Courier lives on through Project Austin, now available for Windows 8

Microsoft’s Visual C++ team has developed a new note-taking app for Windows 8 based heavily on the original Courier concepts. Courier, of course, was an exciting dual-screen tablet concept that Microsoft was working on internally until the project was canceled in 2010.

This new app, known as Project Austin, was primarily created to “showcase the power of the native platform and C++.” The app allows you to write digital ink notes and add photos from your device. It’s very touch-friendly and easy to use, but that’s because it’s not designed for a mouse and keyboard experience. You can also view and organize your notes in some interesting ways. For the full run-down, check out the video above.

Don’t expect Project Austin to show up on the Windows Store anytime soon – Microsoft isn’t talking about its plans for an official Windows 8 or Windows RT release. But you can start playing with it today by downloading the free developer package from CodePlex.

[CodePlex via All About Microsoft]
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William Devereux

William Devereux is the former Microsoft editor at Pocketables, as well as a Microsoft MVP and SkyDrive/Outlook.com Insider. As his title implies, he wrote about all things from Redmond, including Windows 8 and Windows Phone. He is currently carrying a Windows Phone 8X by HTC and a Microsoft Surface with Windows RT tablet.

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