Microsoft's Origami project

So today Microsoft officially flipped the switch on the buzz machine for their Origami Project -- an atypical viral marketing manuveur for a company whose products are usually known about years ahead of time. Scoble says its a device, the Internet's lighting up with rumors -- is it the Xbox portable? Well, we dunno, but as usual got our hands on some pictures. And as usual we can't guarantee they're the real deal, though we are pretty confident in their source. So, let's go over it: these were sent to us detailing it as a Microsoft portable media player, which wouldn't be too far off from what Jobs and BusinessWeek both prophesied Microsoft doing (despite being pretty broadly denied from within).

Now, here's the tricky part with these pictures -- what's with the keyboard and stylus? Because the last time we checked, their Portable Media Center (PMC) OS didn't have (known) support for touchscreen and keyboard input. So is this some new portable OS platform running on CE.net? Or perhaps it's just a fat little Pocket PC device with some media software? Or something totally different -- could Microsoft beat Apple to the punch with the first serious touchscreen portable media device? Or maybe, just maybe, it's that ultramobile lifestyle PC Microsoft was talking about recently. Kinda seems like no matter what the answer, we're all gonna be pretty surprised (for better or worse) come announcement day, March 2nd, being that Microsoft's "not in the hardware biz." (No, peripherals don't count.) But hell, we can't even tell you for sure if these photos are legit, so here we are.

P.S. There's one thing we are indeed fairly sure about: that it's not that prototype "Origami" device announced by National Semi in 2001. Seriously, c'mon, a device from 5 years ago is what Microsoft's got Scoble buzzing about? Bigger pics of this Origami after the break.

[No3rdW @ Feb 24th 2006 9:23PM]

I don't care what it does, I want one. It just better have wifi.

In black though, not lime green. :D

[Chris @ Feb 24th 2006 9:32PM]

So... we'll see it in 2009?

[Jake @ Feb 24th 2006 9:33PM]

Hell yea, i'll take it, i like that mini-qwerty keyboard too, the only thing that i dont think i'm going to like are those tiny buttons.

[BadBatz @ Feb 24th 2006 9:34PM]

Well...Sony has dumped the U series ultra-super-portable-almost-palmtop "lifestyle" thingie running full Windows XP rigth around the time Intel started showing their ultra-super-portable-almoost-palmtop "lifestyle" thingie running full Windows XP (which, nota bene, looked quite similar to the white MS apparatus shown above...)

[wayne @ Feb 24th 2006 9:48PM]

ok, I just got a ppc-6700 from sprint, if this device has wi-fi and a phone with this screen and I'm going to be upset and will have to sell something to get this.

Donations anyone?

[Edward Scoble @ Feb 24th 2006 9:48PM]

word cannot describe how annoying it is when people keep emailing me asking if I'm a related of Robert Scoble

[brian @ Feb 24th 2006 9:52PM]

a mini tablet pc-isnt that like a lifedrive?
this will flop

[EnricoFermi @ Feb 24th 2006 10:12PM]

Okay, this is really easy to figure out. Remember flipstart, that little Windows XP running computer (that coincidentally looks like this) and was using a Transmeta Crusoe processor? Well, it was going to be produced by noneother than Paul Allen's Vulcan Ventures but never came about for some unknown reason. Probably because Crusoe was underpowered. Well, Microsoft then signs this deal with Transmeta last spring to use their Efficeon in a "secret" project. Efficeon is near the power of an Intel mobile processor but runs much cooler and with less power. Anyway, this deal with Transmeta (per recent disclosure) is near completion and will be announced this or next quarter. All the details between this origami rumor and the work order listed in Transmeta's 3rd quarter filing match up. This is going to be an XP running machine with great media center features and resembling the flipstartpc.com

Efficeon @90nm using LongRun2

It is going to be impressive.

[Rex @ Feb 24th 2006 10:13PM]

You can rule the world with this thing. I think Google will have a hand in this thing :)

[Jason @ Feb 24th 2006 10:22PM]

I'm starting to save money for this thing this very second.

