Microsoft Courier Will Run Windows 7

Sources have told Mary Jo Foley at ZDNet that the Courier dual-screen tablet will run Windows 7, Microsoft's latest operating system. However, standard Windows 7 applications will not run on Courier.

Applications will be specifically tailored to take advantage of the touch-screen capabilities and unique display configuration of Courier. This way Microsoft can insure that the user experience on Courier is optimized for the hardware.

Microsoft has no official comment, however their prototype device Microsoft Surface reportedly runs Windows Vista. Windows 7 is touch-enabled for compatible applications and hardware.

Foley writes that although Courier is defined as an "incubation" project Microsoft intends to deliver the device to market by the middle of 2010.

Courier is a folding book with two seven-inch glass screens. The device uses multi-touch fingertip gestures and a stylus for input.