The first Microsoft smartwatch has been teased by a new patent filed with the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
From the looks of the patent, Microsoft is working on a smartwatch to rival the likes of the Samsung Gear 2 and fitness trackers like the Samsung Gear Fit.
Microsoft’s first smartwatch could feature built-in apps and sensors for monitoring your heart rate, the calories you’ve burnt, and distance travelled.
This means the Microsoft smartwatch should pack GPS connectivity, unlike some of its rivals.
Additionally, the smartwatch should also feature a music player, alarm clock function, messaging app and phone dialler among other notifications services.
In keeping with the fitness focus, Microsoft outlines that the body of the smartwatch can be popped out of the band. This band looks to be made from an elasticated fabric, not too dissimilar from a sweatband. This means you can pop the body of the smartwatch out to give the wristband a thorough washing after your workout.
Microsoft has also been developing a specialised dock by which to charge the smartwatch. It looks like you can do that with or without the wristband attached. The dock would present the watch in such a matter that you could make it double up as your bedside alarm clock.
This patent was filed back in Q4 2012, which could suggest a launch is possible for this year, but there’s no indication as to a specific time frame as yet.
Prior to this patent, there have been a few other Microsoft smartwatch rumours, including that the wrist-worn device is being developed by the Xbox team.
As outlined by a report in April, the Xbox team has been working on a Microsoft smartwatch for over a year, which apparently originally started as a heart rate monitor accessory for the Xbox One Kinect called Jouee.
Previous rumours suggest Microsoft’s smartwatch will come with a 1.5-inch touch enabled display.
Read more: Best fitness trackers 2014
Via: Patent Bolt
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Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
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We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
