Microsoft Courier was a mock-up only…
I said I had my doubts about this device some time ago when writing for Touch Reviews :
If, and this is a big if. But if Microsoft can produce this device so that it looks as good as the pictures we have seen to date. And if the User Interface has the functionality detailed in those concept videos, then the Courier is going to be truly remarkable. And I will camp outside a store or travel half way round the world to buy one on day one. And I’ll want to develop for it too.I am not convinced that this device will be all that the videos and pictures promise. It just seems too good to be true. But if it is then I think we could see a massive shift in power in the mobile market place.
Official word from Microsoft :
At any given time, across any of our business groups, there are new ideas being investigated, tested, and incubated. It’s in Microsoft’s DNA to continually develop and incubate new technologies to foster productivity and creativity. The “Courier” project is an example of this type of effort and its technologies will be evaluated for use in future Microsoft offerings, but we have no plans to build such a device at this time.
What blows my mind, but doesn’t surprise me particularly, is that Microsoft would kill a device which is eminently possible, extremely well received as a concept, and potentially quite successful.
If Microsoft were a relative I would stage an intervention and force them to get help because I am worried that they are into self-harm.