[Rich @ Feb 24th 2006 10:26PM]

The top and bottom pictures contridict themselves. The lime green one shows that only the screen area opens (be it flip, or slide, or ???), while the black one shows that the whole thing flips open.

[amye @ Oct 22nd 2006 2:02PM]

I think the 2nd picture shows an aptional keyboard, if you look closer the keyboard is not attached to the device.

[john @ Feb 24th 2006 10:39PM]

Now *this* is something that I would like to see running Linux. Handheld computers are getting to the point where they've outgrowing Windows CE/mobile/smartphone, but still have small screens that aren't suitable for running a full sized Windows XP interface and apps that are often hard coded to work on a ~100dpi display. Linux on the other hand has a growing core of applications aimed at handhelds, using very little memory and are comfortable displaying on a 240x320 100dpi screen, a 640x480 ~200dpi screen or a 1280x1024 ~100dpi screen, without a recompile. Often full fledged desktop linux apps will work on different architectures with a simple recompile, so whether this thing has an ARM, PowerPC, Mips or x86 is of little consequence. Also, a comfortable Linux install with PIM apps, and a web browser fits comfortably in 16MB of flash. And that includes a package manager: Yes that means it can function as a completely autonmous unit, not requiring a desktop/notebook to help it install apps. And last but not least, a much overlooked feature of Linux: the network-transparent X11 display system. Display apps on the screen on the go, or display them on anything running an X server when you have access to it. OK, I've rambled enough now, back to hacking on my Zaurus C1000.

[Yazan Malakha (Tech#) @ Feb 24th 2006 10:49PM]

That thing is the most hideous product I ever saw in my life. Hasn�t Microsoft learned anything from its rivals? I kinda like the 2001 NSC model a whole lot better, and where's the folding part in this? :)

[Roman @ Feb 24th 2006 10:54PM]

rich, you're right, except i think maybe the keyboard is attachable. it does not look like the screen flips, perhaps the keyboard is at the bottom or something. not sure, but good catch

[js @ Feb 24th 2006 11:06PM]

Where are the Apple fanboys>?

[Fird @ Feb 24th 2006 11:12PM]

Probably busy commenting about the fake iPods

[John Tylko @ Feb 24th 2006 11:22PM]

^^ "where are the apple fanboys?"

right here. i think it's ugly and I don't see how you guys want em already. Its not gonna come out for years anyways, microsoft is always late.

seriously though. ugly.

[Jeff @ Feb 24th 2006 11:26PM]

MS has been watching too much "That '70's Show" for their color combo inspirations.

I mean, come on - avacado green??

[Joe Loy @ Feb 24th 2006 11:27PM]

Apple fanboys need their beauty sleep. however this apple fanboy likes the dark.

so here we go...

TOO BIG, TOO GREEN, OBSOLETE.

and what, it can only play 1 demo of Halo Mobile on launch? lame...

there is your apple fanboy fix administered properly now?

[t10 @ Feb 24th 2006 11:29PM]

Stick a toshiba 60gig hdd in it (MK6007GAH same as in ipod) with 802.11g and I will give microsoft my first born for one of these.

[SH @ Feb 24th 2006 11:45PM]

Keyboard is either bt or ir like the wireless keyboards you can get for your lifedrive. New OS, VIsta Mobile or something like a mobile MCE, running on 40 to 60GB hdd. Wifi sync to your MCE (soon Vista Xtreme) jukebox. Chip probably won't be hot enough for full PC gaming, though. This is made for watching shoot-em-ups, not playing them.

Wild speculation. This is what it's all about, baby! It's like Apple: the buildup is (almost) as good as the announcement. But yeah, the beige box form factor needs to go away.

[seattle98104 @ Feb 24th 2006 11:46PM]

why, in the the picture the white one, is the LCD monitor in background of Pro Tools on OSX ???

if this is a microsoft photo, why is Apple software (OSX) being featured in the background??

weird.

[mike @ Feb 24th 2006 11:54PM]

could Microsoft beat Apple to the punch with the first serious touchscreen portable media device?

---

and do what with this thing. watch movies?

