Microsoft Origami tale continues to unfold
By Marc Perton 
posted February 27th 2006 9:27AM
posted February 27th 2006 9:27AM
This weekend saw a rapid unfolding of rumors about Microsoft's mysterious Origami project, spurred in part by the company's launch of a cryptic viral marketing site for the concept, in part by comments from Robert Scoble that Origami represented an actual device, and, of course, in large part due to a fascinating video showing a handheld, wireless, touch-screen/keyboard device that appeared -- and later disappeared -- on the internets (though, of course, it's still mirrored in countless places). Now that the weekend has passed, the Microsoft spin machine is busily reshaping the origami narrative. In addition to causing the video to magically disappear, the company has confirmed that the video is indeed an authentic representation of an "early prototype" of Origami, but insists that the images are about a year old. Meanwhile, word is out that the unveiling of Origami scheduled for Thursday will most likely show off a "technology," and not a finished product. Which sounds about right to us. Given that Microsoft brass recently discussed specs for an "ultramobile lifestyle PC," it seems pretty likely to us that what the company will unveil later this week will fit that description. Regardless, props to Microsoft: for once, the company has actually managed to steal Stevie J's thunder, building a buzz that's almost buried rumors about Apple's forthcoming announcements.
Maybe i can run my itunes on it... It would be a ipod killer.
Appropriate isn't it that MS would use a viral marketing campaign ;-)
I think I am more confused now than I was when I first heard of this thing. First I was excited! YAY! A lap top type thing my redneck ass can afford! Then I was all, Well alot of people think its chunky and fugly. Then I said- Hold up! I should buy it, but maybe not but I could but I'm not sure, but I want to but still. . .
And I'm spent.
STOP SAYING IT WILL BE HEAVY AND THICK AND UGLY!!!
The video is showing an old prototype! Look at the black model for a more realistic rep.
I think they are trying to target who they think are the Apple crowd? Why all these young "hip" people? Whats wrong with older folks??
Like a dentist can't use a mobile device to show X-rays of a patients teeth?
The first girl in there however is so hot.
i was wondering whethaer can u put cd on that or does that have a external cd player or something??? i have even read somewhere online that the price is mostl 500 usds
Wow, not a lot of students here judging from the negative responses. I personally can't wait for this to come out because it seems to have a lot of useful features that are actually relevant to me, not just the hipster actors in the video.
- aiming for an affordable price range;
the aim is to sell it around US$600. that sounds good to me.
http://news.com.com/Details+unfolding+on+Microsofts+Origami/2100-1041_3-6043755.html?tag=cnetfd.sd
52: when was the last time you saw an advertisement for an electronics device that shows older people? :D
Anyone notice the Mac Mini shortly after the female plugs in her guitar, then adjusts her amp. I took a screen print to post to my Flickr account:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/dmwilsonh/106122809/
Transmeta is coming off of the best year ever. They cut losses by 100 million, paid off 5MM to IBM early, 56MM in cash and no debt, close to 600MM in tax breaks, expect a 20-50 percent increase in product sales (have cleaverly left open that that might be higher and will give updated guidance and on royalties too), signed Toshiba and have 4 of the largest Fabs signed for LR2, claim all projects excelling and current customers may expand services and the Efficeon appears to be alive and ready for take-off.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/4761928.stm
http://youtube.com/watch?v=mHgkZ-yIQfM&search=origami
This should help Paul Allen out, since he figures to loose a 100 million over the next three year in his sport endeavors.
this gadet looks pretty cool
when is it comig out?
HOw much will it be?
If Microsoft would produce something like this for around $600.00 I would definitely buy it. I switched to Apple several years ago due to the MS OS. XP is even clunkier than 98 was. But I have been using a Libretto running Windows 98, and it works great. I got it for 150 on eBay. The new Libretto and all of the full-function computers are toys for rich boys. I have to wait until they tire of them and then buy them from eBay or some such place. Most people do not seem to want one, so due to the limited production, the price is high. I guess I will keep on using my Libretto and my Apple Newton 2100.
Robert Newman