Microsoft has relaxed the rules about the screen specs required to obtain a “Designed for Windows 8” logo. The change is thought to be a sign that Windows 8 devices are about to arrive with mini sized screens (and prices?) to compete head on with the likes of the Google Nexus 7, Amazon Kindle Fire and Apple iPad mini. However one of the headline multitasking features of the currently shipping version of Windows 8, snapping, won’t work at this lower res.
Ed Bott of ZDNet uncovered the changes in Microsoft’s logo certification policy. He thought that while the changes are already applicable, manufacturers will probably wait until after Windows Blue appears before making such devices.
Here’s the section of the logo certification policy mentioning the changes:
“We're changing the System.Client.Tablet.Graphics.MinimumResolution requirement to create a consistent minimum resolution of 1024 x 768 at a depth of 32 bits across all Windows 8 system form factors. The physical dimensions of the display panel must still match the aspect ratio of the native resolution. This doesn't imply that 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.”
Since the lower resolution will disable snapping (split screen multi-tasking) behaviour in the current version of Windows 8, OEMs who make such devices will have to “provide appropriate, clear, and conspicuous disclaimers” to customers on the packaging, making it clear that snapping isn’t available. Any screen of a resolution below 1366 x 768 doesn’t support snap with the current version of Windows 8.
We learned last weekend that a new 50/50 snap option is coming with the Windows Blue update to supplement the 75/25 option already in the OS. Perhaps this will provide some degree of multitasking ability to the new smaller screened Windows 8 devices.
The ZDNet report also suggests that a Microsoft Surface branded e-Reader may be on the way and this new screen resolution could help that get certification. Microsoft hasn’t as yet commented upon Mr Bott’s report.
