Microsoft Courier Demo Leaks

The first video showing the user interface of the Courier tablet was leaked to tech blog Gizmodo this fall. Pioneer Studios, a division within Microsoft Entertainment and Devices, developed the concept. The device is said to be in the late prototype stages and consists of two seven-inch screens that respond to gestures and a hand-held stylus.

As seen in the video clip, Courier features endless screens for handwriting, photo taking and copying excerpts directly from the web dubbed the Infinite Journal. Moving content between different applications is fluid and seamless.

According to Gizmodo, Microsoft may be at a stage in product development where they have begun to show Courier user interface concepts to outside agencies. J Allard, the head of Microsoft's Entertainment and Devices division, is said to be personally spearheading the project.

Courier is a confidential project, and several device prototypes are rumored to exist. The version pictured here has a slick simulated-leather cover with chrome accents and two black glass screens. It's possible the device would charge via inductive pad, requiring no wires.

Unlike the rumored Apple tablet, Courier is more like a traditional day planner in functionality and form factor. No keyboard means the stylus and handwriting recognition would dominate interaction with the device, along with multi-touch finger gestures.

Bill Gates, founder of Microsoft, is said to be a fan of tablet computing. We'll see if his company is gearing up to revolutionize the market with Courier.