Microsoft Working on Smartwatch Too, Says Report
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Justin Sullivan/Getty Images(NEW YORK) — On the heels of stories that Apple, Samsung and Google are working on watches that pair with a phone, The Wall Street Journal now reports that Microsoft is prepping a “touch-enabled watch device” too.
According to the Journal’s story, Microsoft has begun to ask hardware suppliers in Asia to ship parts for a “potential watch-style device.” People within the supply chain met with members from Microsoft’s research team about the device.
The newspaper’s story doesn’t elaborate on what sort of features Microsoft’s entry might have, but it’s likely it would pair with a smartphone and show text messages and other notifications right on the watch screen.
When reached by ABC News, a Microsoft spokesperson said the company would not comment on rumors or speculation.
If Microsoft were to make a watch, it would actually be a return to the category for the company. Almost a decade ago, in 2004, Microsoft released Smart Watch, which displayed calendar notifications, news headlines, sports scores through its MSN Direct software.
The company partnered then with other watch companies, including Fossil and Swatch. The watches and the software were discontinued in 2008.
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