ZDnet have posted news which suggests that J Allard, one of the key figures in the development of the Xbox, is thought to have left Microsoft.

According to the report a "pretty reliable tipster" notes that Allard is on sabbatical and is unlikely to return to Microsoft.

Allard was most recently the champion for the Courier dual-screen tablet until it was canned by Microsoft. Further rumours suggest this was the reason he has left the company.