Microsoft confirms 'Origami' project

[method77]

A new portable media device that allows users to listen to music, play video games, browse the internet and jot hand-written notes is the initial vision of a product in development by Microsoft and its partners, the software giant confirmed.

Microsoft acknowledged that an early version of its new hand-held PC-like device was featured in a video on the website for marketing firm Digital Kitchen.

More...

[DudeAsInCool]

http://www.origamiproject.com/1/

Microsoft Working on Paperback-Sized PC

SEATTLE - Start with what the much-hyped Microsoft Corp. project code-named Origami is not. It's not a music player designed to take on Apple Computer Inc.'s mega-popular iPod. And it's not a portable version of Microsoft's Xbox videogame console. And it won't — at least not yet — replace your cellular phone or your regular computer.

Instead, Origami is the moniker for the first iteration of paperback-sized computers that will run Microsoft's regular Windows XP operating system, a person close to Microsoft told The Associated Press. The person, who is familiar with the plans, spoke on condition of anonymity because the information is still confidential.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060302/ap_on_...crosoft_origami

[Wolfie]

For second I thought Bill was gonna come up with something unique.

[DudeAsInCool]

Here are some possible pics:

[DudeAsInCool]

[DudeAsInCool]

I could go for something like this that combined a phone and a computer - I hate small cellphones

Here's the video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rV1WGDW37c0...oject%20origami

[DudeAsInCool]

Intel's version - one and the same?

[DudeAsInCool]

Here's the latest conjecture on what the box looks like..

[method77]

OQO was first

http://www.oqo.com/

[DudeAsInCool]

It's being previewed at a German Trade show:

http://www.navigadget.com/index.php/2006/0...integrates-gps/

From Engadget:

Looks like Microsoft is prepared to emphasize the mobile part of the UMPC equation with one of its CeBIT presentations later this week. According to Volkswagen, the company will show off a combo GPS/media center in partnership with the German automaker. The system includes a front-seat display that stows in a console, two rear-seat touchscreens, DVD player, GPS and full PC functionality with internet access (presumably over a 3G connection, though that's not specified). No pricing or launch date, but, hey, we're just happy to be talking abot something that actually looks like a real product rather than a mysterious, code-named concept.

[DudeAsInCool]

Pics from Intel:

[DudeAsInCool]

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[DudeAsInCool]

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[DudeAsInCool]

Here's a video from CNet on Intel's mini-computer. It can play video games, music, search the web - lots of things your regular computer can do. Hope it has a phone...then I will consider buying one

http://news.com.com/1606-2-6047223.html

[DudeAsInCool]

According to CeBIT News, the Origami will include a circular virtual keyboard as part of its user interface. The Origami Touch Pack Interface, as the virtual keyboard will be known, is designed for thumb-typing, and is sure to guarantee tons of fingerprints on your Origami display. CeBIT News also confirms that a range of external peripherals will be available for the Samsung Q1, including a GPS unit, DMB TV tuner (which will be internal for units sold in Korea), Bluetooth keyboard and DVD drive. CeBIT News also says that you'll be able to rip DVDs to the hard drive, though we assume that this doesn't include CSS-protected movies.

http://www.engadget.com/2006/03/08/cebit-w...ows-origami-ui/

[DudeAsInCool]

the nytimes review

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/03/09/technolo...TwWQUUpDrP9KZQg

[DudeAsInCool]

In the traditional Engadget fashion of having caught shots, screen pics, and even a proper hands-on before the device is announced, may we present to you Samsung's Q1. Call it an ultramobile PC, call it Origami, whatever, it's a 779g (1.7 pound) 9 x 5.5 x 1-inch mini-tablet with a 7-inch touchscreen LCD, Celeron M ULV processor, 40GB drive, 512MB RAM, 802.11b/g, Bluetooth 2.0, GPS and DMB options (of course), and Windows XP Tablet with Touch Pack. We still don't yet know a price or expected release on this, so expect yet another post on the Q1 in the near future, or at very least an update to this one.

***

Intel will increase specs 10 fold in the next 5 years

[DudeAsInCool]

Here is another video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IYnlS1cEc9Q

[DudeAsInCool]

The NY Times review

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/03/09/technology/09tablet.html