Is this Microsoft's iPod-PSP-BlackBerry killer?

A mystery Microsoft project - codename Origami - is sending ripples through the blogosphere. Microsoft's ultra-cryptic webste doesn't give anybody much to go on, but the Microsoft Watch site, among others, reckons the software giant is set to launch a new "ultra-portable device" - a kind of iPod cum PSP cum BlackBerry killer - on March 2.

According to the Gamasutra site, the image above shows the Origami device in a leaked scene snatched from a promotional video. "Rather than an explicit game-only device, the Origami Project concept seems similar to existing tablet PCs, with a large touch screen display noticeably bigger than either the iPod or PSP," Gamasutra says.

It all depends on how big that in-shot thumb is - if it's an adult's then the device pictured doesn't look too portable. If the image really is "Origami", then it looks like we're talking about a kind of miniture tablet PC, much larger than a PSP or iPod, that resembles a hi-tech etchasketch.

Comments

[Bill]

No. They can't. Come on...they don't even come up with their own ideas! How can they beat Sony and Apple when they are ALWAYS playing catch up?

[Tom S]

Remember the Newton? Origami looks to be too big & heavy for the average person to carry around all the time. The most useful portable devices are cell phones, PDAs and organisers. I can carry all three around with me and take up less space and weight than the Origami.

[abhii]

looks bulky and ugly to me!!

[steve altneu]

Absolutely yes. They have the expertise in all areas of software and finding hardware partners should be easy after two successful launches of XBOX. They have the ability to see where others have failed or where product innovation is desirable and exploit it.

[carlos bell]

Microsoft is gonna kill them the sheer size and its patience will eventually allowed it to dominate the market. It better because Sony is trying with its BluRay HD-DVD format, Apple with its iPod infastructure and R.I.M. with the Blackberry e-mail device which is already being eclisped by Palm's TREO and the forthcoming Q from Motorola.

[Matt Hellyer]

Would any sane person bet against a giant like Microsoft being able to have a good shot at beating the competition? Besides, once everyone has bought their iPod they'll need the next next-big-thing.

[john]

I think that if Microsoft were to have a bash at this it would have more success with the business type person. PSP is a games console, with the extra functions of media playing capabilities. From the sounds of it, Microsoft is basing this around a portable PC (media, internet etc.), with gaming capabilities. This rockets the price up and seeing as the PSP is targeted around the younger age groups, I'm not entirely sure this device can compete.

[M. Jedediah]

I think it is clear now that the Origami project is targeted toward the mobile workforce and is not a significant threat to the iPod, PSP or BlackBerry.