Microsoft's Concept All-in-One PC for Windows 8

News
By Marcus Yam
published

This is Microsoft's ideal mainstream PC that will take advantage of what Windows 8 will offer.

Aside from peripherals and game consoles, Microsoft doesn't design hardware – at least not complete PCs. But found in the leaks of Windows 8 is a concept design of an all-in-one PC that Microsoft figures would take advantage of the new OS features.

Notably is the multi-touch screen that's able to resolve at least five different points and the mandatory DirectX GPU for HD video. The all-in-one would also pack things that machines don't have these days, like proximity sensors (for automatic sleep and wake), light sensors (for automatic brightening and dimming).

Check out the full slide below:

(source: MSFTKitchen)

Marcus Yam
Marcus Yam
Marcus Yam served as Tom's Hardware News Director during 2008-2014. He entered tech media in the late 90s and fondly remembers the days when an overclocked Celeron 300A and Voodoo2 SLI comprised a gaming rig with the ultimate street cred.
89 Comments Comment from the forums
  • For the last time, I DONT WANT BLOODY FINGERPRINTS ON MY SCREEN !!!!!
    Reply
  • Jerky_san
    I truthfully don't understand the point of touch stuff? I mean it might be neat to move your pictures and such like they did in the minority report. Does it justify the prices these companies are fetching though for it?
    Reply
  • drwho1
    that looks strangely like a Mac
    Reply
  • xurwin
    moriconFor the last time, I DONT WANT BLOODY FINGERPRINTS ON MY SCREEN !!!!! you and me both!! what if my sister or brother touch the freakin damn thing. there goes your CHA CHING
    Reply
  • matchboxmatt
    Touch obviously isn't meant for the hardcore enthusiasts on this site who would never buy an all-in-one PC to begin with. It's meant for the average consumer who loves Apple touch products.
    Reply
  • back_by_demand
    moriconFor the last time, I DONT WANT BLOODY FINGERPRINTS ON MY SCREEN !!!!!OK, imagination time, try and see a future iteration of the Kinect system used on Xbox used instead for the PC as in input. It detects the 5 points on the tips of your fingers so you dont have to actually touch it, an it allows more realistic manipulation similar to - you guessed it - Minority Report.
    It isn't sci-fi, I have already seen it done on a limited basis with a modified Wii controller and a guy with coloured electrical tape on his fingertips.
    This may not be exactly that but maybe that is the way it is going...
    Reply
  • AndrewMD
    I have actually worked with the technology behind Minority Reports. It is a really awesome technology in which Kinect shares a small subset of its capabilities.

    Having been in the industry since B/W screen (err green) technology is ever evolving to the next big thing. Every mis-step made today, is a accomplishment as to what is to come in the future. (Trial and Error)
    Reply
  • back_by_demandOK, imagination time, try and see a future iteration of the Kinect system used on Xbox used instead for the PC as in input. It detects the 5 points on the tips of your fingers so you dont have to actually touch it, an it allows more realistic manipulation similar to - you guessed it - Minority Report.It isn't sci-fi, I have already seen it done on a limited basis with a modified Wii controller and a guy with coloured electrical tape on his fingertips.This may not be exactly that but maybe that is the way it is going...

    Imagination time over, I will never be wildly waving my fingers where no finger has been waved before, Come on be serious, an office full of people flailing their arms about in front of their screens, Nope, I cant see it!!!

    I still bet you I could do more faster with better productivity with the minute amount of movement of my right hand the few times it meeds to hold the mouse other than when i am using the wonders of keyboard shortcuts, than gesturing to get things done, that means moving my hands away from the keyboard.....simple!!

    Yes this stuff for consoles and entertainment, Not core OS that the worlds productivity relies on, yes thats jobs to you and me, PC's in the workplace where we work and keep the economy going.

    Leave apple to be all touchy hands on whilst the big boys get on with the job!!!

    Oh, And my screen will be smudge free and my arms wont be tired from all the holding up and waving...

    (actually i could see this going off in a big way in Japan, they do like some wierd stuff out there)
    Reply
  • PreciousL
    OH PUKE! That is hideous!!
    Reply
  • mpavao81
    I my self have never liked the all in one concept. I just have too many problems with it, one of my first computers had this design. It was an old power mac performa 5260. My problem is what if something needs to be replaced like the display. And what if you want a bigger screen down the road, or a better video card/better dvd drive/ect.

    I just cant stand the idea of a all in one. It stifles you when you want to make upgrades.
    Reply