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.

[Richard @ Feb 25th 2006 11:05AM]

This is a good start for Microsoft, especially with regards to increasing it's brand and overall popularity, especially when compared to a company like Apple.

They have finally caught on to "Mystery, Intimacy and Sensuality" - which is missing from Microsoft.

[Razor @ Feb 25th 2006 11:08AM]

Well, of course Engadget would run photos of the ugliest prototype they could find. After all, Engadget is an Apple blog.
Microsoft will take on Apple in a series of evolutionary rather than revolutionary steps. Remember what Windows 3.1 and Windows 95 did to Apple's 12% marketshare in the 90's?? And look at what Microsoft is doing to Sony now.
Just wait and see...

[Ivan @ Feb 25th 2006 11:09AM]

With all the hype surrounding this thing it could simply be a picture frame to match your high-tech work environment.

LOL

[Stephen Tice @ Feb 25th 2006 11:09AM]

All I ever wanted was a WiFi connected tablet that would locally read plain old text documents and browse -- for less than $100.

It would be great if the user could do a little programming. Best of all would be to have memory card support. Audio input and output should be standard, including microphone. Must use plain old rechargeable AAA batteries.

Nope, they keep trying to give us a device that plays surround-sound movies on a screen too small to see, that records grainy video and photos, which costs more than a desktop, loaded with canned pay through your nose media, software and cellphone subscriptions.

Give us a sub $100 readable tablet that supports peer to peer WiFi clouds -- and we will blow the lid clean off China and radical Islam worldwide. Then there will be a mass market 6 times larger than there is now.

As for Microsoft, they will try to squash this the same way they did: PDAs, set-top boxes, and low-end console PCs (Atari, Commodore, etc.). Their strategy is to kill the low end market and keep everyone hooked on $1000 hardware platforms and $300 software suites.

Why fool yourselves?

[EnricoFermi @ Feb 25th 2006 11:42AM]

Sorry, I wasn't completely clear. The flipstart was an ultraportable similar to this that was to run Windows XP on its Transmeta Crusoe processor. The Efficeon is essentially Transmeta's most powerful processor and is more equivalent to a Pentium-M with twice or more processing power than their Crusoe. It is inexpensive and runs on very low power, especially if it does actually have some new power logic called LongRun2.

I've felt that since the ending of the Crusoe and Flipstart projects and a new Efficeon based "secret" project being collaborated on by Microsoft and Transmeta that work either had to do with a PSP like device and/or media center handheld. The timing was perfect. This new origami project looks a lot like the flipstart and the Efficeon would be ideal for a low cost/low power device running Windows (probably vista). The parts are cheap and I wouldn't doubt that a device such as this could cost closer to $500. That's pretty good for a laptop media center (game system?) running an actual operating system v. some CE equivalent.

[Brian Kirk @ Feb 25th 2006 12:23PM]

Does this make anyone else want a Sony Reader really really bad? I'm just desperate for some news on that thing.

[Michael @ Feb 25th 2006 12:26PM]

I think you guys are reading this different than I am. We won't see the announcement until 3/9 at the earliest, possibly 3/16.

At the origamiproject.com web site is a flash animation. At the end of the animation it shows "learn more on 3.2.06".

Below the flash is shown a link for week 1 (the current animation), and two grey (non-functional) links for week 2 and week 3.

So, I think that the more info on 3/2 will be the week 2 flash animation with slightly more details. Then on week 3 (I'm guessing 3/9/06) we will see the final animation.

This leads me to guess that the final announcement will be either 3/9 ( the third week), or that 3/9 is the final flash teaser with the actual announcement coming later (a week later? 3/16).

Anyway, the bottom line is that we won't see the details on 3/2; just a few more hints.

Michael

[Jake @ Feb 25th 2006 12:36PM]

I agree with the other Jake, the keys on this things QWERTY are going to be too frickin' small for guys like me with big clumsy hands.

[Monk @ Feb 25th 2006 12:55PM]

Go to www.d-kitchen.com
Enter the main site.
Go to "Work", then "Brand Theater"
and now what do we all think about the Origami?

[Derek @ Feb 25th 2006 1:00PM]

Whaddaya mean "First"??? Still using my Sony Cli?X/50 U for full length movies, mp3's e-mail, web browsing and a bunch of other things with wi-fi and blue tooth. Seems like most of the industry experts act like it never existed. Still can't find any worthy device to replace this if it ever dies, but being clad in titanium, I think it may last forever.

