Microsoft's changes to Win8 Certification Rules – Hints at possible Surface Mini

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According to various sources, Microsoft has relaxed some rules of certification in relation to Windows 8.

It seems that the company has relaxed its hardware certification to allow computers to have a resolution of 1024×768 screen resolution at a depth of 32 bits.  The company also warned developers that this new screen resolution does not mean that they are allowed to develop hardware with low-resolution displays.

According to an email sent to Microsoft’s registered developers:

“This doesn’t imply 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.”

That statement was viewed as “cryptic” by Ed Bott of CNet.  This could hint that Microsoft is setting the stage to allow devices with smaller form factors. The company has been rumored to be at work on a so-called “Windows Reader” for some time.

The new resolution allowed for Windows 8 devices happens to match the display of Apple’s iPad mini, which also sports a 1,024-by-768-pixel 7.9-inch screen. And the iPad 2, which Apple also continues to sell, features the same resolution on a larger 9.7-inch display, giving it a lower pixel density.

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