Microsoft Gearing Up To Release a Smartwatch of Its Own

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Microsoft Gearing Up To Release a Smartwatch of Its Own

Posted by timothy on Monday October 20, 2014 @01:29AM from the funny-how-things-catch-on dept.

SmartAboutThings writes The smartwatch market is still in its nascent form, but with Apple releasing its AppleWatch in early 2015, things are going to change. And Microsoft wants to make sure it's not late to the party, as it has been so many times in the past. That's why it plans on releasing its own smartwatch, which would be the first new category under CEO Nadella. The device could get launched with two specific features that could make it stand apart from other similar devices — much better battery life and cross-platform support for iOS and Android users. A release before this year's holiday season is in the cards, with no details on the pricing nor availability. (Also at Reuters and The Inquirer.)

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The Windows Phone failed. by Anonymous Coward · 2014-10-20 01:30 · Score: -1

What makes Microsoft think this will do any better?
1. Re:The Windows Phone failed. by MouseR · 2014-10-20 01:36 · Score: 3, Insightful
  
  Can't be as bad as Apple's.
  I'm normally in line with what Apple produces (and potentialy biased too) but their watch is a total let down. Pebble has been doing this for long.
2. Re: The Windows Phone failed. by mimeflu · 2014-10-20 01:38 · Score: -1
  
  They come with a blue dial of death.
3. Re:The Windows Phone failed. by Richard_at_work · 2014-10-20 01:44 · Score: 2, Insightful
  
  Did it? Who declared that? They seemed to be selling fairly well when I was in my local EE store yesterday, buying my two Lumia 930s :) At least another 5 Windows Phones were sold while I was being dealt with, and the store had a full display and demo area set aside for Cortana, which was drawing some interest.
  I am seeing more and more Windows Phones in the wild these days - yup, anecdotal evidence etc, but its something to be noted none the less.
4. Re:The Windows Phone failed. by gmack · 2014-10-20 01:55 · Score: 4, Informative
  
  You know what they say: "The plural of Anecdote is not Data". Windows Phone sales decline as share shrinks to just 2.5 percent
5. Re:The Windows Phone failed. by Anonymous Coward · 2014-10-20 02:05 · Score: 0
  
  Oh but I just went into a shop and bought ten iPhoones (I like to have one of them for each of my separate girlfriends) were there was a whole crowd of fifty people just shouting about how they need to have both new models now. Then I walked outside and would you believe (this was in China) they were having an actual iPhone religeious festival dedicated just to the iPhone. I said to my friends Vladimir and Obama: "what do you think of that" and they said "now we love eachother and see world peace; Obama is going to free the innocents from Gitmo and I'm going to free Ukraine and Gorgia".
  Or maybe we could just see the statistical fact that iPhone and Android market share is growing and work out that Windows has not achieved it's aim of becoming a third player in the market. There is still a smaller installed base than BlackBerry, let alone non-Windows Nokia phones, believe it or not".
6. Re:The Windows Phone failed. by Richard_at_work · 2014-10-20 02:07 · Score: 1
  
  You also know what they say: "Lies, damn lies and statistics". Pick any period before a new product launch and I bet you can show sales declining - the new flagship WP Lumia series was announced during Q2 2014, but not released until Q3 2014, and other Lumia updates didn't happen until later in Q3 or the start of Q4, so lets see what the sales results for Q3 show before declaring WP dead on the basis of the Q2 results.
7. Re:The Windows Phone failed. by Anonymous Coward · 2014-10-20 02:14 · Score: 0
  
  I'm rarely in line with Apple's products, which are usually much harder to use, brutally unergonomic, etc. Their new watch is a no-go because the crown is located way over on the side instead of in the middle , bottom, etc where anyone, left or right handed, can deal with it.
8. Re:The Windows Phone failed. by mwvdlee · 2014-10-20 02:27 · Score: 2, Insightful
  
  At least another 5 Windows Phones were sold while I was being dealt with.
  Was this some kind of fire sale to get rid of stock?
  I've never been to a "local EE store" on a non-launch day and had that many customers waiting in line to buy the exact same product, of any product.
  
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9. Re:The Windows Phone failed. by Richard_at_work · 2014-10-20 02:33 · Score: 1
  
  Nope, no fire sale, just a very busy store - seems it got busier after the Phones4U store next door to the EE store closed down. I was in the store perhaps 45 minutes, and the staff were never idle, there was a decent, steady stream of customers and probably a good 20 phones sold during that time.
  And who said they were buying the "exact same product"? There was perhaps 7 or 8 different Windows Phone models on show, of which the Lumia 930 was but one - the rest of the Lumia range was represented, as were several HTCs.
10. Re:The Windows Phone failed. by sumdumass · 2014-10-20 02:37 · Score: 0
  
  Its probably just a weird idea they have because they already did it once back in the 1990s.
  Its was more of an interesting idea to me when i purchased one. You had to run a program that would sync it to the watch after you put it in sync mode. It would flicker your monitor with horizonal lines and had an eye on the face that you had to line up just right. Some monitors worked better than others too but it was still hit or miss in my experience.
  It would allow you to change alarm tones, sync your outlook address book, set alarms and reminders a year or so in advance and have a small amount of text scroll across the face. I played with for a few months then went back to the watch with a tv remote on it. The bars were so much more fun with it.
11. Re:The Windows Phone failed. by Anonymous Coward · 2014-10-20 02:46 · Score: 1
  
  My Nokia Icon is the best smart phone I've ever owned -- especially since I got the 8.1 update. Does nearly everything my several prior Android phones did, barring a few quirks, and many things it just does better. Performance is snappy (my droid phones became frustratingly sluggish over time), takes great pictures, and the overall experience has a certain "charm" which was lacking from my other phones. Oh, and Cortana is great -- intuitive, with great voice recognition. My only complaint is with Verizon, where customer representatives actively direct people away from Windows phones, and the company really drags its feet about releasing updates (I had to resort to the developer preview to get 8.1, otherwise I'd still be waiting). The latest Windows Phones should make most everyone happy.
12. Re: The Windows Phone failed. by SuperKendall · 2014-10-20 03:06 · Score: 2
  
  Your comment on the crown makes no sense - it's somewhat off-center by a few mm, not really any harder to reach than any other crown. And because the watch is reverseable it can be on either side.
  
  --
  "There is more worth loving than we have strength to love." - Brian Jay Stanley
13. Re:The Windows Phone failed. by UnknowingFool · 2014-10-20 03:07 · Score: 0
  
  If we measure success in terms of market share, Windows Phone was registering in the single digits as of January 2014. This is 4 years after the original WP7 released. So under 10% in 4 years is not a rousing success.
  Financially success is probably not assured given such low market share. MS has not separated out their earnings and profits for Phone except recently: Q4 2014
  
  Phone Hardware revenue was $2.0 billion, reflecting sales of Lumia Smartphones and other non-Lumia phones following the acquisition of NDS on April 25, 2014. Since the acquisition, we sold 5.8 million Lumia Smartphones and 30.3 million non-Lumia phones.
  Phone Hardware gross margin was $54 million, reflecting revenue of $2.0 billion, offset in part by $1.9 billion cost of revenue, including amortization of acquired intangible assets and the impact of decisions to rationalize our device portfolio.
  So gross margin is 0.054B / 2.0 B = 2.7% overall for phone. Note this is for all phones not just Windows Phone; however sales were only 5.8M. Financially that's terrible performance. If you compare it so Apple (and people will): 35M, $19B, (no margin reported).
  
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  Well, there's spam egg sausage and spam, that's not got much spam in it.
14. Re:The Windows Phone failed. by Lumpy · 2014-10-20 03:29 · Score: 0, Flamebait
  
  IT will be, it will probably be as horrific as the LG, Motorola and Samsung crap.
  If the Watch can not do 2-3 days on a charge , it is a complete and utter fail.
  If the watch does not have an open API so apps can easily be written for it, it is a complete and utter fail.
  And honestly, from what we have seen from Microsoft for mobile devices over the past 3 years, it will be a complete and utter fail.
  
  --
  Do not look at laser with remaining good eye.
15. Re:The Windows Phone failed. by Lumpy · 2014-10-20 03:31 · Score: 1, Flamebait
  
  When poor people buy phones, they choose the free model. and all the windows phones are the free model as nobody in their right mind would intentionally pay the $399 premium phone price for one.
  
