Microsoft will enter the wearable technology market, starting with a smartwatch -- a previous speculation now confirmed by a recent release of a patent application document of the company as published by the United States Patent & Trademark Office in its official website on May 1.
It appeared that Microsoft's patent application document was filed in the fall of 2012. The document's heading, Wearable Personal Information System, reveals what could be the prototype smartwatch in the pipeline.
The wearable device appears to be packed with built-in apps, primarily intended for general use. Some of the apps, though, specifically target health and sports enthusiasts.
"The system may include a portable information device having a housing including a top surface defined at least partially by a display, a bottom surface configured with a central region in which an optical sensor, electrical connector, and data connector are positioned...," the patent document [pdf] states.
It is a known problem that wearables are at risk of soiling or staining because of possible perspiration, and Microsoft claims having found solution to this. Thanks to its portability, the information device can be taken off the watch and be inserted into another fitness device or equipment if the user wants to collect personalized statistics during the workout. After the workout, the user can take the information device back into the smartwatch.
The other problem being the lack of real-time, biometric feedback on users when they exercise. The smartwatch apps are said to feature heart rate and calorie-burning monitoring system in the portable device.
The patent document also shows that the smartwatch can function as an alarm clock, too, with its customized docking station. It also has stopwatch and GPS functions. It can also be used to send messages, make calls, or listen to music, among other things.
Analysts, however, say Microsoft is investing into the wearables at the time when the market is growing, facing really serious competition with rivals such as Galaxy Gear of Samsung, Android Wear of Google and the rumored iWatch of Apple, unless, of course, the company is introducing a unique innovation in its smartwatch product that surpasses those currently seen in the market.
Laptop Mag's review editor Mike Prospero says the smartwatch of Microsoft should be Apple and Android compatible too, while it runs the Windows Mobile OS.
"It's a fair bet that it will use some variant of its mobile OS, but unless it offers a distinct advantage over Android or iOS, I'm skeptical that consumers will flock to it," Prospero says to the CNBC.
It was initially reported that the Xbox team led the Microsoft smartwatch initiative, until it was later transferred to the Surface team. Regardless, gathered reports suggest that a patent document doesn't necessarily mean the initiative will push through, like the previous case of its music player meant for Zune brand in 2009 that was never released.
