Microsoft, which is trying to move its software from desktops to people`s hands and pockets, yesterday unveiled plans for a portable media player and a radio-linked wristwatch.
The announcements, made by Microsoft`s chairman and founder Bill Gates, come as the world`s largest software company mounts a push beyond its existing market stronghold in computer operating systems toward a range of devices such as Tablet PCs, cars, monitors and even exercise bikes.
The PC industry, which has suffered slower demand over the past two years, faces uncertain recovery prospects in the next six months in the view of many industry watchers.
But Gates, who spoke to Reuters ahead of a speech at the Consumer Electronics Show, said the market for "smart objects", starting with the Microsoft watches, was potentially massive.
"The only screen you carry around with you and you can just glance at is a wrist-sized screen," Gates told Reuters. "If we get 5% or 10% of the people who have watches, it is a huge, huge number."
The smart watches, which recall the futuristic designs once popularised by the comic book crime fighter Dick Tracy, will receive data over FM radio spectrum leased by Microsoft, company representatives said.
No determination had been made yet as to what, if any, monthly service fees would be charged, or whether Microsoft or the watch-makers would control how users customise their wrist-borne devices, company representatives said.
The watches could start at $150 and would also have features like auto-updating time through an atomic clock.
Some manufacturers, Microsoft said, are also looking at making the watches into tracking devices using the satellite-based Global Positioning System, a step that would allow for a range of features like navigation.
Microsoft also said it is working with Intel on a design for portable players code-named "Media2Go". The devices, which would hold at least 12 hours of audio are targeted to hit retailers later this year.
Among the companies that will build the units, Microsoft said, are Sanyo, Samsung and ViewSonic. The new players will feature screens at least 4-inches wide, with ports to connect them to television sets for video-quality playback, the company said.
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