14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft is one of the companies that are planning to step into the wearables market with its own smartwatch, thus trying to compete against other larger companies that are also eyeing this side of the market with similar devices.
A new report published by Tom's Hardware and citing people close to the matter reveals that Microsoft could launch its smartwatch this October, while sales are very likely to begin next month.
The report claims that Microsoft will make the smartwatch very slim and will integrate a total of 11 sensors, with the display to be placed on the inside of the wrist. Microsoft has apparently decided that such a design makes more sense because “turning your palm up to look at the watch actually feels a lot more natural.”
Redmond hasn't obviously commented on these rumors, but it's a well-known fact that the company does not wish to discuss future projects, so only expect limited details to be provided in the coming months before the device would hit the market.
Previous reports on the matter pointed to quite a wide array of appealing features, including compatibility not only with Windows devices, but also with Android and iOS. Microsoft would thus try to target a wider consumer market and gain a major advantage in the firght against the other smartwatch manufacturers which are only focusing on a single platform.
The smartwatch could also integrate features that would allow the wearer to monitor his heartbeat, with dedicated apps specifically designed for this to provide several analysis methods and information based on the collected data.
Microsoft is also working to make the battery last at least two days, with some voices explaining that the watch itself could detach from the wristband to be recharged separately.
Competition in the smartwatch sector is clearly getting more interesting, with several long-time Microsoft rivals already planning similar products. It's a well-known fact that Apple is already in an advanced stage with the iWatch, its own smartwatch that could arrive on the market later this year.
As for the launch date, October indeed seems to be a very likely release date given Microsoft's activity in this particular month in the previous years. In 2012, Redmond debuted both Windows 8 and the Surface tablet in October, while last year in autumn the company introduced the new Windows 8.1 update for the core modern operating system launched the year before.