The wearable device industry is certainly on the rise, and it appears that Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) wants to catch the trend early. If reports are to be believed, the company could beat rival Apple to the punch by releasing its new smartwatch before the Apple Watch comes to market, just in time for the busy holiday shopping period.
Microsoft Smartwatch: Compatibility and battery life
One major advantage that the as yet unnamed smartwatch will have over its rivals is the ability to sync with iOS, Android and Windows Phone devices.
This cross-platform compatibility is part of Nadella’s wider aim of making Microsoft products available “across all devices”. The launch of Microsoft Office for the iPad back in March was a watershed moment for Microsoft, moving away from the Windows-only vision that characterized previous CEO Steve Ballmer’s time at the helm.
The Forbes report goes on to claim that battery life will be another advantage for the new product, with a battery that lasts for two days, compared to market rivals Samsung Gear and Moto 360, which have to be charged once per day. Research has shown that battery life is of paramount importance to consumers when buying a smartwatch, but relevant details were conspicuously absent when CEO Tim Cook unveiled the Apple Watch last month. He has since detailed that it too will have to be charged once every 24 hours.
Microsoft Smartwatch: Fitness focused
The new product will have a health focus, taking on the Samsung Gear Fit in the arena of health-monitoring wearables. Forbes claims that the Microsoft gadget will make use of the company’s Kinect technology to feature an always-on heart rate sensor.
Previously, commentators have speculated that the device will have a full-color touchscreen, making checking notifications a more private affair, while heightening similarities with the Gear Fit.
At this stage the rumors are exactly that, rumors. However if Microsoft can offer cross-platform compatibility and double the battery life in an attractively designed product, it could be looking at major success in the burgeoning wearables market.
