New Windows 8 Hardware Specs Suggest Microsoft Shift To Smaller, Cheaper Tablets

Microsoft has recently lowered the logo requirements for any new Windows 8 devices, to let its partners build Windows 8 running devices with a bit lower resolutions.

Windows8

This move to lower the resolution requirements suggests that Microsoft is looking forward to jumping right into the smaller and cheaper tablet market; to compete against popular tablets like, Nexus 7, iPad Mini and Kindle Fire HD.

The company’s updated certification rules now allow for devices with screen resolutions of 1024 x 768 pixels, at a depth of 32 bits. Microsoft however, warned developers that the change doesn’t mean they now have a green light to build hardware with low-resolution displays.

This doesn’t imply we’re encouraging partners to regularly use a lower screen resolution. In fact, we see customers embracing the higher resolution screens that make a great Windows experience. We understand that partners exploring designs for certain markets could find greater design flexibility helpful.” – states Microsoft.

It is not just a coincidence that Microsoft’s newly suggested resolution allows hardware manufacturers to make Windows 8 devices that match the iPad Mini’s display –  that sports a 7.9″ display with the same 1024 x 768p resolutions.

However, Windows 8 devices that sport Microsoft’s newly suggested resolutions will no longer have the “Snap” feature, which allows users to browse through two Windows Store applications side by side. Microsoft wants its partners to disclose this drawback of lower resolution to customers before, to avoid any customer disappointment.

Meanwhile, Microsoft is considering lowering its tablet resolutions to compete with other tablets in the market. Other companies are planning to improve their resolutions with reports about the second-gen iPad Mini sporting a retina-display, and the second-gen Nexus 7 also sporting a full HD 1080p display.

What do you think about Microsoft’s new requirements? Do you think Microsoft will also release a 7″ or 8″ surface tablet to try its luck in the smaller and inexpensive tablet market?