Hardware innovation in Windows 8

Hardware innovation is broad in Windows 8, and there are a few key areas where Microsoft
has worked extensively with its partners. The following sections describe some of the things
you and your users will notice quickly about PCs built for Windows 8—either at work or at a
retail store.

Touch
Touch is clearly front-and-center for Microsoft. For example, the company is requiring 
that touch displays support a minimum of five fingers, and it is working with its partners to
deliver touch-optimized devices. To ensure a great user experience with touch, Microsoft has
done extensive research into:

•   The response times required for touch.
•   The sensitivity and precision required of a digitizer.
•   The user experience of a flush bezel.

These requirements are enforced with the Windows 8 Hardware Certification   Requirements.
You can learn more about these requirements on the “Windows Hardware Certification” page
at http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/hardware/gg463010.aspx.

Long battery life
One of the key design tenets of Windows 8 is to enable long battery life. With Windows 8, a
new class of ultrathin PCs and tablets can turn on instantly, can run all day on a single charge,
and stay connected to the Internet—so users’ PCs are ready when they’re ready.

Thinner, lighter, faster
As you have seen with today’s ultrabooks, PCs are already thinner and lighter than ever. This
will only continue with Windows 8. There will be thin and light tablets and ultra-portables
that start and run faster than today’s PCs. Even installing Windows 8 on an existing PC will
improve its performance because of the improvements we’ve made in the core operating
system.

Sensors and security
With Windows 8, Microsoft will enable developers to take advantage of hardware innovation
such as:

•    Low-power Bluetooth
•    GPS
•    Gyroscopes
•    Accelerometer

You’ll also be able to take advantage of security hardware technologies like Trusted
 Platform Module (TPM) and Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) boot.

New form factors
Microsoft believes that users should have a choice. To that end, PCs will come in a variety of
form factors, from tablets to convertibles to ultra-portables to all-in-one PCs. One day, you
might even see designs that you would not have thought possible. Together with its OEM
partners, Microsoft will provide great devices for every work style:

•   Devices for executives that are innovative, portable, powerful.
•   Devices optimized for enterprise knowledge workers and everyday business tasks.
•   Devices that are specialized and unique for specific tasks.
•   Industrial devices like ruggedized machines in oil rigs and manufacturing lines.
•   Varieties of companion devices that present new and fun possibilities.

Devices for Windows 8 are about choices, because Microsoft believes the device has to fit
the job. Microsoft and its ecosystem are committed to providing choices to our customers