It is reported that Microsoft originally planned to launch a product called “Joule”. It is a heart rate monitor for the Xbox game console, but Microsoft then changed their mind and decided that the prototype will be used as R&D for a future smart watch.
Wall Street Journal quoted an anonymous supply chain for Microsoft who reported that there is indeed a Microsoft Smart Watch device being developed. It has been said that Microsoft has ordered a shipment of 1.5inch display parts from manufacturers, possibly for the smart watch.
It is believed that the Microsoft Smart Watch is still in a prototyping stage and the development team consists of the same people who developed Xbox accessories and the Kinect sensor. The new product will have a 1.5inch display and a strap which can be removed and then connected to the display. The strap will possibly be attached to the watch by using the same magnetic ways which Surface connects to its Touch/Type cover. However, sources also pointed out that the device is still in prototype and the design may be given up.
Development of smart watches from Microsoft can be dated back to 2004, when Microsoft developed a product called SPOT. SPOT uses radio signals to receive news, weather forecasts and stock information. In 2008, Microsoft discontinued the product and officially closed the service last year.
Bill Buxton from Microsoft has previously talked about the 37 years of smart watch innovation from Microsoft at a developer event. This may imply that Microsoft will really return to this market very soon.
