Buzz Builds for Microsoft's Secret Origami Project

Walaika K. Haskins, newsfactor.com
Fri Mar 3, 7:42 PM ET
source: http://news.yahoo.com/s/nf/20060304/...N5bnN1YmNhdA--



March 2, the day that Microsoft was rumored to be planning to announce its "next big thing," came and went. All Microsoft watchers got for their patience was another cryptically worded update to the Origami Project Web site.

To date, Microsoft has made no formal statement about what some industry observers have suggested would be a product that will compete directly with Apple's iPod.

"Origami is a new category of mobile PCs that will run Windows XP," said a Microsoft spokesperson, who noted that the company will share more information on March 9, the opening day of CeBIT, the world's largest computer show, held in Hanover, Germany, each year.

The nature of the updated Web site and the minimalist hints from Microsoft have not stemmed the tide of speculation overtaking bloggers and gossip sites.

Although it is clear that the device will be some form of tiny PC -- larger than a PDA, smaller than the most diminutive laptop, and capable of running Microsoft applications -- there is no clear consensus on any of the device's other features.

Blind Speculation

Much like the tale about the blind men and the elephant -- each feeling a different part of the animal and drawing conclusions on the basis of their own limited observations -- technology publications have attempted to piece together this Microsoft puzzle.

If you read one news outlet, you'll find that the device sports a 4-inch screen and a detachable keyboard. Read another and you'll find an "inside source" quoted as saying it will have a 10-inch touch-screen, will support gaming and music, and will cost about $800.

At a third publication, you'll hear analysts speculate about a device that supports 3G, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth wireless technologies, along with handwriting-recognition capabilities and a battery that will last all day -- all for a mere $500.

To keep the buzz factory atwitter, Microsoft has managed a very un-Microsoft-like feat -- maintaining perfect secrecy about Project Origami.

After the Digital Kitchen video clip made the rounds, purportedly showing the Origami device, Redmond said only this: "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."

Expert Opinion

According to Yankee Group analyst Nitin Gupta, without any concrete information about the mystery device itself, the most impressive component so far has been the manner in which Microsoft has been able to keep its secret, including making sure that its partners are keeping mum.

"No matter exactly what [the device] is, [Microsoft] usually announces products well ahead of the time they are released," Gupta said. "The fact that they are using secrecy and trying to create a buzz before the product release is very Apple-esque."

Most industry experts, including Gupta, are predicting that the device will appeal both to businesses and to consumers, with functionality that meets the divergent needs of each group.

"We're going to see some type of portable device that offers some PDA elements but is very consumer-focused, and that means more entertainment functionality," Gupta said.

Gadget Factor

Frost & Sullivan analyst Mukul Krishna said cost will do a lot to determine how well the device sells. He pointed out that the device might sport a high price because it will be difficult for the company to design a small, powerful product that does not overheat.

For example, if it is a small tablet PC running Windows XP -- a CPU-intensive operating system that requires a powerful chip -- the system will heat up quickly.

To do all that at a low price will be very difficult for Microsoft, Krishna said, who speculated that it will be "a really cool gadget" aimed initially at corporate executives more than at any other group.

He also said it probably will let you do everything your PDA does, along with gaming.

"There are many executives who like to play games," he said. "They're looking for someone who is going for a day's travel and says, 'I don't want to lug my laptop with me.'"

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