OK, they’ve got the XBox. But don’t go trying to sell me on a Zune. Still, it’s clear that Microsoft is being forced to innovate again. With Google‘s bid to permanently own “the cloud” (more on that later), the House of Gates is losing their monopoly on the business software market. But Google’s online apps are lacking in some essential features and have utterly unappealing graphic interfaces. On the other hand, does anyone get inspired by Word? Nope, inspiration is Apple‘s gig. That is, until now.

Check out this incredible looking “late prototype” of a notebook tablet that Microsoft is hoping to get to market soon. It’s called Courier, and it is, as Darth Vader might say, impressive.

Now imagine this was an Apple product with audio file possibilities. Higher-than-MP3 quality sound; maybe a streaming app like Spotify for cloud music access; added value files. . . we could be witnessing the rebirth of the gatefold album! Something you can roll your weed in while tripping out on those Roger Dean covers! (throw a Kindle-like reader in there, and I’m sold.)

Will Apple go tablet, as previously rumored? I kind of hope so. But until then, Microsoft is looking a little less lame.

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About the author

Casey Rae-Hunter
Casey Rae-Hunter is a musician, public policy wonk and the editor/publisher of The Contrarian Media. An in-demand speaker, he gives frequent talks at conferences and campuses on issues at the intersection of creativity, technology, policy and law, and is a go-to source for major media outlets from NPR to the New York Times. Casey works alongside leaders in the music, arts and performance sectors to bolster understanding of and engagement in key policy and technology issues, and has written dozens of articles on the impact of technology on the creative community. Casey is an adjunct professor at Georgetown University and the Deputy Director for Future of Music Coalition. He also serves on the Board of Directors of the Media & Democracy Coalition and the National Alliance for Media Arts and Culture. The Contrarian does not necessarily represent the views of the organizations to which he belongs.

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7 Comments for Microsoft Creates Cool Gadget; Hell Still Warm-ish

Nicholas Farrell

I, too, am a bit shocked at this. Microsoft, well done-ish. Have been fighting the Kindle/eBook reader push and hedging out for the Apple device next year. Hopefully, the Redmond company’s device will push Cupertino along a bit. Nice piece.

Russell W

If you’re going to count vaporware as an accomplishment then you have to give Apple credit for coming up with this concept in 1987. I present to you, the Knowledge Navigator: http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-5144094928842683632

Casey Rae-Hunter

Russell, I don’t know how you do it, but you always find the best of teh internets.

Russell W

Teh Internets do provide

Chris Parizo

Teh geekz shall internetz teh Earf!

EM

Teh geekz shall internetz teh Earf!