Is Microsoft developing a smartwatch?
A new patent reveals that Microsoft is working on a smartwatch to rival the Samsung Galaxy Gear and the rumoured Apple iWatch.
The patent application, which was filed in 2012 but only published by the US Patent Office this week, is for what Microsoft calls a Wearable Personal Information System.
Beta News reports that the watch will likely have fitness and health capabilities – heart rate monitoring and calories burned, and so on – and there’s a twist to the design whereby the watch body can be detached from the strap, and then used with other hardware. For example, it could be docked with other fitness-related devices to share data.
The smartwatch was described in the patent documents as supporting messaging, phone calls, music control, and an alarm clock. It will also feature a removable wristband that may be washed.
ZDnet says that the dozen images included in the patent indicate the back surface of the device would have an optical sensor, electrical connector and a data connector.
It says Microsoft’s smartwatch efforts were reportedly being led initially by the Xbox team but then moved to its Surface team.
Other rumours claim that the watchband will come in red, black, yellow and blue, the watch will be made of oxynitride aluminium (a translucent form of the metal) and it is said to run a version of Windows 8.
Several companies have already had success with smartwatches, such as Pebble which says it sold 400,000 devices in 2013.
Google plans to release its Moto 360 smartwatch in the US this summer, while Samsung has already launched its Galaxy Gear range of Android-powewred watches.
2 comments
Hey instead check out the “Exetech XS-4”, they really nailed the smartwatch idea,
Runs FULL Android so does loads more than just popping Android Wear notifications on your wrist!
They actually included loads of useful tech needed to make a viable smartwatch,
Two words, battery length and waterproofing! Grab one from the link below….
https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/xs-4-smartwatch-android-4-4-solar-charge-4g-ip67-waterproof-amoled/x/4042531
Features:
Always On Screen Clock, thanks to OLED!
4G
Octa-Core (think future proofing)
Solar self charging Photovoltaic layer (Haven’t seen this on anything else!)
Waterproof IP 67 (Yup you’ll be swim and listen to music in the shower with that)
Hydrophobic water repellent nano coating (water literally slides off)
AMOLED, nice powersaving 🙂
Huge 800 mah battery, double what other smartwatches have.
Standalone device, doesn’t need to be stuck to your phone to work
2nd generation device from an already established manufacturer…
https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/xs-4-smartwatch-android-4-4-solar-charge-4g-ip67-waterproof-amoled/x/4042531
Hey instead check out the “Exetech XS-4”, they really nailed the smartwatch idea,Runs FULL Android so does loads more than just popping Android Wear notifications on your wrist!They actually included loads of useful tech needed to make a viable smartwatch,Two words, battery length and waterproofing! Grab one from the link below….https://www.indiegogo.com/proj…Features:Always On Screen Clock, thanks to OLED!4GOcta-Core (think future proofing)Solar self charging Photovoltaic layer (Haven't seen this on anything else!)Waterproof IP 67 (Yup you'll be swim and listen to music in the shower with that)Hydrophobic water repellent nano coating (water literally slides off)AMOLED, nice powersaving :)Huge 800 mah battery, double what other smartwatches have.Standalone device, doesn't need to be stuck to your phone to work2nd generation device from an already established manufacturer…https://www.indiegogo.com/proj…
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