Microsoft filed a patent for a smartwatch in 2012 but the U.S. patent office released the filing last week, suggesting a competitive wearable from the software giant.
Microsoft, the biggest software company, will soon become a new contender in the wearable tech race with a smartwatch of its own. The software giant filed a smartwatch patent back in 2012, which has just been released by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office last Thursday. Like most smartwatches in the market, the unnamed Windows smartwatch will boast fitness tracking features such as heart rate monitoring, pulse and calories checker in addition to the usual calling, messaging and music playback features.
The patent filing seemingly confirms Microsoft's smartwatch rumors, which surfaced online as early as last year. The Redmond software giant also added sketches and detailed description of various functions of the unannounced smartwatch. The filing shows the Windows smartwatch will feature a built-in pedometer for fitness tracking and a detachable computing unit to allow users to clean the band of sweat after exercise.
"One problem with such devices is that they are exposed to the user's perspiration, and can become soiled. Some prior devices have incorporated removable hook and loop fastener fabric wristbands that are washable; however, removing the fasteners for washing can be cumbersome and cause wear and tear on the hand as it is repeatedly inserted and removed from securing ring," Monique Chatterjee, who heads the team of inventors of Microsoft's smartwatch, wrote in the patent filing to the U.S. Patent Office.
According to a report from Tech Times, Nokia's former chief and new vice president of devices and services at Microsoft, Stephen Elop, will lead the smartwatch division. But there has been no confirmation from the company about any development on the rumored smartwatch.
If Microsoft joins the competitive smartwatch race, it will go head-to-head with current players in the industry including Samsung,Pebble, Qualcomm and newly joined Motorola and LG. Samsung recently launched three new wearable techs to expand its offerings. One of the new devices in the lineup was a smartwatch called the Gear 2, while the other two were Gear Fit smartbands for fitness tracking activities. Rumors also have it that Apple has long been working on a smartwatch of its own, widely reported as the iWatch, but the Cupertino giant has refrained from sharing any details.
With more companies joining the wearable category, the new accessories are likely to gain more popularity among consumers.
