Microsoft Origami

Paul · 24-02-2006, 19:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by Neowin

A strange site has popped up recently and caused a little stir amongst the Windows communities.
Origamiproject.com is owned by Microsoft and hints at some announcement being made on the 2nd March 2006.
We don't believe this is related to Vista specifically but we think this may be related to Ultra Mobile PCs (UMPCs). Intel recently announced that it was gearing up to a relase "before April" of the much hyped mini PCs that include WWAN and GPS capabilites. Intel's UMPCs are likely to be similar to the OQO computer released last year.
Intel expects a wave of new UMPCs to be released in the second half of 2006 from LGE, Acer and Averatec to name but a few. These devices will be running on Windows Vista.
Microsoft has a habit of creating odd sites weeks before a major announcement to do with new hardware with Vista capabilities. The company did the same last year when it was ready to announce a design competition for Windows Vista PCs at startsomethingpc.com
If I was a betting man then I'd say the Origami Project is something to do with Windows Vista UMPCs to be released later this year.

Ooh maybe some new hardware to drool over soon then

LemonyBrainAid · 25-02-2006, 16:31

Quote:

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 don't know, 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.

Source
Origami Website

ogwalla · 26-02-2006, 22:19

It looks like the OQO or whatever that was. Be interesting if it could make a stab in the market.

Damien · 27-02-2006, 15:04

I want one!

I hope apple release one soon, otherwise. I gotta get me a new Microsoft Toy :d. Take notes in lectures! Play Videos! Surf web! All on there! BRILL! As long as it works with mac of course

LSainsbury · 27-02-2006, 18:42

It's actually be let out of the bag already!

Didn't think much of the video/flash presentation to be honest...

ogwalla · 28-02-2006, 03:59

I can see by the youtube video that they are marketing to the college market. Trying to butt into Apple's demographics I see.

punky · 03-03-2006, 00:19

Stuff the Origami, I want this

The Origami is too big to be portable, to small to be a primary device. At $500 its a bit over priced.

I love that Nokia. I just wish it came with a built in phone

I does have VoIP software coming, but unfortunately, its not the same as having an out and out mobile (like an XDA/MDA). If it did, i'd love it. I mean they have the 7710, but its not as flexible because it doesn't have the Linux nor wifi... I wish they could combine the two...

NEONKNIGHT · 03-03-2006, 17:43

The 'Origami' or whatever its final name will be, is to be shown in full at Cebit technology fair that takes place in Hanover, Germany from 9-15 March.

See here:- http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/4771310.stm

Paul · 06-03-2006, 06:25

Well here it is supposedly:

Gareth · 09-03-2006, 11:01

According the El Reg it's nothing more than a new UI to the old Tablet *sigh*

Quote:

Originally Posted by El Reg

Microsoft's 'Origami' component is not a new OS, merely a layer on top of Windows. But it seems all you have to do is put up an empty teaser website to send pajama pundits into paroxysms of anticipation.

jtwn · 09-03-2006, 13:17

Whilst I have doubts on the actual point and usefullness of tablet pcs other than just a gadget, Microsoft do make typically very good hardware.

Paul · 09-03-2006, 18:30

Well it's definately here now
UMPC website
BBC

Quote:

The opening morning of the giant Cebit technology fair was dominated by news about Microsoft's mini PC project Origami.
Prior to the show the software giant drip-fed information through a teaser website that hinted at what it might do.
At the Hanover-based show the first working devices were unveiled along with information about its capabilities.
Korean electronics firm Samsung said it would start selling Origami in the next few weeks.
Samsung, which has dubbed its first Origami handheld Q1, showed off the black, paperback sized computer at its opening press conference.
The machine has a 7-inch touchscreen and a 40 gigabyte hard drive.
It also boasts an Intel Celeron processor onboard, runs the tablet edition of Windows XP and uses wi-fi and bluetooth to communicate.
Extras for the gadget include a Bluetooth keyboard and a card that lets it use mobile phone networks to communicate.
As first described by Bill Gates at the Windows Hardware Engineering Conference in 2005, the device is intended to be an ultra-portable PC.
Q1 FACTS
Intel Celeron 900mhz
40 GB hard drive
7 inch WGA screen
Weighs 779g
Bluetooth
Samsung said the Q1 could do everything a regular PC could do and runs in two modes.
One involves using it as a cut-down PC running the familiar Windows operating system.
The second is as a pure media device that lets users watch video or listen to music without turning on the operating system.