Will Microsoft 'Origami' make a difference?

Microsoft is about to "unravel" the mystery surrounding its latest project: Lifestyle PC, also known as ultra-portable new generation PC.

Source: TabletPC Review

The software giant plans to market a new, versatile, compact, battery-powered and extremely handy PC to users - they can access the network, download email or make calls VoIP, as well as managing photos, music and video folders - but still using a complete Windows operating system.

Despite the fact that many other companies have failed to create a mini computer running Windows standard edition (ie not a reduced version for Pocket PC), Microsoft still believes that it can win, thanks to The remarkable progress of the chip, screen as well as the product itself.

"Pioneer" for this new form of computer is "Origami". The model of the first Origami super portable device is expected to be announced by Microsoft on March 9, as part of the CeBiT exhibition in Hanover, Germany.

In fact, the rumor that Microsoft is nurturing a super portable PC has emerged on the Web since the end of January, right on the occasion of the Lunar New Year. But it wasn't until the middle of the week that this event really flourished and appeared widely in the media.

So far, Microsoft has refused to disclose the goal of the Origami project but only use the website www.origamiproject.com to suggest those who are curious. According to the little information this site publishes, the new device will be smaller than today's smallest Tablet PCs, but still a bit better than the Pocket PC and Smartphone. With this small size, it is likely that Origami will not have an accompanying keyboard but will be equipped with a screen and a stylus.

As expected, Origami will appear in many different shapes and designs. Among these will be a Tablet-style device with the code name "Kinesis".

Kinesis will "be extremely ideal for Outlook, take notes, play games (of course not as good as the Age of Empire III or World of Warcraft, but at least perfect for casual entertainment) ", Nickolas Landry, director Mobile business of Infusion Development, a Microsoft partner said. " But certainly, this will be an ideal mobile communication device with photos, music and digital movies, especially when it is equipped with a hard drive ."

Analysts predict that Origami will be preinstalled with Portable Media Center software, and then, the iPod will have a new competitor named . winPod. Starting price of Origami will not be less than 500 USD and most expensive can reach 1200 USD.

Now, the biggest question is: Does Origami allow you to bring everything, from data, videos, music, photos to email addresses, work schedules, and so on? people, while size and weight still . light? Will you choose an all-in-one device, or lean towards the iPod + Mobile + Blackberry player? Certainly, Microsoft wants to answer all these questions with a capitalized "YES" word.

The software giant's ambition is not to confront the iPod directly, not to replace the laptop. What Bill Gates wants is to use the Lifestyle PC to knock out many different devices at the same time.

" Life has changed. In the past people differentiated between office and family, but now the boundary has become blurred. You can still work at home, and connect with the equipment at home. However, until now, no device has been able to handle this "context shift." The vast majority of users still have to carry at least two devices. In Microsoft 's mind, Origami is like a piece of paper that can be folded in different ways to be used in different contexts, but of course, this is a huge challenge that no other company has ever overcome. " Joe Wilcox analysis of Jupiter Research stated.

It is expected that the first Origami computers will be available in 2007 and run on Windows XP Tablet PC Edition 2005. Operating in 2008, ultra-portable devices will install Windows Vista and Windows Vista. Acting as an "accessory" that helps laptops and notebooks.

Further, the Microsoft Touch technology will be integrated into Vista, allowing you to order the device with your fingers and without the need for a stylus.

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