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Microsoft Origami vs. iPod
Video clip of a tablet PC-like device and a teaser Web site that points to a March 2 announcement spark rumors of a do-it-all device from Microsoft to take on Apple's iPod.
Speculation grew today that Microsoft is about to deliver its long-rumored answer to Apple's vaunted line of iPod media players. The book-sized device looks to be a do-it-all machine that would play music but also serve as a miniature PC for accessing the Internet, sending e-mail, editing photos, and playing video games.
Ever since CES in January, rumors have been circulating that Microsoft would jump into the portable media fray. The rumors were fueled by a Business Week article that cited an anonymous source inside the Redmond, Washington-based software colossus as "working on plans to develop its own portable digital media device to rival the iPod." Speaking hypothetically, Xbox marketing chief Peter Moore said any such device would also have gaming functionality. "It can't just be our version of the iPod," he told the magazine.
At the same time, one of Microsoft's signature teaser Web sites sprouted up at the URL www.origamiproject.com. Via some slick flash animation, the site asks visitors "Do you know me?" "Do you know what I can do?" "Do you know where I can go?" It then promises that, "You will... Learn more on 3.2.06."
Given the looming launch of Windows Vista, many assumed the site was part of the effort to help hype Microsoft's new PC operating system. However, over the weekend, reports surfaced that Project Origami is actually the code name for a new portable that combines media-player and PC functionality.
The evidence came in the form of a video clip that was uncovered on the Web site for the film-production company Digital Kitchen, which has Microsoft as one of its clients. The clip, which has since been taken down, showed a device that is the size of an average book, noticeably larger than the iPod and somewhat bigger than Sony's PlayStation Portable. The video shows people using the device not only as a music player, but also as a miniature personal computer for accessing the Internet, sending e-mail, editing photos, and playing video games.
Microsoft issued a statement to the Seattle Post-Intelligencer that acknowledged that the video generally reflects "a concept we've been working on with partners," about which more details would be shared in the coming weeks.
"While Origami is a concept we've been working on with partners, please know that the video seen on Digital Kitchen's Web site is a year old and represents our initial exploration into this form factor, including possible uses and scenarios," a Microsoft rep told GameSpot.
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