  --
  Do not look at laser with remaining good eye.
16. Re:The Windows Phone failed. by H0p313ss · 2014-10-20 03:36 · Score: 1
  
  so lets see what the sales results for Q3 show before declaring WP dead on the basis of the Q2 results.
  It was probably just pining for the fjords, the Lumia prefers kipping on it's back. Lovely plumage.
  
  --
  XML is a known as a key material required to create SMD: Software of Mass Destruction
17. Re:The Windows Phone failed. by H0p313ss · 2014-10-20 03:38 · Score: 1
  
  Remember Betamax and VHS?
  Having the best technology or devices won't necessarily bring you market share.
  
  --
  XML is a known as a key material required to create SMD: Software of Mass Destruction
18. Re:The Windows Phone failed. by hammer_gaidin · 2014-10-20 03:41 · Score: 4, Informative
  
  I run the phone program for my company. We currently have around 200 users. I have purchased over 100 devices this year for employees, and not one has selected a windows phone. I offer whatever the current flagship phone is for each brand. Now, its useful to note that this is in the US. Because our germany counter part, has many more windows phones. However, I notice that German's are very anti google.
19. Re:The Windows Phone failed. by Defenestrar · 2014-10-20 03:54 · Score: 4, Insightful
  
  It seems as if an always on OLED display would be the major source of battery drain - and so I don't get why watch makers haven't used e-ink. Come into the market as Timex and not a Rolex. A simplistic device which displayed time and push notifications at a $50 price point seems like it'd quickly dominate the market. Heck, you could even make it an e-ink background to a nice analog watch for that matter (although that'd probably up the total price). This sort of thing wouldn't need the processing power (i.e. more battery drain) as the current giant glossy types either. Perhaps I'm being naive, but I don't get the high-end luxury approach.
  Open API would be natural too; especially given a low price point this type of watch could quickly be a community favorite.
20. Re: The Windows Phone failed. by Anonymous Coward · 2014-10-20 04:00 · Score: 0
  
  Battery life of a Casio calculator watch, screen size of a tablet, iOS on on side of the screen, android on the other, SD card, usb3, RJ-45, and hdmi ports.
  In short, they listened to this crowd.
21. Re:The Windows Phone failed. by Anonymous Coward · 2014-10-20 04:08 · Score: 0
  
  On the other hand, I have never seen an actual Windows Phone phone with my own eyes, *ever*. Tons of Android, lots of iPhones, and a few BB's.
22. Re:The Windows Phone failed. by Ravaldy · 2014-10-20 04:34 · Score: 2
  
  I don't think the MS mobile products were a failure. Marketing a phone in this industry is an uphill battle especially when the retail stores push Apple as the ideal product and Android as the economy option. I'm not talking out of my ass, I've been to 3 stores while looking to replace my wife's phone and the story was the same at all stores:
  - Apple is the best if you can afford it
  - Android phone are nice and they cost less
  - Windows Phone. I wouldn't sell you that if my life depended on it. Why? Long moment of silence... They have no apps.
  So ignorance and pre-made opinion will fail any new player to the market. That's the truth. Ended up getting my wife a Nexus which I find better than any Apple product offered yet... My 2 cents.
23. Re:The Windows Phone failed. by ColdWetDog · 2014-10-20 04:54 · Score: 1
  
  You just described a cheaper version of the Pebble.
  
  --
  Faster! Faster! Faster would be better!
24. Re: The Windows Phone failed. by ColdWetDog · 2014-10-20 05:01 · Score: 1
  
  Battery life of a Casio calculator watch, screen size of a tablet, iOS on on side of the screen, android on the other, SD card, usb3, RJ-45, and hdmi ports.
  In short, they listened to this crowd.
  Bigger than a Nomad, wireless.
  What's not to like?
  
  --
  Faster! Faster! Faster would be better!
25. Re:The Windows Phone failed. by Anonymous Coward · 2014-10-20 05:24 · Score: 0
  
  So you're quoting an article with IDC data. From the same people that brought to you "the PC is dead".
26. Re:The Windows Phone failed. by Anonymous Coward · 2014-10-20 05:53 · Score: 0
  
  Yeah. That's the rub. The public just aren't interested in windows phone.
  A lot of people argue that windows phone is good. And it is! I've used it. It's fast, stable, reliable, well thought out, aesthetically pleasing, inexpensive, and a lot more.
  But it suffers from it's attachment to Microsoft. Microsoft has shit marketing (Always has) and that's something you can't have for a consumer product. Oh, they have a lot of it but it's still shit. Hint: Paying the NFL to use surface and forced marketing deals to put zunes in gamestop (Yeah the zune is dead but it's a good example of the sort of crap MS pulls) don't convince people.
  The real problem is the app ecosysems. Apple and google have it. Microsoft's app store is a joke, is ineptly run, and treats developers like utter dog shit. When developers are sent running back in to the arms of the apple app store, then you know there's a problem.
  It's not enough to have a competent or even good phone. That's now commodity. Most users, when faced with a choice, are better served by a cheap android device or a few-models-old iphone. They will be able to do everything they want, enjoy support from 3rd party app and service providers, and will have an upgrade path going forward in to the future. They won't get that with a windows phone.
27. Re:The Windows Phone failed. by Mister+Liberty · 2014-10-20 06:05 · Score: 1
  
  What makes Microsoft think this will do any better?
  The gov; what's easier than routing NIST current time output toi the user.
28. Re:The Windows Phone failed. by MaWeiTao · 2014-10-20 06:41 · Score: 1
  
  It seems you're living in the UK. Windows Phone has had more success there than in the US. American consumers are fairly close-minded; they, by and large, follow the herd and refuse to consider alternatives. Android is gaining traction, but I still come across people who chose that platform only grudgingly; they prefer the iPhone but aren't willing to pay the premium to get one. They're painfully ignorant of other platforms, as evidenced by all the fanfare over ApplePay and the way people talk like Apple has invented NFC payments.
  The problems for Windows Phone are exacerbated by atrocious retail and carrier support. Microsoft talks extensively about partnerships but carriers do little to promote the platform and most retailers don't care their phones at all. The only place you'll find them are carrier stories and there employees, either due to ignorance or pressure from management, actively steer consumers way from Windows Phone.
29. Re:The Windows Phone failed. by Anonymous Coward · 2014-10-20 06:53 · Score: 0
  
  My boss got a Lumia 1520 at a MS conference, hoping to convince more companies to switch (hey, we're a windows shop, windows phones would make our life easier). My boss handed it to me to evaluate.
  The stupid thing can't go without 5 minutes without crashing and then gets stuck in a reboot loop. Something seems to be overheating. Apparently MS will replace it, but at this rate I don't think it'll come out ahead in any evaluation.
30. Re:The Windows Phone failed. by LynnwoodRooster · 2014-10-20 07:02 · Score: 1
  
  Thanks for the link! From that data, it looks like Windows Phone is close to parity with iOS when you look at the EU market. The world IS larger than just the US, you know... Also check India where Windows Phone has a larger market share than iOS. It's actually succeeding quite well outside the US...
  
  --
  Browsing at +1 - no ACs, I ignore their posts. So refreshing!
31. Re:The Windows Phone failed. by Anonymous Coward · 2014-10-20 07:22 · Score: 0
  
  What are you, a MS shill or just plain stupid? The numbers are clear; Windows Phone is still alive only because MS has deep pockets, can afford losing millions on it, and it would just look even more useless if they were going to give up on yet another product. Here, another link for you:
  http://communities-dominate.blogs.com/brands.
32. Re:The Windows Phone failed. by schlachter · 2014-10-20 07:45 · Score: 1
  
  Yeah, you're asking for a Pebble. They currently cost $100. It will be $50 in a couple of yrs.
  But the OLED display is not always on on the AppleWatch. It's mostly off. It only turns on when you look at it.
  
