14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft goes forward with its plans to launch a smartphone and previous reports on the matter pointed out that it could be launched before the end of the year.
Now a new story published by International Business Times and citing “a Microsoft source” and “people with knowledge to the matter,” the smartwatch is going to come with groundbreaking technologies that could even help prevent skin cancer.
It appears that Microsoft is planning to install a UV index sensor which would warn the wearer every time the ultraviolet radiation generated by sunlight reaches a harmful level. The main goal of this technology is to protect against the risk of skin cancer, the source adds.
At the same time, there are also signs that Microsoft could install a blood-glucose monitor, this time for those suffering from diabetes, but also to lend a hand to those trying to track their fitness activity.
The launch date is the same as before, with Microsoft reportedly planning to introduce the smartwatch before the end of the year.
Microsoft hasn't yet talked about such a project, but details keep swirling around, with some voices indicating that cross-platform compatibility with non-Windows devices is also likely to be offered. It appears that the Microsoft smartwatch won't be limited to Windows, but would also work with Android and iOS devices, in a move that's clearly attempted to attract more buyers.
The device might not come in the form of a traditional smartwatch, but more of a wristband, with the display to be placed on the inside of the wrist. Microsoft reportedly believes that this would lead to a more natural move when trying to observe certain numbers on the display.
Other sources said that Microsoft might be actually working on a touch-capable smartwatch, most likely running a special version of Windows and specifically designed to display smartphone notifications. While that does make sense, we're pretty sure that Microsoft cannot be satisfied with such a project, so it's now working to bring several groundbreaking technologies on its watch.
Pricing remains a pretty big enigma, but if it indeed hits the market with so many advanced features, do not expect it to come cheap. Some people pointed to a $250 (€180) price tag, but this is really unlikely in the case of such a design with features that could help protect against skin cancer and track diabetes.
Microsoft doesn't want to comment on future projects, so expect more information to emerge in the coming months.