Microsoft is joining the list of manufacturers exploring the possibility of claiming a share of a new market estimated to generate $10 billion in 2016. Its interest concerns the so-called “wearable gadgets,” and specifically a “smart watch.” Google, Samsung and Apple are reportedly working on the same subject.
Microsoft's interest was recorded after information was given to the Wall Street Journal by prospective component suppliers from Asia, who state that the company approached them in early 2013. However, they are hesitant to confirm that Microsoft will manufacture the "watch".
The idea of a smart watch is not new to Microsoft. In 2003, at the CES show, Bill Gates presented the first smart watches, with SPOT technology (Smart Personal Objects Technology). The “SPOT watches” were described as “smart” as they automatically adjusted to the time change when the traveler changed zones, had customizable faces and provided access to content such as news, traffic messages, weather, stock prices, scores, but also personal instant messaging (via the then newly created MSN Direct service). The content was transmitted to the watches via the MSN Direct service from FM radio frequencies. In addition to these, the SPOT watches had traditional functions, such as a stopwatch, calendar, alarm clock, etc. SPOT technology watches were released on the market by well-known companies such as Fossil, Suunto, Swatch and Tissot (High-T).
You can see the presentation of the Tissot High-T, released in 2006.