  --
  My God can beat up your God. Just kidding...don't take offense. I know there's no God.
33. Re:The Windows Phone failed. by Richy_T · 2014-10-20 07:46 · Score: 1
  
  Clap if you believe...
34. Re:The Windows Phone failed. by Anonymous Coward · 2014-10-20 08:45 · Score: 0
  
  When poor people buy phones, they choose the free model.
  That applies more to Android than anything else. The majority of ANdroid phones are shitty under-powered sluggish pieces of crap. Oh and have fun waiting for hell to freeze over before you receive any updates on the VAST MAJORITY of android models. Google forces Android manufacturers to sign contracts to put googles shit to spy on users data. But they dont give a fuck about forcing manufacturers to release updates and security fixes to Android users. They've even fucked up the platform to the point where millions of android phones ship with security vulnerabilities, or as the kids call it - the "yay I can root my phone" feature. No thanks, fuck you google.
35. Re:The Windows Phone failed. by UnknowingFool · 2014-10-20 09:09 · Score: 1
  
  Thanks for the link! From that data, it looks like Windows Phone is close to parity with iOS when you look at the EU market.
  
  Only if you can't read a chart. Even in the EU chart, iOS is about 2x WP.
  
  The world IS larger than just the US, you know.
  The world is also bigger than the EU. If you look at global numbers, WP looks flatlined compared to iOS.
  
  Also check India [statista.com] where Windows Phone has a larger market share than iOS. It's actually succeeding quite well outside the US...
  Can't see the chart but I can only assume you are ignoring the fact that Lumia phones are on huge discount in India and that Apple doesn't do any real discounting. Again for global numbers, it appears Android is dominant, iOS is present, and Windows is barely above RIM and Symbian. That is not success.
  
  --
  Well, there's spam egg sausage and spam, that's not got much spam in it.
36. Re:The Windows Phone failed. by gtall · 2014-10-20 10:25 · Score: 2
  
  MS Watch: Hi there, I see you are trying to find the time.
  Human: Yes, please tell me the time.
  MS Watch: Would you like that in military time or civilian time?
  Human: Sigh...civilian please.
  MS Watch: Which time zone are you in?
  Human: Hell, I don't know, you figure it out.
  MS Watch: Hmmm....you must be in Tuvalu's time zone, are you on the east or the west side?
  Human: Egads...just give me the time and tell me what time zone you got it from.
  MS Watch: I don't think I like your attitude.
  Human: You don't know the time, do you?
  MS Watch: Why don't you tell me the time?
  Human: ** shoots self in head **
  MS Watch: Look, I'm not telling the time to a dead guy, are you really dead?
  Human: ** raises a weak hand with gun...the final shot is fired **
  MS Watch: Errr....I need a software upgrade and could you please reboot me? Yoo hoo? Yo? Sign...bloody humans!
37. Re:The Windows Phone failed. by mjwx · 2014-10-20 14:40 · Score: 1
  
  You know what they say: "The plural of Anecdote is not Data".
  Wouldn't that be "the plural of anecdote are not data"?
  
  /Throws grammar grenade and runs.
  
  (I see you capitalised it, are you be referring to this Data)
  
  --
  Calling someone a "hater" only means you can not rationally rebut their argument.
38. Re:The Windows Phone failed. by Anonymous Coward · 2014-10-20 15:19 · Score: 0
  
  I'm used to having watches that last for 10 years or more on a single battery. Even the Pebble has too short of a battery life, lasting perhaps 5 days. I'll buy a smartwatch when someone can make one that lasts for a month between charges. Perhaps some clever company will finally create an e-ink smartwatch.
39. Re:The Windows Phone failed. by Anonymous Coward · 2014-10-20 15:21 · Score: 0
  
  Uhh, no. Pebble does not use E Ink, it uses Memory LCD.
40. Re:The Windows Phone failed. by Anonymous Coward · 2014-10-20 15:39 · Score: 0
  
  Military time? Do you mean 24 hour time, the most widely used format in the world? Are you saying it's going to be a US centric watch?
41. Re:The Windows Phone failed. by Meski · 2014-10-21 16:30 · Score: 1
  
  Hardly needs OLED - a mono watch could do a blue-screen
42. Re:The Windows Phone failed. by Anonymous Coward · 2014-10-22 06:31 · Score: 0
  
  why would it be always on? it's called an accelerometer and software to determine that the user is wanting the time and turning on the display.
  Fuck the people here (you are people, aren't you?) are stupid.
I can already see it by ArcadeMan · 2014-10-20 01:33 · Score: 5, Funny

I bet it's called the X-Watch, has an x86 CPU and tries to cram the regular version of Windows into a 2" display with a tiny cursor controlled by a Kinect camera you wear on your head via the included X-BaseballCap.

--
Get free satoshi (Bitcoin) and Dogecoins
1. Re:I can already see it by drjzzz · 2014-10-20 01:45 · Score: 2
  
  you are joking but damn if it doesn't sound pretty interesting...even before you drop a *nix distro on it...
  
  --
  to err is human, to forgive is divine, to forget is... umm...
2. Re:I can already see it by Jonifico · 2014-10-20 01:47 · Score: 2
  
  It sounded cool until the Kinect-BaseballCap combo.
3. Re:I can already see it by Anonymous Coward · 2014-10-20 01:50 · Score: 4, Funny
  
  Yep! And then they'll make force the display on Windows 10 to have a 640-480 resolution to create a familiar experience between the watch and the desktop.
4. Re:I can already see it by tomhath · 2014-10-20 01:50 · Score: 4, Funny
  
  regular version of Windows into a 2" display with a tiny cursor controlled by a Kinect camera you wear on your head
  
  Imaging a Beowulf cluster of those.
5. Re:I can already see it by RazorSharp · 2014-10-20 01:53 · Score: 2
  
  And of course it runs Office using voice-recognition dictation.
  
  --
  "From the depths of my skeptical and rationalist soul, I ask the Lord to protect me from California touchie-feeliedom."
6. Re:I can already see it by ArcadeMan · 2014-10-20 02:03 · Score: 4, Funny
  
  That's great news for my dear aunt because while she's set on buying a smart watch on the double, without a killer feature to distinguish between them she's been having a hard time selecting between them all.
  
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  Get free satoshi (Bitcoin) and Dogecoins
7. Re:I can already see it by Anonymous Coward · 2014-10-20 02:16 · Score: 4, Funny
  
  That's silly, they'll just use their new advanced scaling and vector-based rendering engine to scale up buttons and fonts to fill an entire 4k screen.
  That way they can still claim a 4k resolution, even if you can only fit two words and an "OK" button on it.
8. Re:I can already see it by mwvdlee · 2014-10-20 02:29 · Score: 4, Funny
  
  tries to cram the regular version of Windows into a 2" display.
  Ofcourse they're not THAT stupid.
  They will design a new interface specifically suited to 2" displays on one-button devices.
  It'll replace the start menu on Windows 10.
  
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9. Re:I can already see it by operator_error · 2014-10-20 03:26 · Score: 1
  
  But what would that possibly accomplish? Or right, it can run Windows.
  A few weekends ago I read about someone that can bootup Windows 95 on their smartwatch.
  http://arstechnica.com/gadgets...
10. Re:I can already see it by Impy+the+Impiuos+Imp · 2014-10-20 03:29 · Score: 1
  
  I bet it's called the X-Watch, has an x86 CPU and tries to cram the regular version of Windows into a 2" display with a tiny cursor controlled by a Kinect camera you wear on your head via the included X-BaseballCap.
  Hehe. It's actually called the "M2, which is short for meeeeeeee tooooooooooooooo."
  
  --
  (-1: Post disagrees with my already-settled worldview) is not a valid mod option.
11. Re:I can already see it by wiredlogic · 2014-10-20 05:54 · Score: 1
  
  You give them too much credit. I envision baby poop brown Zunes retrieved from deep storage with wristbands hot melt glued onto them. Version two will be the voice enabled version done with the Kin.
  
  --
  I am becoming gerund, destroyer of verbs.
12. Re:I can already see it by wiredlogic · 2014-10-20 06:13 · Score: 1
  
  The funny thing is that they already did that in a way with the failed Windows SideShow devices.
  
