly whip through two or more pages.  It's speculated that the project was part of Microsoft's Courier research, and could've been used as part of their digital notebook. Read The Full Story

Microsoft Courier Patent Acceptance Opens Old Wounds

, Jun 30th 2010 Discuss [0]

The life of the Microsoft Courier over the last few months has been one for the script of a soap opera. From seeing video of what the Courier concept would be, to its terrible cancellation, to some software confusion, the Courier has lived and died in such a roller-coaster fashion that it could be tough for anyone to keep up with. Even when Microsoft execs were being shuffled around (supposedly due to the Courier's axing), the Courier was always the main focus. And today, based on a patent months old, we're reminded all over again about what could have been. Read The Full Story

Microsoft’s J Allard Could be Leaving Over Courier Cancellation

, May 21st 2010 Discuss [0]

There's no doubt in our mind that when Microsoft pulled the plug on the Courier, a lot of people got upset. We know that's probably the case because we're definitely in that pool. It was definitely one of the most attractive and interesting Microsoft concepts to come out in years, but, as Fate would have it, it's just not going to happen. But, you know who was more angry than anyone else? J Allard. Read The Full Story

Fusion Garage’s JooJoo to Get 3G and Unlocked USB in the Coming Months

, Apr 30th 2010 Discuss [1]

The good news just keeps on coming for the JooJoo. It's about time, too, considering early reviews aren't necessarily the brightest. And, while Fusion Garage's CEO, Chandra Rathakrishnan says that new software, along with a European launch, are on the way, this new bit of news from the company's head is definitely a little bit more worthwhile. Read The Full Story

Courier is dead, long live Courier?

, Apr 30th 2010 Discuss [1]

Ah, Courier, we hardly knew you. “We have no plans” Microsoft say “to build such a device at this time.” Now, perhaps it’s my tablet-addled, ever-hopeful mind, but that doesn’t sound quite the same thing as “you won’t see a Courier-style device.” In fact, you could easily interpret it as a carefully worded workaround: we’re not going to build a Microsoft Courier, the company says, but other firms might. After all, they’ve already mention that “its technologies will be evaluated for use in future Microsoft offerings.”

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The Daily Slash: April 29th 2010

, Apr 29th 2010 Discuss [0]

Today, for all intents and purposes, was a big day. Maybe not as big as yesterday, but it's pretty close. Especially if you consider the two cancellations, with the HP Slate getting tossed to the side, along with Microsoft's Courier digital journal. A sad day for the tablet market, indeed. But, we move on, forward unto . . . Well, whatever it is you're heading into. Either way, welcome to the Thursday edition of the Daily Slash. In the Best of R3, we've got the LG Aloha getting a name change, iAd takes a steep turn in the price bracket, and Palm may be ready to face a class-action lawsuit. And then in the Dredge 'Net, looks like Valve finally hit a release date for Steam on the Mac, the app thing gets out of hand, and Verizon gets a new netbook. Read The Full Story