Software giant Microsoft has claimed ‘multi-touch’ technology will be ubiquitous across hardware price points and formats, a transition that could revolutionise the way the world
uses PCs.

The firm’s new initiative, which is essentially built around touchscreen technology that has been around for years, is an integral part of Windows 7, and it insists it won’t be limited to a few high end models. 

“It is likely to find its way into many different form factors and types of notebooks, tablets, all-in-ones and peripherals such as monitors, meaning that customers have a great deal of choice in how they acquire the technology with varying price points,” Laurence Painell, Windows OEM and WGA product manager told PCR.

Other technology firms, such as rival Apple, are concentrating on touchpad or ‘touch mouse’ technology for PCs, rather than enabling screens with the technology. However Painell claims the screen-based approach being driven by Microsoft and its allies offers the best product.

"The key benefit of touch over the other types of peripherals that add a great deal more to the user experience is the ability to interact with the specific part of the screen/app. Less movements with the mouse are more intuitive for the end user"

Microsoft is also encouraging vendors to incorporate the required hardware into their products, in order to facilitate the new wave of touch-capable computing. Key manufacturers such as Acer have already brought out ranges of touch-capable laptops, all-in-ones and monitors.

“There are several options open to manufacturers that want to include touch technologies,” Painell said. “We are working closely with all parties to illustrate the new innovation that touch brings and how it can light up the user experience.

“We have also produced a suite of touch apps that manufacturers can include on their PCs in order to enhance the experience whilst ensuring that touch was included into the core usability design of Windows, such as the taskbar and gestures.”