Microsoft adds new hardware certification requirements for Windows 8.1

We are just a month away before Microsoft’s new Windows 8.1 is sent to the OEMs. But just before that, the company has revealed some new hardware requirements for Windows 8.1 certified devices. At Worldwide Partner Conference, Microsoft announced all the new prerequisites.

Reportedly, all certified Windows 8.1 systems will have to support Bluetooth on all devices with Wi-Fi. Moreover, systems with integrated displays like tablets, notebooks and all-in-ones will be required to support front-facing 720p cameras. It has also stated high-fidelity audio requirements for speakers and microphones. In 2015, all certified Windows devices will have to support TPM 2.0 or Trusted Platform Module, which is a spec and implementation for a cryptoprocessor. We may not see these prerequisites for a while, as they will be implemented for devices starting 2014 and 2015.

The table below shows all the new hardware requirements for Windows 8.1.

New updates

Working closely with OEMs, Microsoft is striving to bring touch-enabled, sleeker and lighter devices that will come with prolonged battery life. Later this year, we can expect systems that will be using the latest features of the Windows 8.1 such as NFC and biometric authentication, portrait-mode enhancements and InstantGo (new name for connected standby).

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With rumours about Microsoft working on the next Surface tablet, these features could likely be the prerequisites for the tablet. This also means the next generation Surface tablet could come with a superior hardware set.