  --
  I am becoming gerund, destroyer of verbs.
13. Re:I can already see it by Anonymous Coward · 2014-10-20 07:22 · Score: 0
  
  You can only see your local time if you're logged into the Kinect network, otherwise it only displays Redmond time.
  There's a bright side though, it will probably come standard with Symantec Antivirus...
14. Re:I can already see it by hodet · 2014-10-20 07:27 · Score: 1
  
  And you will be able run Office on it. This will be huge.
15. Re:I can already see it by Anonymous Coward · 2014-10-20 07:30 · Score: 0
  
  They will only have the man's model of the watch. Women will be expected to "trust" that the watch will fit them, or they can just carry it around in their purses...
16. Re:I can already see it by Tablizer · 2014-10-20 07:41 · Score: 1
  
  and last 30 minutes on a charge.
  Is there somewhere in Vegas I can bet on its failure? Finally my chance to get rich...
  
  --
  Table-ized A.I.
17. Re:I can already see it by Richy_T · 2014-10-20 08:45 · Score: 1
  
  Actually, that could be kind-of cool if it were designed right. If I wore baseball caps, ever, that is.
18. Re:I can already see it by Richy_T · 2014-10-20 08:49 · Score: 1
  
  The ribbon is an actual ribbon.
19. Re:I can already see it by unixisc · 2014-10-20 13:54 · Score: 1
  
  I bet it's called the X-Watch, has an x86 CPU and tries to cram the regular version of Windows into a 2" display with a tiny cursor controlled by a Kinect camera you wear on your head via the included X-BaseballCap.
  Given that Microsoft's initial Surface and Surface Pro II were ARM based, I don't get your point. None of the Lumias are x86 based - why do you think their watch would be?
  But I agree - it will be no more successful in the market than the Lumia is
20. Re:I can already see it by unixisc · 2014-10-20 13:55 · Score: 1
  
  The watch band is a ribbon
21. Re:I can already see it by unixisc · 2014-10-20 13:57 · Score: 1
  
  I think the other way. They'll have the watch in colors that only women will prefer - lime, yellow, cyan, red, and for the men, the watches would be like a Ford Model T - any color as long as it's black
22. Re:I can already see it by Richy_T · 2014-10-20 15:14 · Score: 1
  
  That could actually have some merit. Quick, patent it!
23. Re:I can already see it by Anonymous Coward · 2014-10-22 06:25 · Score: 0
  
  and a plugin PS2 connector for a mouse
24. Re:I can already see it by JabrTheHut · 2014-10-22 13:26 · Score: 1
  
  I can imagine it now - you can buy a giant dial to fit to the right hand side of the monitor to get the authentic windows watch experience. Dial 2.0 will let you fit it to the right or left side of the monitor.
  
  --
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Funny but Microsoft is the most open ecosystem. by LWATCDR · 2014-10-20 01:34 · Score: 5, Interesting

Microsoft supports Outlook on Android and IOS. OneDrive works on IOS, Android, Windows and OS/X
Skype works on just about all platforms.
I guess Microsoft being number 3 in the mobile space makes them support more platforms.

--
See my blog http://ilovecookes.blogspot.com/ for light hearted technical information.
1. Re:Funny but Microsoft is the most open ecosystem. by jones_supa · 2014-10-20 01:37 · Score: 2, Insightful
  
  Also, Windows works on all PCs with all hardware supported.
2. Re:Funny but Microsoft is the most open ecosystem. by sideslash · 2014-10-20 01:47 · Score: 3, Interesting
  
  Funny but true, at least in terms of proprietary software. The observation even applies to Windows itself, since I can run it everywhere I want, including in a virtual machine on OS X, whereas Apple won't let people run OS X in a VM. Of course, I do anyway because I insist on building my own PCs. Currently I'm running Mavericks on VMware Workstation in a Win 8.1 host, but I get nervous every time I apply an update.
3. Re:Funny but Microsoft is the most open ecosystem. by Hamsterdan · 2014-10-20 02:07 · Score: 1
  
  Tell that to HP. My laserjet 1012 doesn't have any drivers for 7, yet it works if I force it as a 3055.
  Manufacturers should be required by law to provide drivers for at least 5-10 years. All the perfectly good and working hardware that gets recycled or trashed is mind boggling...
  
  --
  I've got better things to do tonight than die.
4. Re:Funny but Microsoft is the most open ecosystem. by ihtoit · 2014-10-20 02:09 · Score: 1
  
  Skype no longer works on my ZTE F930. It worked great until about three weeks after the acquisition, then a software update broke it beyond belief. I can find no way to roll it back and disable updates.
  
  --
  Political debates have me rolling my eyes so much I think I got optical whiplash. I should sue. - Foamy The Squirrel
5. Re:Funny but Microsoft is the most open ecosystem. by ihtoit · 2014-10-20 02:10 · Score: -1, Troll
  
  Apple can suck my cock while I run Panther in a VM.
  
  --
  Political debates have me rolling my eyes so much I think I got optical whiplash. I should sue. - Foamy The Squirrel
6. Re:Funny but Microsoft is the most open ecosystem. by Anonymous Coward · 2014-10-20 02:12 · Score: 0
  
  Microsoft supports Outlook on Android and IOS. OneDrive works on IOS, Android, Windows and OS/X
  Skype works on just about all platforms.
  I guess Microsoft being number 3 in the mobile space makes them support more platforms.
  That doesn't make Microsoft open. It makes Microsoft a seller on most platforms. What makes anything open is that minimally they support interfacing with their product via an API, a well-documented API or provide access to the source code. Microsoft does neither.
  By supporting three platforms, Microsoft is trying to keep itself relevant in the mobile world. That's all. Nothing as noble as being open.
7. Re:Funny but Microsoft is the most open ecosystem. by ErnoWindt · 2014-10-20 02:12 · Score: 3, Interesting
  
  Yes, I agree. It seems like Nadella is taking the cross-platform approach seriously and is not just blowing smoke. Refreshing, no question, and in direct contrast to Google and Apple as you point out.
8. Re:Funny but Microsoft is the most open ecosystem. by Anonymous Coward · 2014-10-20 02:20 · Score: 0
  
  Ha ha ha.
9. Re:Funny but Microsoft is the most open ecosystem. by qbast · 2014-10-20 02:38 · Score: 1
  
  Provide drivers for new operating systems? Which ones? I somehow don't see any hw manufacturer committing to provide drivers for any weird linux distro in next 5 years. Unless you would want this law written so they only have to do it for new versions if Windows and possibly Mac OSX. That would be received well on Slashdot.
10. Re:Funny but Microsoft is the most open ecosystem. by hawkinspeter · 2014-10-20 02:40 · Score: 1, Insightful
  
  If it works when you bought it, then it's your fault if you change the OS and it no longer works. You should have thought about that before changing your OS.
  
  On the other hand, if a manufacturer doesn't provide you with all the drivers that you want, then don't keep buying from that manufacturer.
  
  --
  You're a temporary arrangement of matter sliding towards oblivion in a cold, uncaring universe
11. Re:Funny but Microsoft is the most open ecosystem. by Anonymous Coward · 2014-10-20 02:45 · Score: 0
  
  Yeah, we know, you hate Apple and no one really cares. Thanks for playing anyway.
12. Re:Funny but Microsoft is the most open ecosystem. by Richard_at_work · 2014-10-20 02:54 · Score: 3, Informative
  
  The only limitations I've ever had with Windows on Apple computers are limitations *Apple* put in place.
  Try this - replace the internal DVD drive on a 17" MBP with a hard disk:
  1. Bootcamp won't allow you to install Windows on anything other the primary hard disk
  2. The EFI firmware will specifically refuse to boot Windows on the second hard disk
  3. The EFI firmware will specifically refuse to boot OSX on the second hard disk
  4. The EFI firmware will specifically refuse to boot the Windows installation media from anything other than the internal DVD drive
  5. The EFI firmware will specifically refuse to book the OSX installation media from anything other than the internal DVD drive
  6. The EFI firmware will specifically refuse to allow the Windows installation to write to it, so Windows cannot set the boot partition
  So these days I have a 10GB OSX partition on the primary hard disk which I never boot into, and the final act of doing all the installations was a fun case of swapping the DVD drive in and out.
  I've never had anything like as many issues installing Windows on non-Apple hardware.
13. Re:Funny but Microsoft is the most open ecosystem. by Krojack · 2014-10-20 02:58 · Score: 1
  
  Skype is a poor example. It worked on all those platforms before MS bought them out. You really think MS will stop supporting mobile tech? They would lose 97.5% of the mobile user base if they did.
  As for Outlook, well again they are forced to support everything. Again they don't want to lose that 97.5% users.
14. Re:Funny but Microsoft is the most open ecosystem. by WankersRevenge · 2014-10-20 03:07 · Score: 1
  
