ConsumerIT - For Europe's High Volume PC Retailers, Distributors & Builders

A recently published patent application from Amazon might give a glimpse at the future of tablets-- one where such devices are reduced into remote displays lacking in storage, processors or batteries.

Listed the two inventors on the September 2012 patent are no other than Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos and VP Greg Hart.

The patent describes a tablet-style "remote display" receiving content via wireless from a base station handling user input (including gestures and, weirdly enough, voice commands) as well as processing duties.

The displays operate "for substantially longer periods and may not need to be recharged," since the base station would provide enough wireless power to feed a device lacking in processing power.

Microsoft confirms its Windows plans following leaks of "Blue"-- an even more tablet-centric Windows 8 update described by pundits as yet another step towards the end of the Windows desktop.

According to the leak Blue overhauls the Windows 8 PC Settings app, putting more Control Panel functionality within a touch-friendly UI. It also includes a handful of new gesture controls, 2 more Live Tile sizes, half-screen app snapping, further SkyDrive integration, 4 new Start Screen apps (Alarms, Calculate, Sound Recorder and Movie Moments) and Android-style screenshot sharing.

The company admits the leak in an official blog entry by Corporate Communications VP Frank X. Shaw, who says "product leaders across Microsoft are working together on plans to advance our devices and services, a set of plans referred to internally as “Blue.”"

Best Buy and founder Richard Schulze settle their differences-- Schulze returns as Chairman Emeritus, signalling an end to his attempts at buying the retailer back.

As a first decision Schulze names former CEO Brad Anderson and former president Al Lenzmeier as Best Buy boards members, effective immediately.

"Over the past several months, I have come to know and respect Hubert [Joly], and have a high regard for the work he and his executive team are doing to revitalize Best Buy," Schulze says. "My dedication to the company that I founded and love is unwavering and, together with Hubert and the Board, I determined that the best way to support Best Buy would be to return in support of the initiatives underway.”

Intel aims to for the budget-conscious customer at the Intel Solutions Summit (ISS) 2013-- the company promises lower-price ($599) Haswell-powered Ultrabooks will start shipping by the holiday season.

The next Ultrabook generation will be more than "just a retrofit of what was already in the market," as Intel PC Client Group senior VP Kirk Skaugen puts it. Together with lower prices, the company promises next-gen Ultrabooks will include touchscreen support, faster SSDs, slimmer yet more durable chassis, higher-resolution displays, voice and facial recognition technology and "all-day" battery life.

"We designed [Haswell] from the ground up for the Ultrabook," Skaugen claims. "You'll truly be able to leave your battery pack at home."

Intel insists such initiatives are not about "a race to the bottom"-- instead executives at ISS 2013 say lower component prices allow Intel and OEM partners to make more affordable, more feature-rich premium notebooks.