Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) is designing a smartwatch that can measure your heart rate and will be compatible with the iPhone, Android and Windows phones, according to a recent report in Forbes. The Kinect division of the company will undertake the process of making the smartwatch’s heart rate monitor, which will measure the heart rate day and night.
An edge over other devices
This smartwatch would have an edge over Samsung Gear fit as it will continuously track the heart rate without any need to turn on a specific feature. At present, Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) is developing a software platform for this smartwatch which will be programmed to show health information.
The software giant will embed multiple sensors in its smartwatch, but there is no word over the functions the other sensors will perform.
This smartwatch will have a full color touch screen, which will not be very large, but viewable. The screen will be towards the inside of the wrist so as to maintain privacy similar to the Razer’s nabu fitness tracker announced back in January at the CES.
The tech giant is trying to overcome the drawback that almost every watch has, which is that most of them do not offer many functions, so buyers aren’t that motivated to spend $200-$300 for such a product.
Adding more to the health options like continuous health-focused features could be a strong selling point for Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT). There is no definite information over the launch date of the smartwatch, but Forbes expects it to release during the summer.
Intelligent approach from Microsoft
CEO Satya Nadella is focusing on opening up to other platforms apart from Windows, and this smartwatch seems to be the first step in this process. Back in April, Nadella showcased a new version of Microsoft Office that was compatible with the iPad.
Opening up for other platforms is an important decision made by Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) from business point of view. Windows phones are not srlling very well and currently only have a 3.5% share of the global smartphone market, whereas Android boasts a massive 80% share of the market and Apple iOS holds down14.8%.
Nomura analyst Rick Sherlund said, “Microsoft needs to run across Apple and Android platforms.” Sherlund added that Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) garnered half of its $77.8 billion in sales from Windows and Office software products, and needs to transform like IBM towards becoming a service business.
