First shots, impressions of Origami Experience

If you hadn't heard, Origami Experience is the sexy new program launcher that Microsoft is prepping for Vista-based UMPCs and Tablets, which along with providing a fresh new way to get at your apps lets you browse and play your media in an all-inclusive environment. We've finally gotten our first look at the software (more shots after the break), thanks to a post full of screenies over at the Origami Team Blog. The Tablet nuts over at jkOnTheRun got to view it live and found Experience to be speedy, intuitive and helpful, with convenient menus, easy customization and all-important finger-friendly operation. Looks like there isn't just one purtiful touch-based portable OS game in town.

[Via jkOnTheRun]

[docsharp01 @ Mar 31st 2008 9:29PM]

Excellent article and comments about Origami Experience.
http://www.1-satellite-tv-facts.com

[Joe Henson @ Jan 11th 2007 5:58AM]

More over designed rubbish.... Looks like shareware to me

[Foof @ Jan 10th 2007 7:26PM]

So is this like Windows Media Player for applications?

[Buck Jones III @ Jan 10th 2007 7:26PM]

Cool interface and color. I had alot of fun experimenting with Vista at CES. It really does focus on connected entertainment and the OS feels easier and smoother. 19 Days...

[retsel @ Jan 10th 2007 7:38PM]

the iphone owns this... i cant wait 2.0

[soundboy64 @ Jan 10th 2007 7:53PM]

I whole heartedly agree, Microsoft has about 8 different ventures with this whole life on the go stuff and none of them can do it like the iPhone. between windows mobile, Spot watches, Zune, UMPC, SideShow. Microsoft just doesn't get it that the vast majority doesn't care let alone want to care...

[Jeff @ Jan 10th 2007 8:10PM]

No other company I can think of could make an interface look both too empty and cluttered at the same time. There are way too many randomly placed icons that obviously do different things, but what is not clear from their placement or their visual design. Then you've got the task bar sitting on top of whatever other bottom bar is behind it in that last shot. And you've got *another* bar at the top. On the other hand, other than using the regular Windows start menu, I can't figure out how you actually *do* anything through this interface.

MS seems to think that good interface design begins and ends with making everything look like glass.

Of course, I am not one that thinks that the iPhone interface is much better, simply because it's not suited to the task of being a *phone*. Good interface design is always structured around the task at hand.

[glacia @ Jan 10th 2007 8:15PM]

It does have a MP look to it which is pretty slick these days. But like most people XP is working well for me now and I'll get Vista when I buy my next machine instead of buying it separately so I'm in no rush. A little more evolution to the the UMPCs and the Xbox 360 and it will be hard to pick my next PC. Right now I'm leaning toward the 360 if it can just become more PC-like.

Kind of funny how the "purtiful touch-based portable OS" link took me to the "Cisco sues Apple for trademark infringement: ruh roh!" post.

[disciple83 @ Jan 10th 2007 8:20PM]

I'm sorry, I guess everyone has to make the next month's worth of posts a comparison to the Apple phone. I am pretty sure this isn't trying to be a pissing contest between Apple and Microsoft. Keep in mind Microsoft still controls the market on software. Also note that this isn't about Microsoft claiming to be better than Apple when it comes to aesthetics. If you read the post, retsel, you'd notice that Paul didn't say "OMG, this totally PWNZ OSX!!" He said that the new interface was speedy, convenient, helpful, intuitive, and "purtiful". Microsoft isn't playing around anymore. They have the business world conquered, and in its current state and marketing position, there is little Apple can do about that. Now Microsoft is focusing more towards giving its fans and loyal customers what they really want: the look and feel to match the ease of use.

and as for your little comment about the iPhone, it doesn't own shit considering it isn't even expected to be released to the public until late spring, it was merely announced yesterday. The Optimus was also announced, and I still dont see it ready for market after what, 2 years? It was also ambitious, and its slowly dying away under the weight of its own genius and price tag. Besides, it's a phone, you make calls with it, and it does other stuff too. That isn't original, it's basically a smartphone with internal storage and a fancy interface. Aside form the fact that they crammed an iPod nano into it, Apple has just now caught up to HTC in my opinion. Hell, even Nokia is rolling out the N95 before the iPhone, and both that and the HTC phones have removable batteries and 3G support.

I am gonna call it now, in six months, when the "iPhone" is ready for mass distribution, it will be simply another product on the shelf at Cingular along with the rest of the smartphones, "Designed by Apple in California."

Seriously, I am happy for you that you are finally old enough to cream your pants. But seriously, just because it's made by Apple does not make it the end-all solution. They only drew the crowd because they are the hype machine, they yell and scream and win the mob's attention for the moment. But the moment will be over soon, and other companies will come and innovate and integrate until everyone starts complaining about a need for something else to hold their attention span. And while all the companies in the world release their solutions to that need through press conferences and releases and net advertising, Apple will yell and scream and cry "look at me! I am shiny, I am first out of the gate, that makes me unique!"

