Microsoft’s Windows 8 tablet minimum requirements revealed

Curious as to what sort of hardware Microsoft’s Windows 8 tablets will feature? Well, much like Windows Phone handsets, it looks like Microsoft will be keeping a pretty tight leash on their manufacturing partners as to the minimum specs that they would have to adhere to if they wish to produce Windows 8 tablets. While some might argue it could restrict creativity, much like Apple’s iPhone, a more streamlined process could help ensure a consistent user experience across the board.

According to Rafael Rivera of withinwindows, these are the minimum hardware specs that Windows 8 manufacturers would have to follow:

• Storage: At least 10gb free space after the out-of-box experience completes
• System firmware: UEFI
• Networking: WLAN and Bluetooth 4.0 + LE (low energy)
• Graphics: Direct3D 10 device w/ WDDM 1.2 driver
• Resolution: 1366×768
• Touch support: At least 5 touch points, must pass all tests
• Camera: 720p
• Ambient Light Sensor: 1-30k lux capable w/ dynamic range of 5-60K
• Magnetometer
• Accelerometer: 3 axes w/ data rates >= 50Hz
• Gyroscope
• USB 2.0: At least one controller and exposed port
• Speakers

Other requirements include a a minimum of 5-point digitizers, which basically means multitouch of up to 5 fingers (an entire hand). Windows 8 tablets would also require NFC touch marks, hardware buttons, and a button combo that would perform the CTRL-ALT-DEL action. If you’d like more details on these features, you will be able to find a detailed explanation at withinwindows.