Introduced at CeBIT, the new mobile PC form factor, formerly codenamed ‘Origami,’ provides full Windows functionality with an enhanced touchscreen, pen and keyboard input.
Microsoft has officially unveiled details for Ultra-Mobile Personal Computers (UMPCs), a new category of mobile computing devices that features small, lightweight, carry-everywhere hardware designs coupled with the full functionality of a Microsoft Windows-based PC and a choice of input options, including enhanced touchscreen capabilities.
The debut of UMPCs at CeBIT, the world’s largest trade fair showcasing digital IT and telecommunications solutions, follows Microsoft Chairman and Chief Software Architect Bill Gates’ call in 2005 for the computer industry to develop a new category of PCs that are less expensive, lighter and more functional.
Samsung and
ASUS are already showing off the hardware.
UMPCs are a new category of mobile PCs designed to support our increasing mobile lifestyles. They support mobile-tuned user interface features such as touch, pen and dedicated buttons as well as keyboards for convenient access to Windows-based applications on-the-go. The extremely mobile nature of these devices, together with the richness of Windows PC technology, combine to create a powerful platform for mobile communications, entertainment, gaming and new scenarios such as location-based services as well.
The ‘Origami’ project is really Microsoft’s first step toward achieving a big vision. It believes that UMPCs will eventually become as indispensable and ubiquitous as mobile phones are today. The company is working toward that goal with a sequence of advances in hardware and software. Its next step along the roadmap will take place in the Windows Vista release timeframe. But today’s UMPCs are pitched as a great choice for all those situations when you’re on the go, but need to keep informed, entertained and connected via the full functionality of a Windows PC.
UMPCs combine the power of the Microsoft Windows XP Tablet PC Edition operating system and other innovative new technologies from Microsoft and its partners, making them more mobile and simpler to use than previous mobile computers. For example, the new, pre-installed Microsoft Touch Pack for Windows XP software optimises the touchscreen user interface for UMPCs to simplify navigation and ease-of-use while on the go. The Touch Pack’s customisable Program Launcher organises software programs into categories, and uses large buttons and icons to make it easy to find and open your favourite applications.
The Touch Pack also includes a thumb-based, on-screen keyboard that’s touch-optimised for easy text input. It also helps improve a user’s portable media experience with the inclusion of the new Brilliant Black for Windows Media Player skin. Touch Pack software also helps keep you entertained with the introduction of Microsoft Sudoku, a highly entertaining touch and ink enabled game. While the first generation of UMPCs will run Windows XP Tablet PC Edition 2005, future models will run on Windows Vista.
Although hardware designs will vary by manufacturer, UMPCs will all feature small, lightweight designs that are optimised for mobility and ease of input. According to current baseline physical specifications, Windows-based UMPC devices will weigh less than 2 pounds (900g), with a 7-inch (17.8cm) screen size that offers the user a choice of text input methods. The touch-enhanced display can be used as an on-screen QWERTY keyboard (called dial keys) to navigate, or you can employ a stylus to input handwritten information.
You can also input content with a traditional keyboard, linked either by USB port or wireless Bluetooth connectivity. UMPC devices will have a battery life of two and a half hours or more, and feature 30- to 60GB hard disk drive for storage, with Intel Celeron M, Intel Pentium M or VIA C7-M processors. Some devices may include additional built-in features such as GPS, Web camera, fingerprint reader, digital TV tuners, and compact flash and SD card readers. UMPCs can be connected through Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and Ethernet networks. Some UMPCs will be able to connect via wide-area networking.
Microsoft says it researched the development of highly mobile, small form-factor PCs for a number of years because they are so well suited to addressing the evolving needs of consumers, whose lives are increasingly mobile. It says it began this work over a decade ago with some of the pioneering Windows CE efforts. As people use PCs to stay in touch, work together, manage music, store pictures and build customer relationships, they need the freedom and flexibility that smaller, more lightweight PC designs such as the UMPC offer. Increasingly, people need to perform these activities from wherever they are, and more and more, these locations extend beyond work and home.
Additionally, the enhanced functionality and mobility of the UMPC category is made possible by specific technology advances in both hardware and software. Microsoft developed the concept for this type of UMPC based on its own research, combined with key new developments by industry partners. These developments include new low-power, high-performance processors, extended battery life and enhancements to Tablet PC software such as the Touch Pack interface tools.
While Microsoft will continue to provide leadership in the development of this category, the creation and continued evolution of UMPCs will happen through a broad collaboration between Microsoft, Intel and a wide range of OEMs, ODMs, IHVs and ISVs.
A UMPC is smaller, lighter and far more portable than most other fully-functional PCs. UMPCs are also the first to feature our Windows Touch Pack software that optimises the touchscreen user interface for smaller form factors to simplify navigation and ease-of-use while on the go. It can be used in a handheld mode of operation rather than on a desk top, and can be used in places and situations where latops can’t. It also has a more flexible set of interaction and input methods, including a touchscreen, stylus and hardware controls.
A UMPC can easily be synchronised with a non-mobile, larger, primary PC at home or work, making it easy to take music, movies, photos, and Office documents on the go. The UMPC is also different from other small Windows XP-based PCs like the OQO and the Fujitsu LifeBook P1500D, which are designed for enterprise environments.
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