It looks like Intel has some big plans for its Ultrabook platform in 2012, according to Intel’s CEO Paul Otellini we can expect to see touchscreen Ultrabooks which will run Microsoft’s touchscreen friendly Windows 8 OS launching next year.

"Starting with Windows 8, you have a mainstream operating system incorporating touch. Our view is that in the ultrabook lines, touch is a pretty critical enabler. When users see that new Windows interface, they’re going to want to touch it. If the screen does nothing, you have disappointed [the] consumer,”.

Intel are also looking to keep the cost of touchscreen based ultrabooks low, and Otellini said that they are expecting the devices to retail for around $699 and $799.

Source Cnet