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Microsoft’s rumored smartwatch to be equipped with biometric sensors

| Stephen Mayhew
Categories Biometrics News  |  Consumer Electronics  |  Healthcare Biometrics  |  Trade Notes  |  Wearable Technology
 

Microsoft will apparently launch its new smartwatch platform in October, which will be equipped with 11 biometric sensors, according to a report by Tom’s Hardware.

The news follows last month’s Forbes report that Microsoft is developing a device that is compatible with multiple platforms including iOS and Android, as well as the Windows Phone.

The wearable wrist device will compete with the newly-released Android Wear, Google I/O, and the long-rumored Apple smartwatch, which is also expected to launch in the fall.

Both of these devices are said to support only Android and Apple platforms, respectively, so Microsoft smartwatch’s cross-platform capability and its similar fitness features could serve as a niche offering in the competitive market.

Although no details regarding Apple’s smartwatch have been officially confirmed by the company, it is expected to have more than 10 sensors. Android Wear is more focused on providing contextual notifications, while Microsoft’s smart watch is said to have a more fitness-focused approach.

Citing an unnamed source, Tom’s Hardware also reports that the smartwatch will have a display that is intended to be worn on the inside of the wrist, making it a unique design choice when compared to Android Wear. The Microsoft device also features an open API, similar to Healthkit on iOS and Google Fit.

The Wall Street Journal reported in early 2013 that Microsoft was sourcing parts for a wrist device, however, the company’s upper management had not fully approved of the concept.

Previously reported by BiometricUpdate.com, in June Samsung announced the details of its own smartwatch, which stores biometric health information.

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