Microsoft has been working on a “wrist-worn device” for a year: 1.5” screen, removable bands

We’ve recently heard that Microsoft has placed orders for 1.5-inch screens in what seemed like a move towards an upcoming smartwatch, and now The Verge confirms that Microsoft has indeed been working on a “wrist-worn device” for around a year now.

And while work on it started under the idea of bringing an Xbox heart-rate monitor, plans have changed along the way and Microsoft has decided to instead build a smartwatch. The device is still in a prototype phase, but it’s got some talented engineers from the Xbox and Kinect teams working on it.

Sources once again confirm the device will indeed be using that 1.5-inch touch-enabled display with removable bends. Interestingly, it will also feature a magnetic power connector like the one on the Microsoft Surface tablet. It can power up the device and transmit data at the same time, but it is not yet confirmed whether it will indeed be in the final device.

source: The Verge

26 Comments

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posted on 18 Apr 2013, 04:20 8

1. hipnotika (Posts: 353; Member since: 06 Mar 2013)

pfffffffffff...
i hate these kind of watches :/ absolutely unnecessary...............

posted on 18 Apr 2013, 04:29 1

4. GJanee (Posts: 214; Member since: 29 Jun 2011)

absolutely agreed. hell, people don't even wear watches anymore because of the phones they have. few people that i know who still wear watches also check on their phones for the time. sooo i guess that's that.
this is just another try from the companies to bring retro back with a bit of tech and sell it overpriced for no particular reason. totally uncalled for in my opinion.

posted on 18 Apr 2013, 04:42 1

5. EXkurogane (Posts: 863; Member since: 07 Mar 2013)

I dont wear a watch either, to me, a watch if more like an accessory like earrings are to females. I only wear one while attending events, most of the time my watch stays in my drawer.

posted on 19 Apr 2013, 19:08

26. lhtbinh1909 (Posts: 89; Member since: 02 Apr 2013)

Unlike you my friends, I always wear a casio but I don't think I need a smartwatch, too

posted on 18 Apr 2013, 04:20 11

2. Nathan_ingx (Posts: 4280; Member since: 07 Mar 2012)

Daaayyuum! You guys shrank the 920 into the wrist!
How about a new movie?
'Honey, i shrank the 920'.

posted on 18 Apr 2013, 04:29 6

3. raunak (Posts: 507; Member since: 12 Oct 2011)

It'll come with ODS (optical display stabilization) so that you can watch videos in it while jerking off!

posted on 18 Apr 2013, 06:39

12. WyclefJean (Posts: 44; Member since: 05 Mar 2013)

Raunak Vikas?

posted on 18 Apr 2013, 08:27

18. raunak (Posts: 507; Member since: 12 Oct 2011)

Raunak Vikas is not my full name if that's what you're asking.

posted on 18 Apr 2013, 09:43

23. Bilpocalypse (Posts: 301; Member since: 13 Oct 2012)

Is that so much to ask?

posted on 18 Apr 2013, 10:57

24. raunak (Posts: 507; Member since: 12 Oct 2011)

Not at all. We should sign a petition :D

posted on 18 Apr 2013, 04:48 3

6. eisenbricher (Posts: 973; Member since: 09 Aug 2012)

Yeah, quite funny to see that 920 strapped to wrist xD

posted on 18 Apr 2013, 04:57

7. avin007 (Posts: 139; Member since: 28 Feb 2013)

Raunak ,that was hilarious!!!

posted on 18 Apr 2013, 04:57

8. avin007 (Posts: 139; Member since: 28 Feb 2013)

Raunak ,that was hilarious!!!.....right on the money

posted on 18 Apr 2013, 05:03

9. tward291 (Posts: 559; Member since: 14 Feb 2012)

Lol nice

posted on 18 Apr 2013, 06:01

10. Timmehor (Posts: 599; Member since: 09 Mar 2013)

Removable band, mhmm, that's what I want from a smart watch. It will make it both a fashion piece, stylistic and accessorised.

posted on 18 Apr 2013, 06:31 3

11. xperiaDROID (banned) (Posts: 5629; Member since: 08 Mar 2013)

So.......what will Nokia name it?

Nokia Lumia 0.920? :P

By the way, I'm glad to hear that Nokia is making a smartwatch too! Good luck Nokia! :)

posted on 18 Apr 2013, 07:31 5

16. Nathan_ingx (Posts: 4280; Member since: 07 Mar 2012)

Ummm...it's microsoft buddy, not Nokia, lol.

posted on 18 Apr 2013, 08:06

17. xperiaDROID (banned) (Posts: 5629; Member since: 08 Mar 2013)

If it's Microsoft, then it will be Nokia too! :)

posted on 18 Apr 2013, 08:30 2

19. -box- (Posts: 3991; Member since: 04 Jan 2012)

The Surfaces aren't Nokia. The name they would have would be interesting. Surface Wrist? Surface Watch?

posted on 18 Apr 2013, 08:57

20. xperiaDROID (banned) (Posts: 5629; Member since: 08 Mar 2013)

Oh, silly me! Yup, this is Microsoft's!

They should name it Surface Wristwatch! lol xD

posted on 18 Apr 2013, 09:39 1

22. Nathan_ingx (Posts: 4280; Member since: 07 Mar 2012)

Could be 'Surf-watch' or 'Watch-(f)ace'...:)

posted on 18 Apr 2013, 06:53

13. pookiewood (Posts: 631; Member since: 05 Mar 2012)

It makes sense. Didn't they shut down that 3rd party that wanted to make a Windows Phone watch.

posted on 18 Apr 2013, 07:07

14. cornerofthemoon (Posts: 601; Member since: 20 Apr 2010)

MS waited way too late to get serious about the smartphone market and tablets. Maybe they're ahead (or at least on par) with the curve this time.