(steps off soapbox)

[Mesonto @ Jan 10th 2007 9:30PM]

Only that Apple isn't first to market with this (out of the gate first). I will say it again, I have a 2-3 year old IMATE JAM, it does everything that the new iPhone will do when it is released.

I am glad Apple released the iPhone, I expect my next version of my HTC phone to include a higher resolution screen now. But unlike what Jobs said, I like my stylus and removeable battery. The iPhone is certainly prettier than my 3 year old IMATE JAM, but hey... it's old give it a break.

[Otsego @ Jan 10th 2007 10:59PM]

"Apple has just now caught up to HTC in my opinion. Hell, even Nokia is rolling out the N95 before the iPhone, and both that and the HTC phones have removable batteries and 3G support."

Pretty much everything youve said up til this comment was fairly good. The problem with your statement here is that there is no "catching up" for Apple to do. This is Apple's FIRST foray into the cell /smart phone market. How long has HTC been around and with how many phones? What about Nokia? These guys are veterans in the cell market and they can't touch (no pun intended) the iPhone with a 10' pole. If anyone has catching up to do, its every cell manufacturer on this planet. However, i have no iPhone expereince and neither do you, so all of our comments are pure speculation on what we've been told. If nothing else, Apple has raised the bar for other cell manufacturers, and we will ALL benefit from that.

[retsel @ Jan 10th 2007 11:38PM]

and gm has more market share than BMW... your point is...

[retsel @ Jan 10th 2007 11:47PM]

and conquering the big business market is good... but what if apple conquers the home, education and small business... the 2 can and must coexist... apple knows this... but apple is making it look like windows is for work and apple is for life... a mash up i would like too see is apple and nintendo... the only thing apple lacks is games... i am not a fan boy(i dont own a mac) i use one a little at work... but as soon as the mac mini get a good graphics card and a DVR i will buy one...

[glacia @ Jan 10th 2007 8:38PM]

Jeff I'm pretty sure the taskbar is in autohide so it goes away when you're not doing something with it.

I do agree with the glass look being meh. But I have nothing against it either. I'd probably turn it off.

The confusion comes from the pictures Engadget chose being out of order and not well related to one another. It does make hierarchical sense the top one (of the 4 pics) is the main screen. Though the pic doesn't show it they obviously chose 'Entertainment to get to the third photo where you have entertainment stuff "Music, Videos" etc. Then they chose music which took them to pic #2 music stuff "Albums, Artist" etc.

Then pic #4 is thrown in - not sure why. I think it relates more to #1 where they're choosing connect. The pics could have been better chosen.

[David @ Jan 10th 2007 8:38PM]

I wonder if that thing can do VoIP, then it will totally own all present day mobile devices. (Considering it was dropped in rank from a mobile XBOX to a gaming machine to "the next thing" to just a portable computer that even Sony is making.)

[Richard @ Jan 11th 2007 8:43AM]

Well said disciple83. This phone is cool. It looks great. But, why would anyone buy it? Everyone has an ipod. Everone has a phone. Why spend a more money on a combo? Not just more money, $600? No thanks, I'll still get laid without one.

[Colin @ Jan 10th 2007 8:54PM]

I like the look of it but the form factor of UMPC is nothing like the form factor for a phone...so why all the comparisons?

MS has talked about a Zune phone and if the can port this to the Zune interface...hmmm.

[disciple83 @ Jan 10th 2007 11:37PM]

dude, I completely forgot about i-mate phones. Here is a phone that had not just windows mobile on it, but the entire Pocket PC suite. I am truly sorry for this oversight, and I am apologizing to Otsego too. He is right, this is Apple's first into the mix. And they may have raised the bar, some, by adding "multi-touch" and all the internal storage , but this first dog in the cell-phone fight from Cupertino wouldn't have happened were it not for earlier innovations by companies like i-mate and eventually HTC.

[mike @ Jan 10th 2007 9:56PM]

MS has talked about a Zune phone and if the can port this to the Zune interface...hmmm

--

After the Apple unveiling, the thinking around MS is that 'oh,... i guess you CAN... just take a Nintendo DS...put a phone in there...'

Innovation from Redmond, as usual.. *sigh..

Anyone in here bought an Origami, by the way?

[glacia @ Jan 10th 2007 9:49PM]

Mesonto, I agree I'm always for competition. I just really hope other phone makers don't get caught up in the hype and abandon tactile keypads. Touchscreens have great uses in the right device but not a phone. I think most people who get an iphone (or whatever it ends up being called )are going to recall only afterward that most of the time they operated their phone by touch and now they have to find the keys on a featureless screen.

