Intel Formally Updates Ultrabook Specification
Following in the footsteps of the launch of Intel’s 4th Generation Core processors is an updated specification for Intel Ultrabook devices that will require manufacturers to include a touchscreen display (as was rumored in April) and meet a variety of performance and battery life benchmarks to receive subsidies and supply chain assistance.
The baseline requirements include six hours of HD video playback, nine hours of idle time in Windows 8, under three seconds wake time, and a thinness of up to 23 mm. Intel has also recommended that this generation of Ultrabooks offer up to 11 percent better CPU performance at 25 percent lower power, have up to 40 percent better graphics performance than its predecessors, as well as integrate additional features such as facial recognition and voice control.
Hey, they gotta "raise the bar". Gotta admit though, touch screen is slightly less annoying than a track pad if you really don't have space for a mouse and it is not like ultra books were ever a budget item.
Fingerprints on a display I use for work or reading bug the heck out of me and speaking to a computer is nowhere near as fast and accurate as keyboard+mouse... but it may be slightly better than on-screen keyboards for tablets - at least for people who do not feel icky about talking to computers.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v9kTVZiJ3Uc