  If it works when you bought it, then it's your fault if you change the OS and it no longer works. You should have thought about that before changing your OS. On the other hand, if a manufacturer doesn't provide you with all the drivers that you want, then don't keep buying from that manufacturer.
  ----
  This message was brought to you by the invisible hand of the free market, except in this case, it wasn't so much a hand but more of a finger.
15. Re:Funny but Microsoft is the most open ecosystem. by LWATCDR · 2014-10-20 03:18 · Score: 3, Insightful
  
  " Refreshing, no question, and in direct contrast to Google and Apple as you point out."
  Actually no it isn't in direct contrast.
  When Apple first entered the mobile market they only had to worry about Blackberry, Wince, and Palm. In the smartphone market there was no real dominate player. It was in many ways a lot like the early days of micros with Atari, Apple, Commodore, Radioshack, Ti, and the CP/M machines fighting it out.
  Apple and Google where friends and Google got Maps, search, and youtube on the iPhone.
  When Android came out IOS was pretty much king. so Google kept putting their products on IOS to keep market share. Apple having the marketshare did not feel the need to put any services on Android. They used their services to keep market share.
  Now Microsoft to get market share supports Android and IOS. Android and IOS see no reason to help Microsoft gain marketshare. It is the exact same pattern.
  
  --
  See my blog http://ilovecookes.blogspot.com/ for light hearted technical information.
16. Re:Funny but Microsoft is the most open ecosystem. by hawkinspeter · 2014-10-20 03:19 · Score: 1
  
  If people insist on repeatedly buying rubbish, then why should the manufacturers have to pick up the slack?
  
  Personally, I run Linux and the only problem I've had with drivers not working from one release to another was with a Multitech multimodem that I've not been able to get working on a anything newer than a 2.4 kernel. Luckily, I can still quite happily run an old OS and thus it's still working today (although why we need to run fax modems anymore is another question).
  
  --
  You're a temporary arrangement of matter sliding towards oblivion in a cold, uncaring universe
17. Re:Funny but Microsoft is the most open ecosystem. by Anonymous Coward · 2014-10-20 04:27 · Score: 0
  
  HP blows. I could have told you that back in 1998 when I bought an HP scanner. Shitty quality and clicked while idle, which even after software patch only clicked a little quieter. Their hardware AND software are shit. Years later got a Canon flatbed scanner at a garage sale. Worked beautifully. Just last week got some new fancy Canon printer at work. Found drivers for XP. Installed in less than 10 seconds. I remember last time I installed an HP driver it took half a fucking day unloading all their bullshit. If you let HP fuck you once, they will surely do it again. Never buy HP ever again.
18. Re:Funny but Microsoft is the most open ecosystem. by ErnoWindt · 2014-10-20 04:53 · Score: 1
  
  I understand your point and it is well taken. Thanks.
19. Re:Funny but Microsoft is the most open ecosystem. by LWATCDR · 2014-10-20 06:03 · Score: 1
  
  Office is a different strategy.
  On CP/M you had Wordstar, Dase II, and often SuperCalc or PerfectCalc. On a lot of other machines like the Apple II, TRS-80, and the Pet you had Visicalc.
  When the PC came out Wordstar and Visicalc thrived for a short time then cam Lotus 123 and WordPerfect. WordStar died as did VisiCalc. Dase hung on for a good while fighting off Paradox.
  Then you had Windows and Office took over most of the market.
  Microsoft is desperate to not have Office go the way of Wordstar, Visicalc, Wordperfect, and Lotus123. When you change platforms new software has a great opportunity. Olders systems are left trying to not tick off their customer base by being too different but at the same time fit with the new platform.
  
  --
  See my blog http://ilovecookes.blogspot.com/ for light hearted technical information.
20. Re:Funny but Microsoft is the most open ecosystem. by LWATCDR · 2014-10-20 07:28 · Score: 1
  
  Really? It can run on an IBM PC?
  
  --
  See my blog http://ilovecookes.blogspot.com/ for light hearted technical information.
21. Re:Funny but Microsoft is the most open ecosystem. by LWATCDR · 2014-10-20 07:30 · Score: 1
  
  I would love to see that law. When will I be seeing the drives for ReactOS and Minix 3?
  
  --
  See my blog http://ilovecookes.blogspot.com/ for light hearted technical information.
22. Re:Funny but Microsoft is the most open ecosystem. by ErnoWindt · 2014-10-20 07:31 · Score: 1
  
  Yes, that is true. I think one thing that might save Microsoft on this front (and avoid the fate of Novell, say) is that they've responded in an intelligent way to the growth of Google Docs. That, and almost 20 years' worth of inertia to overcome in long-time Office users - which is still just about everyone on the planet - will work in their favor. I do think Nadella is making clear that he is going to respond intelligently and with clarity to the challenges the company faces. Quite a difference from the craziness, chaos and contradictions of the Ballmer era. Assuming Microsoft is seriously embracing a platform-agnostic world, that will be a major disrupter. No one anticipated Microsoft diving in like this, however they've been inching in that direction for a while now.
Apple Watch? by ArcadeMan · 2014-10-20 01:34 · Score: 1

The smartwatch market is still in its nascent form, but with Apple releasing its AppleWatch in early 2015, things are going to change.
I'm pretty sure the Pebble and the too-many-in-too-short-a-time Samsung watches were already changing things.

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1. Re:Apple Watch? by MouseR · 2014-10-20 01:37 · Score: 1
  
  X2
  Pebble won that race. unfortunately lacks the marketing power of Apple and thus, they will become moot in not so long. Sad, because they already do what Apple's watch promises. Right down to SDK.
2. Re:Apple Watch? by ArcadeMan · 2014-10-20 01:46 · Score: 1
  
  There's one thing The Pebble doesn't do as well as the Apple Watch, and that's running out of battery power after only a few days.
  
  --
  Get free satoshi (Bitcoin) and Dogecoins
3. Re:Apple Watch? by Anonymous Coward · 2014-10-20 02:47 · Score: 0
  
  Saying anyone won any race in technology is just like saying "no one should ever need more than 640k."
  
  It shows that you're a chump for thinking in that limited dynamic from the get go.
4. Re:Apple Watch? by hondo77 · 2014-10-20 06:31 · Score: 1
  
  Pebble won that race. unfortunately lacks the marketing power of Apple and thus, they will become moot in not so long.
  Assuming that was actually true (big assumption), whose fault is it that Apple is so much better at marketing? Is it Apple's fault? A vast right-wing conspiracy? Don't you think that if Pebble had come out with something really spectacular, rather than a black and white screen with graphics almost as good as Intellivision, they would have gotten a huge amount of publicity for truly beating Apple to the punch? Instead, they put out an embarrassment.
  
  --
  I live ze unknown. I love ze unknown. I am ze unknown.
Somehow dumber than the Apple Watch by Anonymous Coward · 2014-10-20 01:36 · Score: 1

3 different watches, 3 different ecosystems.
I have 2 wrists.
Unless they create a coc ring, someone is gonna lose.
1. Re:Somehow dumber than the Apple Watch by ArcadeMan · 2014-10-20 01:48 · Score: 1
  
  Not necessarily. You could also put a bunch of them together in a single casing.
  
