Forbes reports the Microsoft watch will have “a sensor-rich smartwatch” which goes one better than many of the current generation of smart watches, by constantly checking a user’s heart rate. Interestingly, it will also work on iOS and Android devices, meaning rival mobile devices can be paired with the smart watch, which could prove an interesting move by Redmond.
“The device will draw on optical engineering expertise from Microsoft’s Xbox Kinect division to continuously measure heart rate through the day and night,” according to the report.
“The watch will look similar to the Samsung Gear Fit and feature a full-color touch screen about the size of half a stick of gum, positioned on the inside of the wearer’s wrist.”
But Samsung may have got there first.
It already has several smart watches and bands and owns 70% of the market with devices including Galaxy Gear Fit, Neo, say analysts. But yesterday, the Koreans went one better unveiled a futuristic smart watch, called Simband, and open source platform.
The band itself although still only a concept, would go far beyond measuring heart rates, and would also check hydration, respiratory levels, the amount of carbon dioxide in your blood and blood pressure in real time.
The media ‘leak’ is interesting, considering many believe Apple is about to unveil an iWatch, meaning this category is about to heat up. And not before time.
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