[disciple83 @ Jan 11th 2007 12:31AM]

retsel, you're still missing the point here. Yes, Windows reigns supreme in corporate computing, but this isn't a corporate setting, this is Origami, where the design is supposed to feel more personal, more attractive, more uniquely styled to fit the life of the user who owns it. You're right in that Apple tries to make Windows look all work and no play, and it succeeded, until now. Microsoft is making the push to personal with products like Vista, Xbox, Zune, and now Origami, beyond their current market share. Before you pull punches on the "Zune sucks" thing, I already know it does, kinda. But the hardware shows definite potential that even you can't deny. The only thing lacking on it is the end-all solution to this whole DRM thing. With products like Origami, Xbox, and Zune, it is Microsoft bouncing back from being portrayed as "all work and no play" that Apple has screamed to high heavens and got the mob to believe.

And with this massive push on "we are life" thing that Apple is doing lately, how come they don't already have a gaming platform? They should have the kind of hardware gamers want, besides dual quad-cpu boxes that don't actually help gamers, instead of really expensive designs. As smart as you make them sound, they should have figured out that video games are a huge part of life these days, (and with instances of the PS3, a huge part of death too), and given developers some hardware options to work with , cuz we know it can be handled within OSX's coding, games like Myst were phenomenal, and work on a Mac, but today's game's for Mac just can't be played the same way as it can be done on a Windows-based box. You say you're waiting around for them to put a good video card and dvr in the mini, Windows already offers that, and being the "windows user" you claim to be, why switch if they are both doing the same thing these days? (look at Shuttle PCs, or Sony's new Vaio TP) These new interfaces in the Zune, Vista, and now Origami do provide a brand-spanking new look and motif to cater to a whole new type of user, us, those who live life and not work all day.

Now, for someone who claims to be "not a Mac fanboy", (PS, you don't have to own a Mac to be a fanboy, I choose Xbox over Playstation anyday of the week and I own neither one, I'd even take a Wii), you have done nothing but come into a post about Microsoft's new innovations and:

1)compared it to an Apple product not even for sale yet
2)claimed it won't live up to Apple
3)said that when Apple starts to make computers the exact same as windows-based PCs are made, you're buying one.

tell me again where you aren't a fanboy?

(which btw, i anyone has a Wii for sale for under $350, I'm all ears)

[retsel @ Jan 11th 2007 2:08AM]

i am not a fan boy because i am objective... or try my best to be... i see the windows family of products and i dont see the synergy, they do the shotgun thing... i might be blind... i like windows actually... but i am looking at the (new)apple game plan... and they never do anything first... they dont take the risk... but they reinvent... and they reality distortion field works wonders... the iphone is not perfect... it needs gps, 3g, a sim card slot, 20 gigs, 4mp camera, tv out and an open API... and a price reduction.... i hope all of these will happen... i can hope... one day... ti will be called the ipod and sell for 399 and 499 with the above features... but as a first attempt it is perfect
(except for the price...)

[retsel @ Jan 11th 2007 8:55AM]

i am not a fan boy because i am objective... or try my best to be... i see the windows family of products and i dont see the synergy, they do the shotgun thing... i might be blind... i like windows actually... but i am looking at the (new)apple game plan... and they never do anything first... they dont take the risk... but they reinvent... and they reality distortion field works wonders... the iphone is not perfect... it needs gps, 3g, a sim card slot, 20 gigs, 4mp camera, tv out and an open API... and a price reduction.... i hope all of these will happen... i can hope... one day... ti will be called the ipod and sell for 399 and 499 with the above features... but as a first attempt it is perfect
(except for the price...)

[glacia @ Jan 11th 2007 1:11AM]

retsel / disciple83. I'll toss one more thing into the mix. It's easy to argue that in many ways Apple has not been successful in business areas. They have often priced themselves out of it with their computers. Business keeps their eye much more on the bottom line than on fashion.

All of the competitor products that Jobs compared the Apple phone to are very heavily business use products. I would venture that the majority of them sold are for business. My own company probably has over 2000 Treos that they offer for employee use. Go to a tradeshow and you see thousands of business people with them. So was Jobs courting the business market with the phone? If not then who is the target market for a $600 phone? People are reluctant to spend that much on a PS3.

Looking at the competitors products again. Even the highest end ones are half the price of Apple's phone which has less business capability. So has Apple again priced itself out of a major part of the market?

[Jeff Lewis @ Jan 11th 2007 1:17AM]

The people who are claiming that the iPhone (lawsuit pending) is going to smoke the UMPC clearly have no clue about what a UMPC is. It's not a PDA - it's not a cellphone, it's a complete fully open Windows PC that can run any application you currently have for Windows.