[mike @ Feb 25th 2006 1:12PM]

I've all of a sudden had several large companies trying to contact me to buy a domain name i own. I't www.LaptopPhone.com... I wonder if it has anything to do with the Origami thing. I've never had anyone come after me so hard and heavy for a domain name before. I was just on here this morning trying to figure out why they want it, and stumbled upon this Origami stuff. Any thoughts ???

[Shaun R. @ Feb 25th 2006 1:17PM]

Looks good to me, but it better have a phone/3g wireless data and wifi, not to mention bluetooth for the wireless headset. Plus the battery better be some of that magnetic perpetual energy or it won't last long, but it looks nice, hopefully we will be seeing a lot more products going in this direction, not exactly like it though.

[Rob @ Feb 25th 2006 1:31PM]

It obviously doesn't have a phone, going by the video, but it has bluetooth....

[AlanJC @ Feb 25th 2006 2:24PM]

Wow these discussions remind me why I love the INTERNET!

Seriously, people arguing over designs, specs, what it will do, and be like for an unconfirmed device that they have no idea about.

LOL

[bb @ Feb 25th 2006 2:38PM]

Now, here's the tricky part with these pictures -- what's with the keyboard and stylus?
--

Its for the reset button on the back when the OS freezes/crashes

[Snoogans @ Feb 25th 2006 2:45PM]

Holy hell, this thing looks awesome!! I'm pretty sure this IS what Microsoft was referring to recently about their Ultramobile Lifestyle PC, and if you remember, Gates discussed this in his keynote speech at CES 2005. I'm very excited about the video; this is what I've been waiting for

[Daniel Swiecki @ Feb 25th 2006 3:54PM]

I have proof that the origami project is this. Check out my post: http://swiecki.wordpress.com/2006/02/25/what-the-origami-project-really-is/

[jx @ Feb 25th 2006 5:52PM]

According to d-kitchen.com it comes with GPS, Bluetooth, WiFi, a deluxe version with symetric scrolling wheels (the one from the guy in the Jeep), even motion/orientation detection (strange movements from the guy playing the FPS game). The drawings/sketches make me think that the screen is not pressure enabled.

[maff @ Feb 25th 2006 6:01PM]

the lime green one is almost certainly a designer's shot of a design mock-up, maybe clay? I'd quite like the device if it was super quick start up and you could chnage mp3 tags etc with the keyboard, i think they're going for the all-round ultimate mini notebook design, just needs a decent size HDD

http://www.networkworld.com/community/?q=taxonomy/term/123

[Brad @ Feb 25th 2006 6:05PM]

Digg Dugg!

It is pretty stinkin awesome, at least the black one. Am I the only one who thinks that that hard button on the bottom right looks like a media center button? Vista will have that integrated (as well as real touchscreens), so this could make for a really great media/pda device.

[Rob @ Feb 25th 2006 6:26PM]

Apple fanboys are funny. You could take the stories and the pictures above, and relace microsoft with apple, and the fanboys would be saying its the best thing since sliced bread.

[Captain Mal @ Feb 25th 2006 7:14PM]

Its ugly! and if it runs windows it will come with added extras, like Virus's, Spyware, adware, chickenware, trojans etc..... so I will aopt out of this Microsloths crap attempt to try I DID SAY TRY and compete with the ipod!!

[Mike Street @ Feb 25th 2006 7:28PM]

Damn it looks kinda fly... can't wait to hear what that is all about

[MadJo @ Feb 25th 2006 8:20PM]

Isn't this just another PDA?

[Brenton M @ Feb 25th 2006 9:02PM]

why do i get the feeling microsoft is jealous of the myspace success. maybe this will be wireless enabled with some basic media/pocket pc tools too

[Mogg @ Feb 25th 2006 9:21PM]

This gimcrack is foolish. Just imagine ... a world of douchebags riding segways, fiffybags slung across their shoulder and pulling out this device to check directions on Mapquest.

However, if it comes with Ms Paint (which seems so), I want one.

[Osman @ Feb 25th 2006 9:37PM]

i don't know if this has been posted yet but i found a ad of some sort where those pics are from showing off the Origami,
To watch the video. Go to:
http://www.d-kitchen.com/main.html

Then navigate the flash site: Enter > Work > BrandTheatre > Microsoft Origami

[lane @ Feb 25th 2006 10:26PM]

As of now, the ONLY THING that Apple and Microsoft compete against is their operating systems.

