Report: Microsoft Prepping Always-On Smartwatch
Forbes said the wristband will continuously measure heart rate 24 hours a day, and run on a two-day battery.
https://www.pcmag.com/news/report-microsoft-prepping-always-on-smartwatch
Rumors about a Microsoft smartwatch have been making the rounds for more than a year. But the latest report, from Forbes, says Redmond is prepping a multi-sensor device that will sync with iOS, Android, and Windows Phones.
Forbes claims the wristband will measure heart rate 24 hours a day, and run on a two-day battery, similar to Samsung's Gear Fit. And while there is no set timeline for the watch's release, Forbes expects it could hit shelves as early as this summer.
Microsoft declined to comment on the reports.
The news comes shortly after a Microsoft patent application tipped a "wearable personal information system." The document detailed a series of connectors and sensors—likely used to measure fitness-related activities—as well as internal memory, a communications interface, and built-in GPS and compass. Plus, a Wi-Fi connection would allow the touch-screen gadget to transmit and receive data to communicate with an external computing device, like a smartphone or tablet.
As for opening the device to other mobile platforms, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella said during this week's Re/code Code Conference that Microsoft services should be "available on all devices."
"There are going to be Windows devices and there are going to be other devices and we have to make sure our services run on all of them," he said. "It's time for us to build the next big thing."
Whether or not that thing is a fitness wearable remains to be seen.
Microsoft already dipped its toe into the smartwatch waters, with 2002's introduction of the Smart Personal Object Technology (SPOT), which delivered information like news and weather using FM signals. The tech never caught on, and by 2008, SPOT was just another failed gadget.
Health gadgets are big news lately. Just this week, Samsung unveiled its Simband prototype wearable health and wellness tracker, capable of measuring a wearer's heart rate, blood pressure, and more on a 24/7 basis.
Editor's Note: This story was updated at 1 p.m. Eastern with comment from Microsoft.
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