And the Vista version (ie: UMPC 2) will come with SideBar, which means Widgets. The UI in the article is the 'simple' interface, but you can quit out of it and you're in the standard Vista deskop.

Plug in a TV Tuner USB dongle (assuming you're not in Korea and have one with DBV-T integrated) and you can watch TV or listen to the radio. It's not a simplified anything - it's a full, small, portable computer with handwriting and onscreen keyboard support.

[Brian Beyer @ Jan 11th 2007 2:39PM]

Not only has Apple possibly priced itself out of the business market, but without Outlook support or any Office apps, many business users will feel left out. Sure there is Exchange IMAP support, but what good is that if you can't open an Excel spreadsheet to check something at the last minute? Is that inconvenience worth the prettiness (and $600)?

If Apple wanted to make this a winner, more than soley 1st-party software development needs to be allowed. Give us the SDK - to more than just the widgets.

[disciple83 @ Jan 11th 2007 12:06PM]

First of all, your first post in this was

"the iphone owns this... i cant wait 2.0"

how is that objective? how is that even logical or critical?

Secondly, I am fairly certain you just contradicted yourself there. If it were perfect, they would have added the gps, 3G, SIM card, 20GB, 4mp camera, TV-Out, and your open API for less, the first time, without the need for 2.0.

And you might not be seeing the synergy between all of Microsoft's new product lineup because you gave up on Microsoft after XP. You see the new design treatments in WMP11 and think, this looks nothing like anything in XP. But keep in mind it wasn't made for XP, just made available for download.

Origami's interface looks different than Vista simply because of background image; the overall visual style is very reminiscent of Vista, because it is Vista on a smaller scale. This new operating system has released a dramatically different approach to user experience for Microsoft, it is no longer the mullet of operating systems, (business up front, party, (gaming platform, open-source gui tweaks), in the back. It is projecting itself as a unified upgrade into the personal computing world.

I'm not sure what you're talking about when it comes to Apple's new gameplan, they've always played themselves off as the operating system made for "life", not work. Unless you mean they've taken very cheap and direct shots at Windows based products, then sure, that's kinda recent. But you're right in that they've never done anything first, although I don't see how that's new for them either. You might be coming to grasp the fact that as part of their marketing scheme, they make the consumer feel like they're first because the design is simple and clean, and that anything else that adds a degree of complication or remote similarity to the user experience must be a ripoff.

When the Xbox launched Live, it was revolutionary, not original (since Sega tried it before them with the Dreamcast), because it changed the way gamers used consoles forever. Soon after, the other big console companies followed suit, first Sony with the HDD upgrade to the PS2 and now both Sony and Nintendo have free online components with a backstock of their older titles to rival Microsoft's monthly fee and Arcade.

The same can be said of OSX. While it was not first to market things like widgets, which have been previously known as simple 3rd party enhancements for Windows for some time, it was the first to go on ahead and include them in the OS, thus nullifying competition for the OS, along with a cleaner desktop interface. As Otsego mentioned way earlier, it raised the bar, sure, and made consumers and companies both aware of the potential for "personal computers". To reinvent is simply hype for saying "we took what consumers wanted and found a way to make it work." It seems to be reinvented because they used their Aqua interface on a gimmicked touchscreen. Big deal, I remind you of Windows Mobile. Are companies like HTC and Microsoft gonna rip off the iPhone, you'd probably say so, but what's stopping Microsoft from putting a version of Origami's OS into an HTC with a multi-touch capable smartphone in the near future? WinMobile has been active in the business world for years, and now there is an offering to the personal lifestyle too. Don't hate.

That's all I am going to say, I am tired of people like you.

[cory @ Jan 11th 2007 7:09PM]

This looks to be the same as QuickSilver for the Mac.

If so, there's nothing groundbreaking here. It's just a copy.

[Ronin796 @ Jan 13th 2007 12:37PM]

I have had an HP Ipaq for over two years, and it is still going strong. It does just about everything that the iphone will do. Not to mention run the thousands of programs that have been developed for pocket pcs. Touch screen is the absolute only way to surf the web for me. As for people who can't use it to dial a phone number, well being polite, let's just say I am confident that MOST people will get used to it fairly quickly. But honestly, with over two years of innovation I would have expected cell companies to have advanced much farther than where apple claims to be.

[reg @ Jan 29th 2007 2:39PM]

Is it me, or does this look exactly like the Apple Remote Interface?

[Eric Vass @ Jan 19th 2007 2:37PM]

Sent an email to TabletKiosk Sales asking when Vista with Oragami Experience would be on the EO. They say end of first quarter (April). Says they are working on Vista drivers now.