Gizmodo photo

Microsoft is abandoning plans to build a new tablet computer known as Courier, an interesting move given that the device could have served as direct challenger to Apple's recently released iPad.

Citing unnamed sources, Gizmodo reports today that Microsoft execs pulled the plug on the project this week. The Courier was never formally announced by Microsoft, though Gizmodo uncovered details of the multitouch device last September.

Frank Shaw, vice president of communications at Microsoft, offered this statement to TechFlash. Read it carefully, and you'll see it doesn't necessarily indicate that the underlying technology is dead.

"At any given time, across any of our business groups, there are new ideas being investigated, tested, and incubated. It’s in Microsoft’s DNA to continually develop and incubate new technologies to foster productivity and creativity. The “Courier” project is an example of this type of effort and its technologies will be evaluated for use in future Microsoft offerings."

Microsoft does have other irons in the fire when it comes to table computers, with CEO Steve Ballmer in January showing off a new "slate-style" PC built by HP and due for release later this year.

Does the recent news about Courier mean that Microsoft will simply provide the software for new tablet computers rather than building its own devices?