Windows 8 Tablets with 720p Cameras, 10GB of Free Memory

Windows 8 tablet PCs will have to arrive on shelves with a minimum set of components, the newly published hardware requirement documentation for Windows 8 logo certification shows. 

With such requirements in place, Microsoft wants to make sure that upcoming devices will not lag in performance, and that users will have the experience intended. 

This is not something new for Microsoft, as the company adopted a similar approach with Windows Phone (some suggest that these limitations might have prevented the OS from taking off).

For example, these tablet PCs will have to pack a minimum of 10GB of internal memory after the initial setup process completes and all things are up and running. 

Moreover, Microsoft imposes that there will be a 720p-capable camera packed with these devices. Tablets will also have to pack Magnetometer, Gyroscope, Accelerometer (3 axes w/ data rates >= 50Hz), and Ambient Light Sensor (1-30k lux capable w/ dynamic range of 5-60K).

When it comes to graphics, Direct3D 10 device w/ WDDM 1.2 driver is a requirement. The screen will have to deliver a minimum 1366 × 768 pixels resolution and will have to support at least 5 touch points. 

Windows 8 tablet PCs will also have to have WLAN and Bluetooth 4.0 + LE (low energy) connectivity packed inside, as well as NFC (Near Field Communication) and USB 2.0. Speakers will also be part of the mix, as well as the UEFI system firmware.

On x86-compatible Windows 8 PCs, Microsoft imposes a two seconds resume feature to be implemented. Since ARM is new to the Windows space, it makes sense in a way for Microsoft not to impose such strict requirements for tablet PCs powered by it. 

Another new feature that Windows 8 will come with on tablet PCs is the option to press Windows Key + Power instead of the Ctrl+Alt+Del sequence. The on-screen keyboard will remain an option as well, WithinWindows notes. 

Another important feature that Windows 8 users will enjoy is the support for no-reboot upgrade of graphic card drivers. There will be no more XDDM drivers in Windows 8, but only WDDM drivers, which make the feature possible.

Posted in: Hardware, News, Preview, Tablet