Microsoft Wearable Tech Device To Be Released Within The Year

Microsoft Wearable Tech Device To Be Released Within The Year

A Microsoft wearable tech device is set to be released by the tech giant as the trend of putting gadgets on the wrists of users is gradually picking up.

A number of large tech companies have started to cash in on the increasing popularity of wearable devices and Microsoft is just one of them.

The wristband offering of Microsoft will be similar to the Gear Fit of Samsung, which is priced at $199. The tech giant has been working on its wearable technology for a number of months already and it appears that its product is set to be released from its R&D labs, according to Paul Thurrot, a Microsoft expert.

The Microsoft wearable tech device will reportedly have a similar design as the other fitness trackers in the market. However, it is expected to offer more power compared to its competitors. It will integrate a color display screen with technology that goes past simple activity tracking. It is expected to allow users to display emails, text and other information a smartphone can receive.

In terms of branding, it remains uncertain of it will become a part of the Lumia range of devices of Nokia or it will become a part of the Surface range of devices. The upcoming device will reportedly enter the market before the end of the year.

However, Thurrott said the wearable device may not be limited to the Windows Phone OS. Reports indicated that the device may use the Android OS and iOS. This move by Microsoft surprised a number of industry watchers since it is not consistent with the strategy of other companies such as Samsung. Samsung requires users to match the Gear Fit with a Samsung smartphone.

Apple is also expected to release its own wearable tech device called the iWatch and it is expected to run on the iOS only.

Posted by Melanie Mendoza on Saturday July 05 2014, 3:42 PM EST. Ref: CNET. Link. All trademarks acknowledged. Filed under Featured News, Shopping. Comments and Trackbacks closed. Follow responses: RSS 2.0