FollowThe competition to provide a bestselling wearable device has a new contender. It does not come as a huge surprise that a Microsoft wristband device might be released at one point, as long as most of the largest companies in the field already unveiled smartwatches or plan to do so in the near future. Android Wear OS has been presented at this year’s Google I/O with great success, we would add. The first three smartwatches featuring Android Wear, especially the stylish Motorola Moto 360, impressed everyone.
Smartwatches are not new. All kinds of attempts have been made in the last ten years. Looking back, it seems quite strange that none of the devices really turned popular, with the slight exception of Pebble. Microsoft tried to enter the wearable scene eight years ago through ‘Smart Personal Objects Technology (Spot) Initiative’, which was shut down in 2012, with just two years of actual production.
Microsoft wristband device in the rest of the market
Because Apple set the scene for smartphones, as well as for tablets, the other companies are eager to ride the wave this time. The rumors of the upcoming Apple iWatch produce shivers among competitors. The iWatch is on everybody’s lips for the last two years and the last rumors hint at a final launch in September 2014, in the same time with iPhone 6.
Microsoft will allegedly focus on developing a wristband. It will be able to display the time, sure, but it will not have the similar full capabilities as the latest Android smartwatches. Another feature sported by the alleged Microsoft wristband device will be of displaying the smartphone’s notifications. But the company’s main goal will be to orient the wristband’s use to fitness activities. A heart monitor will prove to be a central spec. So nothing extraordinary so far. Nike and Samsung already produced gadgets with similar characteristics.
The surprise comes when you learn that Microsoft plans to make the wristband compatible with Android and iOS. The intention would have produced a greater shock if it would have been announced a couple of years ago. Microsoft has long been the leader of the software world and the rest was lagging behind. In the meantime, Microsoft’s strategy seems to be directed at accepting and cooperating with the rising competition. For example, recently they announced the release of Office for Android.
Microsoft wristband device will probably be sold for approximately $200, which is just a bit lower than the new Android smartwatches.