MS can go sit in the corner with Sony and the PSP. This thing is a convergence nightmare.

what can you do with this thing? last i checked those Chinese Flip open Translator Dictionaries do not have anyone 'buzzing'

Is the keyboard pointless since it's half the size of a regualar keyboard? Why not just use microsofts oft-evangelized speech to text technology? Scrap the keyboard altogether.

What is this for.. WAY TOO BIG to compete with the iPod, forget it!

Also way too expensive.. (can you imagine?)

Convergence disaster

[mcloki @ Feb 25th 2006 12:16AM]

Take a little screen. Add a Palm stylus, add a dash of Windows. A little "Space 1999 inspired" design, Buttons placed seemingly at random. Stir a little.

ta da. it's crap.

[Joshua Pennington @ Feb 25th 2006 12:22AM]

Apple is going to counter this at their February 28th event.

[Phantom bantam @ Feb 25th 2006 12:44AM]

I'm an apple fanboy, but I am shocked at the others saying that it is "too expensive" or "can't compete with the iPod". I can't believe you guys giving fanboys a bad name. Sure, it's microsoft, and yes, it does look like a big, expensive screen, but you can't just jump to conclusions like that. Even microsoft can make a cool product every once in a while (from what Ihear, the 360 is pretty slick).

Also, I admit, that once it is out I will hate it and perpetuate every lie about it.

[rafael @ Feb 25th 2006 12:47AM]

yah guys its crap... itll run for 12 hours, always be connected to 3g and have instant on... yeah crap

btw, itll run vista, there is no way they are going to release this running xp tablet pc edition. this will make use of vistas scaling capabilities. do i see a mediacenter button on the bottom right hand side? i do hope that its as small as i think it is...

� Microsoft's Origami project (2/24/2006)
� microsofts-origiami-project (2/24/2006) lol

[Landon @ Feb 25th 2006 1:13AM]

it would be cool if it could act as a media center remote.

[rdun @ Feb 25th 2006 1:16AM]

Besides Windows 98 and securing OS dominancy by making it too complicated to switch, what have they ever executed well?

The stylus and keyboard concepts are all wrong. It's just not convenient enough for media control. What you need are those apple panted two-finger gestures. I love a good product and everything but how's this any different from the 2,000 dollar OQO we saw last year?

You know, i like iLife 06 as much as any other person but a result of having such a good Apple program out in the market is that you remove all the competition. No one is going to come out with a mainstream app that mimics 'iLife. That's not going to happen.

So if it fails Microsoft's stock plummets from the effect of a failed launch. If it is wildly succesful then it is to the detriment of MSFT-powered mini-tops.

Of course, MSFT can say, to hell with strategy, I'm going to make the best product I can. MSFT just doesn't think like that. And that's why so many smart people have left that company. What's the point of being smart if the sum of your life is making products that are only strategically better? What's the point of winning a basketball game if you don't allow your players to score as much as possible?

[Rob @ Feb 25th 2006 1:26AM]

Flipstart running a Transmeta Crusoe processsor was going to be produced by Vulcan Ventures, and now it will be running an Efficeon???

At first I thought someone was just making up a lot of gibberish... But I guess I'm just totally clueless.

[Brian Anderson @ Feb 25th 2006 2:01AM]

Hmm - Sure looks alot like the Nokia 770 . Which has a touchscreen, WIFI, Bluetooth, audio, video, runs linux, 800x400 screen. And is $350. But no HD ( yet )

Innovation Bill, Innovation.

[Markiepoos @ Feb 25th 2006 2:16AM]

Duh! The clue is in the name; It's an e-book reader of course. A literal translation of Origami is; 'Ori'=folding 'gami'=6x4 e-paper display with throbbing blue O-LED power light which costs $199.


Either that or it's a functional warp-drive.

[RORRO @ Feb 25th 2006 3:19AM]

it's similar to SAMSUNG NEXIO XP40

[Red Maple Leaf @ Feb 25th 2006 3:37AM]

Hasn't just about every other electronics company on the face of the planet got one of these? I mean what's the big deal? Microsoft will probably screw up the experience by making everything it can do as awkward as they have in the past, and it'll be another clamshell in the landfill.