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  Get free satoshi (Bitcoin) and Dogecoins
2. Re: Somehow dumber than the Apple Watch by Anonymous Coward · 2014-10-20 01:50 · Score: 0
  
  I'm sure your tits are big enough to hold a watch each
3. Re:Somehow dumber than the Apple Watch by unixisc · 2014-10-20 13:59 · Score: 1
  
  Apple, MS and....?
The downside is by Chrisq · 2014-10-20 01:37 · Score: 4, Funny

Its only compatible with Microsoft time, requires network access for a license check before you can set or change any functions, and won't be supported in 7 years time.
1. Re:The downside is by Richard_at_work · 2014-10-20 01:52 · Score: 4, Funny
  
  Wow, 7 years of support!
  That would out do the original iPhone (released June 2007, last software update February 2010, less than 3 years of support), the iPhone 3G (released July 2008, last software updated November 2010, less than 2.5 years of support) and the iPad 1 (released April 2010, last software update May 2012, just over 2 years of support).
  Bring on that 7 years, it sounds positively fantastic!
2. Re:The downside is by bazorg · 2014-10-20 01:59 · Score: 4, Informative
  
  On the upside, the support policy will be published on http://support2.microsoft.com/... and you'll be able to check the status of your chosen products regularly instead of just keeping your fingers crossed and hope that the "service" doesn't move from Beta to discontinued.
3. Re:The downside is by CastrTroy · 2014-10-20 03:02 · Score: 1
  
  Especially for an embedded/mobile device. My phone came out with Android 2.3, and Android 4.0 was released 6 months later. It never saw an update. Less than 6 months of updates for my phone. iOS is a no go for me, because I don't like being locked into one vendor, and their phones are expensive, at least of bought new. Android is really my preferred choice, but I really don't want to be screwed over on updates again. I'm seriously considering going with Windows phone for my next phone, as there are multiple manufacturers supporting them, and the updates come directly from MS.
  
  --
  
  Anthropic principle: We see the universe the way it is because if it were different we would not be here to see it.
4. Re:The downside is by Bing+Tsher+E · 2014-10-20 03:40 · Score: 1
  
  Try telling T-Mobile that the updates come from Microsoft. My T-Mobile Nokia has a Windows 8.1 release but T-Mobile has been sitting on it, claiming it is still in testing, since this past Spring.
5. Re:The downside is by CastrTroy · 2014-10-20 05:53 · Score: 1
  
  Good to know. I was under the impression that updates came from MS, and that the carriers and manufacturers were completely out of the loop on updates. I plan to buy an unlocked version anyway, so perhaps that will help with the situtation.
  
  --
  
  Anthropic principle: We see the universe the way it is because if it were different we would not be here to see it.
6. Re:The downside is by sootman · 2014-10-20 06:30 · Score: 2
  
  Settings -> Display -> [_] 12-hour time [x] 24-hour time
  You will need to reboot for the changes to take effect. Reboot now? [_Yes_] [_No_] [_Cancel_] [_Abort_] [_Retry_] [_Fail_]
  
  --
  Dear Slashdot: next time you want to mess with the site, add a rich-text editor for comments.
7. Re:The downside is by Anonymous Coward · 2014-10-24 04:13 · Score: 0
  
  Just a heads up, you can grab the update either way by signing up for the developer preview program. It's super easy, just enables getting updates directly from microsoft, bypassing your carrier's preferences. I think they get away with it by saying it's only for developers, but they don't have any real requirements to sign up.
  http://dev.windows.com/en-us/develop/devpreview
  I grabbed 8.1 on my phone the day it came out, and I don't think the carrier has pushed it out yet.
Behold the bluescreen watch! by miknix · 2014-10-20 01:38 · Score: 5, Funny

Wait no more, with this new windows watch you will be able to make pauses during your work and stare a wonderful 8-bit blue.
No need to wait for the 16h to drink your tea, with the windows watch you get random bluescreens every time!
Now available with the new RandomFunctionEx32! It is random 7.9999 times in 8!
Call now, and get a free copy of Windows 10 Fisher price edition!
1. Re:Behold the bluescreen watch! by Anonymous Coward · 2014-10-20 01:51 · Score: 2, Insightful
  
  * The Windows 10 Fisher price edition is limited to 1 running process.
2. Re:Behold the bluescreen watch! by jones_supa · 2014-10-20 01:52 · Score: 1
  
  Now available with the new RandomFunctionEx32! It is random 7.9999 times in 8!
  Ah, you mean the DWORD WINAPI RandomFunctionEx32( LPVOID lpParam ).
3. Re:Behold the bluescreen watch! by Anonymous Coward · 2014-10-20 04:13 · Score: 0
  
  Don't forget:
  lpParam - Reserved. Must be set to 0
Screen Saver by Anonymous Coward · 2014-10-20 01:39 · Score: 1

If Microsoft made a digital watch that displayed a BSOD with the date and time I'd buy it. Seriously that would be a fun product to have to mess around with friends with.
As usual ... by Anonymous Coward · 2014-10-20 01:44 · Score: -1

Microsoft is incapable of innovating, just following the herd.
Microsoft has become a lumbering giant, managed by incompetent morons, reduced to releasing copycat products, and incremental changes to existing ones.
Nobody wants Microsoft's tablets, or their phones ... so who the hell wants one of these watches?
1. Re:As usual ... by Anonymous Coward · 2014-10-20 01:55 · Score: 0
  
  With Apple putting RAM that's not user-accessible in their computers, removing features from their OS for power users and sending unknown data to their servers by default, the day is coming soon where a lot of people will drop their Apple-branded devices and they'll need an alternative. Hopefully Microsoft will be ready because GoogleSpy(TM) isn't an option.
2. Re:As usual ... by Anonymous Coward · 2014-10-20 02:04 · Score: 2, Interesting
  
  You're wrong. Out of all software giants, Microsoft invests the most into research and emerging technologies. Marketing of these technologies is poor tbh, but still doesn't make Microsoft not innovative.
  http://research.microsoft.com/
  I've heard that Microsoft phones are pretty popular in europe.
3. Re:As usual ... by Anonymous Coward · 2014-10-20 02:50 · Score: 0
  
  Because MicrosoftNSA is a better alternative?
4. Re:As usual ... by mrjimorg · 2014-10-20 03:19 · Score: 1
  
  Just goes to show that you can spend a lot of money and get little in result. Seriously, can anyone tell me 1 innovative thing about the Surface? Something that a cheap Chinese manufacturer couldn't have thought of, but for less cost?
  Don't get me wrong, Microsoft does some great research - C#, .net, and Singularity - all pretty cool. But they fail in turning this into great products.
5. Re:As usual ... by Anonymous Coward · 2014-10-20 03:50 · Score: 0
  
  You're wrong. Out of all software giants, Microsoft invests the most into research and emerging technologies.
  Regular Lagadonians.
6. Re:As usual ... by Bearhouse · 2014-10-20 04:04 · Score: 1
  
  I've heard that Microsoft phones are pretty popular in [sic] europe.
  Nope - non-techs and style-conscious get iPhones, nerds and people who don't care but want big screens get Androids, typically from brands they know from other contexts, like Samsung.
Categorized under Android? by dnebin · 2014-10-20 01:47 · Score: 2

Since when does MS stuff get categorized as an Android item?
1. Re:Categorized under Android? by ArcadeMan · 2014-10-20 01:57 · Score: 2
  
  It's either because of the Microsoft patents in Android or timothy is a Samsung fanboy.
  If you ask me, the icon for anything related to smart watches should be a Pebble icon.
  
  --
  Get free satoshi (Bitcoin) and Dogecoins
How Soon We Forget.... by ClockEndGooner · 2014-10-20 01:54 · Score: 1

From the post: " with Apple releasing its AppleWatch in early 2015, things are going to change.". Hmm, how soon we forget the development partnership between Microsoft and Timex for the Timex Datalink series of watches. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/T... At best, I think there's a needless rush to this platform where the technology to make smart watches a partial, let alone replacement for a smart phone compared to an overpriced, under developed and thought out proprietary dongle to a smart phone.
1. Re:How Soon We Forget.... by captjc · 2014-10-20 04:08 · Score: 1
  
  Don't forget their second attempt in 2004 with the SPOT Watch.
  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S...
  
