<p>Microsoft has made a subtle change to its minimum hardware requirements for Windows 8 tablets recently. The alteration, spotted by ZDNet's Ed Bott, allows hardware makers to create Windows 8 tablets with a minimum resolution of 1024 x 768. Windows 8 has long supported this resolution, but specific tablet hardware requirements from Microsoft have prevented device manufacturers from adopting it on strictly tablet devices.</p><p>A slight caveat means that OEMs must disclose that devices at 1024 x 768 do not support Windows 8's new Snap View feature, to run apps side-by-side. Despite the forced disclosure, Microsoft's real intentions are in preparation for its Blue update later this year. A leaked build of Windows Blue has revealed that Microsoft is changing its Snap View support to let 1024 x 768 users take advantage of a 50 / 50 Snap View. The changes are all part of improved support for 7- and 8-inch form factors and Microsoft's official guidance notes that "partners exploring designs for certain markets could find greater design flexibility helpful."</p><p><a href="http://www.theverge.com/2013/3/29/4159884/windows-8-tablet-specifications-changed">Keep reading...</a></p><p>Read also:</p><p><a href="http://www.zdnet.com/new-windows-8-hardware-specs-hint-at-7-inch-tablets-and-a-microsoft-reader-7000013271/">New Windows 8 hardware specs hint at 7-inch tablets and a Microsoft Reader</a> (ZDNet)</p><p><a href="http://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2013/03/change-in-windows-8-rules-could-clear-the-way-for-7-tablets/">Change in Windows 8 rules could clear the way for 7" tablets</a> (Ars Technica)</p><p><a href="http://hexus.net/tech/news/software/53573-new-windows-8-hardware-specs-point-future-mini-tablets/">New Windows 8 hardware specs point at future mini tablets</a> (HEXUS)</p><p>Explore: <a href="http://news.google.com/news/more?ncl=dCjdqC85jtQYb2MRozjN3VwvURtDM&ned=us">5 additional articles.</a></p>