[shrimp @ Feb 25th 2006 3:59AM]

I'm an Apple user. Awful industrial design, the black one is better than the green one, but not by much.

Not to mention the site is ugly and generic. Hardly even a teaser, looks like a template. Awful. Awful. Reminds me of a powerpoint template. Just butt ugly.

And yes, Phantom bantam, the Xbox 360 was nicely designed, but from what I've seen with "origami" it'll look like most Microsoft products: ugly.

[FurNiT @ Feb 25th 2006 4:10AM]

Just another pocket PC? Interesting if microsoft could offer something revolutionary. I think that the main sensation will be in the OS running on this device.

[Anil Passi @ Feb 25th 2006 4:58AM]

It better have the following to be my dream portable :-
1. Phone
2. Windows O/S with Office Suite
3. All PDA features
4. A 3G Compliant video Camera
5. iTune like software
6. Touch Screen
7. 5 Mega Pixel Camera
8. xBox compatible
9 In Built Satelite Navigation
10 External Hard Drive compatible
11. Wi Fi

Anything additional to above will be a bonus.

Anil Passi

[Anil Passi @ Feb 25th 2006 5:00AM]

It better have the following to be my dream portable :-
1. Phone
2. Windows O/S with Office Suite
3. All PDA features
4. A 3G Compliant video Camera
5. iTune like software
6. Touch Screen
7. 5 Mega Pixel Camera
8. xBox compatible
9 In Built Satelite Navigation
10 External Hard Drive compatible
11. Wi Fi

Anything additional to above will be a bonus.

Anil Passi

[mike @ Feb 25th 2006 6:22AM]

I think that the main sensation will be in the OS running on this device.

---

hmmm.. let me guess.. akin to something Mac users have been using for 5 years now? wow.. earth shattering..

[hobgoblin @ Feb 25th 2006 7:01AM]

hmm, nokia 770 with a keyboard...

[Solnyshok @ Feb 25th 2006 7:02AM]

I think that Origami really means that there will be a modular design - e.g. you want PMP/PIM only - you buy base green/yellow/whatever colour unit. or if you want it to do some attachment editing, blogging, etc. you get black one and attachable-or-bluetooth keyboard.

And I also put my voice behind XP/Vista capability + WiFi(g)

[TOMMY @ Feb 25th 2006 7:23AM]

Origami has been complete for 2 months now and is designed by, Jonathan Ive, known for much of Apple's industrial design (ipod). The pictures above are fake. Apple is set to counter this device with its secret "Bukkake" device set to premiere in a few days.

[rayk @ Feb 25th 2006 8:08AM]

Oh god, which ever compony makes the first touch pad portable pc like this one with pressure sensitivity like the wacom tablets, will not only get my hard earned money but also eternal fanboyism!

Portable digital sketch pad - yes please! But somehow I don't this will have a pressure sensitive screen. :(

[TZK @ Feb 25th 2006 8:17AM]

If you put the Nat-Semi device next to this one, youll see that the orginal Origami was a finished product, and this is just a prototype, because of its highly non-styled design. AMD bought the rights to all that tech years ago.

Original Orgiami pics here:
http://images.google.com/images?sourceid=navclient&ie=UTF-8&rls=GGLD,GGLD:2002-53,GGLD:en&q=national%20origami&sa=N&tab=wi

[Joe @ Feb 25th 2006 9:08AM]

Actualy, if you look closley at the second picture, the keyboard isn't attached. My guess is that it is bluetooth.

Can't wait for this thing to come out.

[College Student @ Feb 25th 2006 9:19AM]

ell yea, i'll take it, i like that mini-qwerty keyboard too, the only thing that i dont think i'm going to like are those tiny buttons.

[Matt Chesters @ Feb 25th 2006 10:01AM]

APPLE FANBOY HERE
Yeah the black looks nice,
but, WTF does it do and why do i want it?

[Nathan @ Feb 25th 2006 10:33AM]

eh, looks big and slow. it's nothing new just smaller so unless these pics are wrong and it is actually something revolutionary then im not interested.

[Raffi @ Feb 25th 2006 10:38AM]

Am I the only one that thinks the screen in the first pic is a computer running OS X?