  --
  Slow Down Cowboy! It's been 1 hour, 47 minutes since you last successfully posted a comment
from the submitter by SmartAboutThings · 2014-10-20 01:55 · Score: 1

Can somebody explain why the links I have included have been modified? Not fair from /. to remove links and direct the traffic to already big outlets. Slashdot is also about diversity and supporting smaller publications, from what I remember.
1. Re:from the submitter by bazorg · 2014-10-20 02:00 · Score: 1
  
  I don't know about the diversity, but agree that links should be added, not subtracted from user submissions.
2. Re:from the submitter by SmartAboutThings · 2014-10-20 02:02 · Score: 1
  
  Thanks for taking the time to reply. It's really annoying to compose an original submission, be ahead of everybody else and now getting anything to your website. Especially when you've been with Slashdot for 4+ years...
3. Re:from the submitter by Charliemopps · 2014-10-20 02:07 · Score: 3, Insightful
  
  Can somebody explain why the links I have included have been modified? Not fair from /. to remove links and direct the traffic to already big outlets. Slashdot is also about diversity and supporting smaller publications, from what I remember.
  Are you new to submitting? I've had a bunch make it to the front page... the mods Heavily modify your submission. To the point that, you might as well not even bother spending time typing it up nicely. I got concerned when they not only corrected things but wrote their own diatribes into the submission, made their own mistakes and such, and then attributed the post to me. So I don't submit nearly as much anymore.
  If you're going to quote me with "Charliemopps writes" then it should be cut&paste. If you're altering it, Slashdot needs a different statement like "Submitted by..." etc...
4. Re:from the submitter by SmartAboutThings · 2014-10-20 02:15 · Score: 1
  
  I have had around 50 on front page... :( I didn't get this : "If you're going to quote me with "Charliemopps writes" then it should be cut&paste. If you're altering it, Slashdot needs a different statement like "Submitted by..." etc..."
5. Re:from the submitter by gstoddart · 2014-10-20 02:24 · Score: 1
  
  Ad revenue.
  SlashDice isn't about supporting anything which doesn't generate revenue for Dice.
  
  --
  Lost at C:>. Found at C.
Maybe get one thing going before the NBT? by Maury+Markowitz · 2014-10-20 01:57 · Score: 4, Interesting

Anyone remember Apple in the early-1990s? Coming down off a high of realizing they could charge $6000 for a computer, the company felt invincible and practically started chasing every Next Big Thing that came along. It didn't make a difference whether they had any background in it, whether anyone in their market wanted it, or whether it really was going to be the Next Big Thing - if someone said it was, they were on it!
By the mid-90s it was clear the company was in utter disarray. Teams throughout the company were chasing products as mundane as X.400 servers while at the same time offering the ridiculously designed PowerTalk that, for all purposes, rendered the server useless. Meanwhile no one could be bothered to work on anything as dull as the OS, which became a ridiculous collection of warts on bags. Copeland was the most obvious symptom of this problem, not the end result.
And then came Jobs. First he fires most everyone while personally interviewing new hires. Almost all ongoing projects were cancelled outright, even ones that maybe shouldn't have. Lots of utter trash, like OpenDoc and CyberDog, were thankfully killed, although people still lament HyperCard to this day. In any event, within ONE YEAR the iMac was introduced and by 2000 the Mac lineup was completely overhauled and greatly simplified. THEN they did iPod.
I believe the lesson to be learned here is that any company, no matter how large, can only do so many *new* things well. That number appears to be somewhere around two. You can continue improving existing lines, but radical change requires the entire employee base to pull in the same direction, and maintaining cohesion at that level on too many projects is simply not going to work.
So...
It is really a good time for MS to be doing a watch? The phone and tablet efforts are still completely up in the air. I don't run a multi-billion dollar company (and I'm very happy to say that) but it seems pretty clear that jumping into yet another product category while *every one* of their other categories needs major work seems extreme unwise to me. Hell, Windows 8 is universally detested. That needs to be addressed first.
1. Re:Maybe get one thing going before the NBT? by UnknowingFool · 2014-10-20 03:46 · Score: 1
  
  And then came Jobs. First he fires most everyone while personally interviewing new hires. Almost all ongoing projects were cancelled outright, even ones that maybe shouldn't have. Lots of utter trash, like OpenDoc and CyberDog, were thankfully killed, although people still lament HyperCard to this day. In any event, within ONE YEAR the iMac was introduced and by 2000 the Mac lineup was completely overhauled and greatly simplified. THEN they did iPod.
  I don't remember all projects. Just most of them. There was the famous 4 quadrant chart where he focused Apple on only 4 lines of products.
  
  --
  Well, there's spam egg sausage and spam, that's not got much spam in it.
2. Re:Maybe get one thing going before the NBT? by Anonymous Coward · 2014-10-20 04:30 · Score: -1
  
  Hell, Windows 8 is universally detested.
  Bullshit. I upgraded to 8. Love it. 3 other people I know have it and also like it. Just because the faggots you pal around with on the internet shit their diapers when something changes doesn't make them universal.
3. Re:Maybe get one thing going before the NBT? by Maury+Markowitz · 2014-10-20 07:50 · Score: 1
  
  > Bullshit. I upgraded to 8. Love it.
  Everyone else hates Windows 8.
  Sadly isn't quite as catchy as Everyone else loves Ned Flanders.
  > Just because the faggots you pal around with on the internet shit their diapers
  Ahh, a true vulgarian.
4. Re:Maybe get one thing going before the NBT? by danlip · 2014-10-20 10:53 · Score: 1
  
  Were you upgrading from Vista? I could see why you'd love it by comparison.
Stand alone? by Dan+East · 2014-10-20 02:03 · Score: 2

Unlike Samsung and Apple's watches, which are meant as an accessory / extension for their existing flagship mobile devices, I would think MS would tend to make something a little more stand-alone and not so intimately tied to a specific device or OS. That, IMO, would be a good thing.

--
Better known as 318230.
Behold by benjymouse · 2014-10-20 02:05 · Score: 1

The new Microsoft Time Telling and Instant Notification Wrist Computer Ultimate Edition

--
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Experience with watches.... by Bugler412 · 2014-10-20 02:17 · Score: 1

We should remember that even though they weren't exactly world beaters or "killer apps", that MS has more experience with watches than any of the large tech vendors, including partnerships with existing conventional watchmakers. They could very well be the first to get something close to the right balance here, and the fact that they appear to be making it compatible with ALL of the major smartphone platforms is an encouraging sign. We shall see.
1. Re:Experience with watches.... by Anonymous Coward · 2014-10-20 04:51 · Score: 0
  
  Like what experience do they have with watches? I've never heard of anything like that.
2. Re:Experience with watches.... by Bugler412 · 2014-10-20 07:03 · Score: 1
  
  Timex data link watch (developed in partnership with MS, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/... ) that had synchronization capabilities with Outlook/Schedule+ in the early 90's, sync'd up via barcodes flashed on the screen of the PC. In the previous decade, SPOT watches ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/... ) that offered limited data and IM capabilities through FM radio sub carrier signals. I owned on of the datalink watches for years, worked very well and reliably. Handy. The SPOT watches looked interesting to me tech wise, but couldn't justify the service cost.
3. Re:Experience with watches.... by Richy_T · 2014-10-20 09:08 · Score: 1
  
  I remember spending a lot of my windows 3.1 days looking at an hourglass.
Solitaire by Anonymous Coward · 2014-10-20 02:38 · Score: 0

Will I be able to play solitaire on it?
Microsoft needs to change it's name by Trailer+Trash · 2014-10-20 02:49 · Score: -1, Troll

I'm thinking "MeToo" would work well....

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Do you have ESP?
1. Re:Microsoft needs to change it's name by Anonymous Coward · 2014-10-20 03:57 · Score: 0
  
  How about "watchU"?
Also in the works, a Pacemaker... by Anonymous Coward · 2014-10-20 02:51 · Score: 0

But they changed the BSOD to a RSOD.
Gates would have announced the project same day by peter303 · 2014-10-20 02:52 · Score: 1

As he did with DOS and Windows event hought he didnt have line of such software. MicroSoft is slipping in its old age.
Zune watch by Anonymous Coward · 2014-10-20 02:57 · Score: 1

It randomly will first show a blue screen forcing an update before you can see the time.
I thought was a good idea to use a Surface tablet for a presentation. How wrong I was, at location it found open WiFi access and was connected to power so it decided it was a good time to update (automatically, no way to cancel). It took more than an hour for the update to complete, too late to do my presentation. At least now the whole audience knows why there were no slides and that you should never rely on Microsoft software. It updated like that at least twice a month before I got rid of it.
1. Re:Zune watch by Anonymous Coward · 2014-10-20 06:56 · Score: 0
  
  You rebooted it to complete the updates while you were giving a presentation?! You sound like a winner.
not surprising by slashmydots · 2014-10-20 02:59 · Score: 1

A stupid, manufactured trend of something nobody wants? Count Microsoft in! Maybe they can find a way to put not one but TWO TOUCHSCREENS on it! And then add a subscription fee for ongoing costs and add DRM to all the media on it.
Bob and Clippy are ready! by Anonymous Coward · 2014-10-20 03:02 · Score: 0

