Microsoft has begun prototyping smartwatch devices under the Surface team, according to sources familiar with company plans. Microsoft was previously reported to have been testing a smartwatch prototype by the Xbox accessories team, with the original plan of a "Joule" heart rate monitor. It has been confirmed that prototypes include a variety of removable wrist bands in blue, red, yellow, black, white and grey.
AmongTech claims that prototypes are housed in Oxynitride Aluminium, an expensive "translucent aluminium" that is said to be three times tougher than glass. It's believed Microsoft is testing the hardware with a modified version of Windows 8, with plans to integrate the devices with other hardware within the Windows ecosystem. Amongtech also claims that some prototypes include 6GB of storage and LTE support. It has been suggested that notifications and music control support will both be present.
It'll be interesting to see how Microsoft plans to introduce a smartwatch alongside its array of products and what the devices will be able to perform. We've looked at numerous kickstarters for "smartwatches," but we're sure everyone would rather see an official product from Redmond.
Reader comments
Microsoft rumoured to be testing a 'translucent aluminum' smartwatch
It's all about the design and features. Remember MSN watches(Microsoft's last attempt at a smart watch) ???
People are racist on the internet.
"translucent aluminum" = aluminosilicate a.k.a. gorilla glass.
6GB of storage and LTE support with new nano chip.
The battle rages for larger screen sizes, but they are all making a watch? :-S
Really a smart watch. I love Microsoft but a smartwatch is just ridculous
Oh come on! Making dat making this making that. Making all.
nothing on the top -.- u better focus on one thing microsoft.
Consider this my preorder.
I'll wait until more is known. The concept is interesting.
Clearly targeting the space whales that always need to know what time it is.
OOOOOOOMG sold!
Haha! A watch. How retro. They should go even more retro and make a smart pocket watch... oh wait, that's called a smartphone.
Is this thing going to tell time?
I wonder if Microsoft is providing support for the Agent Smart Watch, which is supposed to be compatible with the Microsoft .NET Micro Framework... maybe they're working with these guys on the project? I'm all for a Surface Watch, as long as it's equipped with a steel-cutting laser beam of course.
Notifications in smartwatch... That's nice.. But what about notifications in smartphone u promised?. I d rather have a MS glass than a 1.5" smartwatch which i ll only use for controlling my music. There are immensely more possibilities with a camera and microphone on a device such as google glass than a watch. I ll wait and see how its incorporated.
Notifications has been in WP since release.
Oh you are happy with toast notifications?.. Maybe u r happy with the current version of the OS itself. Strange man u r.. Not looking forward to improvements..
They can't be late to the game with this one. They need theirs out before on same day as Apple.
I threw my last watch away about 10 years ago...
Cool, its in testing. We should see it in about 100 YEARS!!
All I need is an Omega with BT, with a green Led that blinks if I have a new message. Make mine an Omega.
Still waiting to see a phone arrive that is genuinely useful. Next year will be an interesting space to watch with the rumors from Apple, Samsung and now Microsoft.
(Interesting how there's no Google in that list. Given that Samsung could open its own app store tomorrow, Google must be sitting worried)
If they get it out before Apple or Samsung then at least they'll be leading. If it takes them a year after Apple then it is a pointless venture.
I'm down for it! Although, I may not like the idea of having LTE. Maybe Bluetooth 4.0 LE would be a better connectivity in my opinion plus it would save battery.
Bring it on baby!
Meh. It'll take more than that to make me part with my 1979 Seiko.
Does it have instagram?
Nope, but it does have Instance!
£10 says this will work with iPhone and Android better & before Windows Phone
lol
LOL
10/10 would buy. Although lte would be ridiculous if the consumer has to pay another contract for it. If it was integrated with my WP's data plan and Data Sense, I would buy this in a heartbeat.
The last watch I wore was 13 years ago. It had a battery that lasted years. I'm not buying a watch I have to charge. It's absurd. We do not need to be that connected.
What if it charged wirelessly? Do you sleep with your watch on?
I buy a couple new watches every year. Its about the only jewelry a guy can wear. I'd love to buy this, just don't make it look cheap like that pen that comes with the Surface Pro.
I have one watch I don't use because I'm always breaking them. I've broken my focus a few times also, I should get a sundial instead.
what if this is one of those machenical watches that charges as you walk around? :P (wishful thinking)
I agree that we need to be a little less connected however I do love watches!
I have a citizen ecodrive watch that doesn't require batteries, charging, or any of that nonsense. Maybe they'll implement something similar
Shut up and take my money!
Shut up and give me your money
No WP7 love? :) :) :)
Translucent aluminum? In before Star Trek reference.
Lol nice one. I like that.
This is the comment I was looking for.
Now we can store whales more easily!
I am a sucker and would buy this immediately.
+1020
Would buy
Dammit, already bought an Agent watch. I got sick of waiting for an official one from Microsoft.
Same here!
Agent Watch it out now ?? Why no one advised me :) ?
They aren't yet :/
Sorry, I meant I paid $130 to back it (that early bird special for December) already, and am patiently awaiting it.
That list of features is ridiculous. I'd much rather forego LTE on a watch for better battery life. Other than that sounds pretty cool although pretty infeasible too (to club in all those features - another sim card size change? an LTE modem? Battery that can last a day with LTE and a decently sized screen ? ). Personally i'd like to see integration with my WP, say for basic music controls, directions, notifications of some kind and the ability to make or end a call also using the phonebook. Any health related features are secondary, but thats just me :)
Also voice cmd
Yes can't wait! SECOND!
....your first bro
*you're. .. ... Your in America speak English!!
@YourInAmerica
Nunca
Dude...its the internet I wont lose points for grammar
Actually, you will. On the Internet, everything you submit is recorded forever, mined, interpreted, and used to build a profile of you. Before you know it you'll be flooded with ads for dictionaries and remedial schooling, and the NSA will refuse to consider your job application out of hand.
+1 haha
Hilarious!
You made the same mistake you were pointing out...
Wow.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/11/26/your-in-america-twitter_n_21923...
No he didn't. "your" denotes belonging, so its "your job application" as "you're" is short for "you are" saying "you are job application" is pretty dumb.
Translucent 'Aluminium' ... ;-)
So you think that "your in America" is correct?
(Ok, now I know that's kind of a twitter joke)
Thank you ... FINALLY ... :)
THAT'S THE JOKE!
You mean, "You're in America speak English!"
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/11/26/your-in-america-twitter_n_2192381.html
Its definitely you're.
Um... "your in America speak English" pot kettle.... Hehe.
You are = You're
Sadly, tragically even, I'm afraid that is American English.
Wrong, you are first :)
No he's second :P
Who's on third?
Lol'ed
Good Gawd
Da faq??!
I just saw two grammar nazis use "its" where they should've used "it's" (Kellzea and jonathan sink).