For those of you that don't know this yet, *cough*MS fanboys*cough*, MS owns around 70% of Apple shares.

And this is coming from a partial Apple fanboy.

[Colin Davis @ Feb 25th 2006 10:44PM]

You can view a movie of how they envision it on Digital Kitchen's website:
http://www.d-kitchen.com/
Once you open the main browser window, click on Work and then Brand Theatre -- you can view it there.

[Abraham Estrada @ Feb 25th 2006 11:11PM]

Now you can download the video in MPG format here:

http://www.pdamexico.net/content/view/2032/2/

[mike @ Feb 26th 2006 12:16AM]

Apple fanboys are funny. You could take the stories and the pictures above, and relace microsoft with apple, and the fanboys would be saying its the best thing since sliced bread.

----

Really, because I still haven't heard one person answer the question that MS dreads:

what the hell is this for?

stop telling me it's specs and tell me what practical use there is for 'too big for my pocket, screen too small, keyboard too small, HD space shite, overpriced'?

What will you do with this?

[dixon @ Feb 26th 2006 12:17AM]

I see no one discussing the fact that Microsoft is about to enter into competition with its hardware vendors. What will be the reaction from HP, Dell, Motion Computing, Sharp and others? Will this accelerate the tipping point for hardware makers to start selling packaged platforms with low cost Linux entry points?

"If you're gonna play in MY backyard, I'm gonna play in YOURS..."

[TOMMY @ Feb 26th 2006 12:20AM]

official video for the device out now....

http://creativecoremedia.com/mso.swf

[Jimmy G @ Feb 26th 2006 12:51AM]

I just hope the stylus writing has improved on this pseudo tablet. I always thought the tablet idea was great but writing on the old ones was somewhat painful.

[Kevin @ Feb 26th 2006 2:40AM]

The reason you see OS X in the photo and video is because the production company that made the marketing video uses Macs.

[trevor @ Feb 26th 2006 3:50AM]

It needs to be hooked to a the net full time or its not that great.

So, we need cheap Wifi or 3G with good coverage.

We are close but not there yet.

5 yrs and this will be THE form factor.

One device to rule them ALL! :D

[shrimp @ Feb 26th 2006 4:20AM]

"The reason you see OS X in the photo and video is because the production company that made the marketing video uses Macs." -Kevin

HA. I bet when Apple releases small tablet Mac or PDA that same production company is going to buy some.

[clarkitekt @ Feb 26th 2006 4:24AM]

that's not OSX. Look closer.

[Christopher Coulter @ Feb 26th 2006 5:11AM]

You know what�s sad? That promo video sucks, I know I could do better, script and scenario-wise, and they are sucky Video Editors, jump cut de jour. And I hate things shot in HD that don�t go warm film tone. Mortal sin.

Scenario One - She mixes up a vinyl gig, yet hands it off within seconds to doofus Cowboy hick (with continuity problems galore here) right off bat, Cowboy kicking up a goofy potrait in less than 2 seconds, and THIS is their lead off. Man alive.

Scenario Two - GPS Device doing Camera Photo tricks? Ummmmm please.

Scenario Three - Miss Richie Snob syncs files and then proceeds to slunk on lawn chair, Media Centering culling up yadda yadda from the room she just left and then draw in the artsy ARTRAGE an Industrial Design for T-Shirt SLOGANS? What in the WORLD?

Scenario Four - Are we REALLY supposed to believe this is a Handheld Gaming System? They take us for morons? And now hook a keyboard and it�s a mini-laptop? Guess that pen ain�t all it�s cracked up to be.

Scenario Five - Dimwit on a bike using it as a notepad? (And those jump cuts, arrrgh). And then proceeds to phone cam trick and send back that T-Shirt slogan? Confusing. And guy is too stalkerish.

Moral of story: Spend big money with big firms, sometimes you get less than what paid for. No central theme, all too confusing, everything to everyone becomes nothing to anyone.

[Snoogans @ Feb 26th 2006 5:38AM]

This is going to go perfect along with the Sony Ericsson W810 and their new bluetooth headphones allowing me to listen to music from this lifestyle pc thing on the bluetooth headphones, and if a call comes in, can pause it and take/reject the call.When finished, continue where you paused the song.Plus, being a college student (University of Texas), this thing will come in handy for typing notes and can still be fairly portable.This is what I've been waiting for.