As is the Zune and the Windows phone...all joined by another, soon-to-be Microsoft failure.
Why, oh, why don't they stick to doing what they do best? Or even good? Or even acceptable--M$ Windows and Office are acceptable enough and tremendous cash cows?
How about M$ paying their fair share of taxes instead of using tax avoidance tactics?
Why can't M$ go all the way and use BSD, not just for their TCP/Networking Stack, but for their entire OS? With their GUI and Tools layered on top. Their quality and stability would increase dramatically. People/End Users might even sing their praises.
Law enforcement will be so happy! by Anonymous Coward · 2014-10-20 03:03 · Score: 0

What were those things called? Electronic shackles?
Now people pay for them themselves.
1. Re:Law enforcement will be so happy! by Anonymous Coward · 2014-10-20 03:07 · Score: 0
  
  The first "watch" deserving its name. To distinguish themselves from "iWatch", they might call it "watchU".
Sorry. but you've got that backards mate by Anonymous Coward · 2014-10-20 03:17 · Score: 0

https://gigaom.com/2013/09/03/what-microsoft-got-right-with-its-smartwatch-nearly-a-decade-ago-more-than-you-think/
If a "MeToo" exists, better choices would indisputably include both Samsung, and Apple in this case. Not to mention that Windows CE based handhelds and later Windows Mobile phones (with apps) way before there was an iPhone, and MS also supported tablets with their full OS _many_ years before the iPad was even a rumor. Apple (and later Samsung) simply got the polish and the marketing right, and made the devices "cool" (by riding the coattails of their own iPod's success in Apple's case). Microsoft is by no means the most innovative company out there, and they've made many missteps over the years (and "missed it by _that_ much too may times to count) but at least give credit where credit is due.
1. Re:Sorry. but you've got that backards mate by UnknowingFool · 2014-10-20 03:55 · Score: 1
  
  Apple (and later Samsung) simply got the polish and the marketing right, and made the devices "cool" (by riding the coattails of their own iPod's success in Apple's case).
  I don't disagree that Apple polished the smartphone and the tablet. But few would not argue that Apple and Android also made them actually usable. I had a WM6 phone. It crashed randomly. Figuring out how to do anything required looking it up as everything was buried 3 menus deep. The problem for MS was their mindset of just putting Windows on a device and calling it done. Part of this was probably Gates who had an aversion to anything but Windows. There is a story that MS had an e-reader before anyone else but since it didn't use a Windows UI, Gates killed it.
  This was the main issue with the tablets. There were expensive touchscreen laptops. They provided few real advantages over a much cheaper Windows laptop other than you could use touch. The UI was modified to add a pen. That was all the optimization done. Also at the time, there were not light by any means so carrying one was not comfortable.
  
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  Well, there's spam egg sausage and spam, that's not got much spam in it.
2. Re:Sorry. but you've got that backards mate by Bugler412 · 2014-10-20 07:11 · Score: 1
  
  Also not to mention that MS produced it's first "smart watches" in the mid 90's (Timex Datalink) in cooperation with Timex, and also the SPOT watches from middle of the last decade. Not exactly market success, especially the second one. But MS was working with watches, tablets, PDA's etc. back when Apple was a just few dollars away from collapse and bankruptcy
Microsoft released a smart watch 10 years ago! by h4ck7h3p14n37 · 2014-10-20 03:19 · Score: 1

Late to the party? Microsoft released a smart watch back in 2004!
http://www.cnet.com/news/time-...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S...
1. Re:Microsoft released a smart watch 10 years ago! by Bugler412 · 2014-10-20 08:02 · Score: 1
  
  actually, go back to 1994! Timex Datalink
Stand alone? by Anonymous Coward · 2014-10-20 03:29 · Score: 0

Unlike Samsung and Apple's watches, which are meant as an accessory / extension for their existing flagship mobile devices, I would think MS would tend to make something a little more stand-alone and not so intimately tied to a specific device or OS.
What would make you think that?
All that history where they have done such in the past?
The watch will have 3 buttons by Anonymous Coward · 2014-10-20 03:33 · Score: 0

To tell the time, you press all three buttons (Control, Alt and Delete). All but those with very small hands will be able to do this. Note the time as the watch reboots.
I had a microsoft smart watch for about 12 years. by 140Mandak262Jamuna · 2014-10-20 03:45 · Score: 3, Interesting

It was called Timex DataLink. Released around 1995 or so. You set up the calender, contacts etc in the PC and click on "send to watch" menu item. The CRT monitor will flash horizontal bars. You just hold the watch up in front of the monitor to receive the data.
It sort of worked. But it was too much of a pain but it worked when I tried. Eventually I stopped updating the data and carried around long obsolete phone numbers, addresses etc for a long time. It had super good battery life. Lasted 12 years or so. Then I went back to a simple Casio GShock.

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sed -e 's/Chuck Norris/Rajnikant/g' joke > fact
"The time has changed" by itzly · 2014-10-20 04:07 · Score: 2

Please reboot for the change to take effect...
I don't want a watch! by Anonymous Coward · 2014-10-20 05:31 · Score: 0

Just make better operating systems.
kind of cool, but by tehlinux · 2014-10-20 06:51 · Score: 1

I wish it was larger and fit in my pocket. Kind of like my Windows Phone does...

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Most linux users don't know this, but the man pages were named after Chuck Norris. Chuck Norris fsck'ing hates noobs!
Zune Smart Watch by Anonymous Coward · 2014-10-20 08:28 · Score: 0

They already have a well-known name to use.
Re:I had a microsoft smart watch for about 12 year by Anonymous Coward · 2014-10-20 08:29 · Score: 0

My friend would cheat on his test with this thing.
Re:I had a microsoft smart watch for about 12 year by Anonymous Coward · 2014-10-20 08:31 · Score: 0

It was called Timex DataLink.
I adored mine.
Smartwatch without phones? by antdude · 2014-10-20 08:41 · Score: 1

Will it be a stand alone smartwatch that doesn't require a mobile phone? I want a smartwatch like the old school Casio DataBank Calculator (150/300) watches. :(

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Ant(Dude) @ Quality Foraged Links (AQFL.net) & The Ant Farm (antfarm.ma.cx / antfarm.home.dhs.org).
Wrist watch ? by rossdee · 2014-10-20 08:59 · Score: 1

I haven't worn a wrist watch for a couple of decades - why should I start now?
Unless it was officially classed as 'clothing' by the state (MN) and so exempt from sales tax.
Late to the party? by scm · 2014-10-20 09:06 · Score: 1

Microsoft wants to make sure it's not late to the party, as it has been so many times in the past.
Aren't they already late to the party? Apple, Samsung, Google, and others have been working on smart watches for *years* already. If MS hasn't been quietly working on this for a while already, it seems to me like they're already late.
Half past zune by alphazulu0 · 2014-10-20 11:47 · Score: 1

Yeah, but does it come in brown??
az0
Too many buttons! by Anonymous Coward · 2014-10-21 04:31 · Score: 0

The requirement for Ctl-Alt-Del buttons will make the phone way too bumpy!
If it needs no phone I'm in by Optali · 2014-10-21 23:01 · Score: 1

If they can produce a smartwatch that does it's job and does not need an smartphone to operate I'm in for one.
I carry GPS watches anyway for running. And most of the people who runs huge mileage do not carry phones either.
Yes, I know. it's stupid, you could carry one in the camel back when running trail... but it's kinda symbolic for us not to carry a stupid arm thingy with the phone. And of course no headphones, but that's for obvious safety reasons.
Back to topic: A watch with strapless heart rate meter and GPS and which did not need a phone to work but that could be just synched with a PC / Mac (or tablet) would be ideal. If possible with a "sportive" design, like rubber / plastic straps and light weight making it suitable for wearing while on trail. A full-blown battery slurping app is not necessary as it is of no use on the way and with a battery life this long it would be great for ultras.
Ah, and an "unsmart" button to set the watch in sporting mode so that it does not bother you with the "smart" features as I seriously doubt that somebody will pay attention to his email or whatsapp when he is in the middle of a trail or trying a one-rep-max in the gym (and even when not, when I'm training I in "fuck you all" mode).

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-- 29A the number of the Beast