Microsoft has announced today that the NVIDIA ION platform has been certified to run Windows Vista Home Premuim through the Windows Hardware Quality Labs testing program. This certification is a stamp of approval for hardware compatibility.

Microsoft has certified the NVIDIA ION platform to ensure that upcoming ION-based PCs will deliver:
• Silky smooth 1080p high definition video including Blu-ray movies
• Exciting video game play with support for Microsoft’s DirectX 10 API
• Support for premium Windows Vista features including Aero Glass and Flip3D
• GPU acceleration for faster photo editing and video transcoding

ION-based systems combine a low-power Intel Atom processor and NVIDIA GeForce 9400M GPU in a tiny package to allow for inexpensive, robust machines. Netbooks and desktops are expected to go on sale soon starting at $299.