Next-generation Ultrabooks will have some things in common: they will run Windows 8 and have touchscreens along with WiDi (Intel Wireless Display). Intel has laid down these requirements for manufacturers who are interested in using Intel next-generation chips to build Ultrabooks.

With touch support being pushed as a big deal where Windows 8 is concerned, it is crucial that OEMs release a steady flow of devices that take advantage of all the key features Windows 8 has to offer. As it stands, not many Ultrabooks have touchscreen support and by making touch a requirement for fourth-generation core processor-based Ultrabooks, Intel is giving Windows 8 the boost it sorely needs.

When it comes to WiDi, it would seem that Intel is trying to force its own wireless standard down the throat of consumers; there is no need for this to be a standard feature in next generation Ultrabooks. Additionally, Intel may need to try to get Ultrabooks down to mass market prices where they can compete better with the plethora of Android tablets and the likes of the iPad.

At the moment, Windows 8 has not taken off as expected and this has nothing to do with the operating system. New devices being released (that run on the new OS) are too expensive for many users to afford and, therefore, some may turn to products with Android inside that cost a fraction of the price of an Ultrabook.

It is clear that despite how good Windows RT is, consumers are not interested in it. It is up to Intel OEMs and the Ultrabook line of devices to kick things into action.

Furthermore, one has to wonder, where does AMD fall in all this? So far, only one Vizio has announced a Windows 8 tablet with an AMD chipset. Everything so far has been all Intel and to a lesser point, ARM.