[Kamalot @ Feb 26th 2006 6:04AM]

"No central theme, all too confusing, everything to everyone becomes nothing to anyone."

Sounds a lot like the product itself, which is why it will fail.

Other videos the same production company created include one for the Microsoft Spot watch.

[Theodore Carras @ Feb 26th 2006 6:54AM]

Found out something interesting...

Go to d-kitchen.com, then press Enter, then Work, then Brandtheatre, then Microsoft Origami...

Interestingly the device seems to run a modded version of XP (possibly similar to tablet) but the video suggests that it's faster and easier to use with one hand.

[Roceh @ Feb 26th 2006 7:07AM]

Theres a promo video thats been out for a while of this:

http://www.d-kitchen.com/main.html

go enter->work->brandtheatre->microsoft origami

The device looks quite large really, about an 8" display, halfway between a pda and a tablet pc.

[Trumad @ Feb 26th 2006 7:51AM]

Why does anyone buy microsoft? We've seen how their software manages over the years (badly) and the types of people who play xbox games (search xbox kid or halo geek on yahoo videos) and we know that the gamecube is selling more units than the xbox 360 in japan. And now some portable thing, years and years after nintendo and even Sony for heaven's sake have released and improved their handhelds.

[Theodore Carras @ Feb 26th 2006 8:10AM]

to Trumad: Microsoft aren't as bad as many people think. Their software is doing quite well (certainly financially); while Windows has a few bugs it really is quite good. Office is without true competitors (OOo is close but not quite there yet) and in the past year or two they've become far more open - just look at the whole MSDN blogs system. Also, the Xbox is a great console, and apparently the only evidence you've got that it's not is a few videos of geeks on the web.

As for the gamecube/xbox thing, there are a number of explanatory factors - the Xbox 360 is new, the Gamecube is a Nintendo product, which is a better-known games brand than MS, and the Xbox 360 currently has few games that appeal to the japanese market.

Finally, how does the fact that they're late in releasing a portable device mean that they're wrong? Clearly they've been waiting for the right time to release such a device; moreover it's quite different (as you can clearly see from the video and pics) to the PSP and DS.

Please spare us the irrational 'I hate M$ for the sake of it' rubbish in future.

[Jim @ Feb 26th 2006 11:49AM]

tablet interface
built in wireless
built in cellular
built in media center extender
strong enough for games

take you dekstop, video and audio with you where ever you go. this is going to be a hit.

[mike @ Feb 26th 2006 12:07PM]

Moral of story: Spend big money with big firms, sometimes you get less than what paid for. No central theme, all too confusing, everything to everyone becomes nothing to anyone

-------

Now i thought the actual video was nice for an MS product, BUT, the problems arise from the fact that, yes, no central theme. This is classic MS: the answer to the question no one asked.

I like the girl sitting on the lounge chair, deciding to make orange t-shirts or whatever. Like the $500 wifi tablet was necessary to make that 'ingenious' change. The 'clip' shows lots of yuppies doing really, petty taks with this thing, because, quite frankly, you can do all of this stuff in much more effective ways with something like, a cell phone (cheaper), ds/psp (cheaper), a paper notepad (cheaper), and yes, an ipod (cheaper)

convergence nightmare, master of none..

this thing will SOUND like a hit, everyone will talk about it and no one will buy it.. just like the creative media players ;)

[Rod Shuffler @ Feb 26th 2006 12:48PM]

Too big to fit in a pocket and too small to do any serious work with. Why will it "Set me free" from working for The Man if I am able to work for The Man wherever I go, courtesy of Microsoft? Geesh, and I thought being contactable by cellphone anywhere I am was bad enough. Now I'll have to do work as well?

[Ben @ Feb 26th 2006 5:42PM]

This thing better be running full XP (or vista) and be a full-power Core Solo or something. Given the size of it, if it's only running WinMo 5 then double meh.

If however it's a fully-fledged tablet PC (including *proper* inductive touchscreen) then damn, I want one.

[Stevie @ Feb 26th 2006 6:28PM]

Didn't Microsoft/Nvidia/Samsung have shares in GIZMONDO who recently went into receivership due to bad management !
Mmm...i smell a Mobile Xbox with Nvidia Graphics and GPS,text messaging,email,web-browsing,multimedia messaging,multiplayer wifi/gps games,Mp3,Video etc.
Remember the adds !

XBOX-MOBILE ! I CAN DO ANYTHING ;)

Mobile Halo with wifi and GPS .....now that would rock