If the rumor from the WSJ is legit, the folks at Redmond are jumping in together with Google, Apple, and Samsung to reinvent the wristwatch, which has been replaced by the mobile phone for quite some time. Thus far Microsoft still doesn’t comment on the topic. Although, it seems that the company will just be joining other companies trying to make money with a new device. This is not the first attempt from Microsoft building a smartwatch. In 2004 there was a device named SPOT (Smart Personal Object Technology), a watch able to receive information from MSN (stock, weather, headlines, etc.) via FM signals. It was a big watch that costed around $330 in addition to the monthly or yearly subscription service; however, Microsoft killed SPOT in 2008. There still not enough information to how exactly Microsoft plans to tackle the smartwatch, but what is certain is that the company is really taking its chances on building its own devices. Of course the company had its ups and downs with devices like the very successful Xbox or the now forgotten Zune player, or even with the Surface that has yet to convince many, it is a worthy piece of hardware. But at the end of the day the game can be for any company. Also it will be interesting to see if the upcoming Microsoft’s smartwatch will use Windows 8, Windows Embedded 8, or even Windows RT as its OS, or something totally new. The news comes right after new reports show that the PC industry is down 13.9%, and after days of the rumor of a 7-inch Surface tablet that Microsoft is planning for later this year. Source The Wall Street Journal via The Verge All content on this site is provided with no warranties, express or implied. Use any information at your own risk. Always backup of your device and files before making any changes. Privacy policy info.
