Microsoft “Origami” unfolds
“Origami” was a code word for what Microsoft has termed the “UMPC” – the ultra mobile PC. This is a new market segment – created by Microsoft – that they believe will grow tremendously in future.
Bill Mitchell, corporate vice president of Microsoft’s Windows Mobile Platforms Division stated that “UMPC’s are a new category of mobile PCs designed to support our increasing mobile lifestyles.”
Essentially, Microsoft has decided to pitch a product in the sector that is bigger than PDA’s, but smaller than tablet PC’s.
This comes in response to Bill Gates’ call in 2005 for the computer industry to produce PC’s that are “less expensive, lighter and more functional.”
The first examples from Samsung and Founder are set to hit the markets in the second quarter of 2006, and retail for around $600-$1000. These PC’s will run on Intel or VIA chips, and make use of Windows XP. Future models will reportedly run Windows Vista.
Current size specification put UMPC’s at less than 1kg, with a screen size of 7 inches (17.8 cm). A choice of input methods is available: handwriting recognition using a stylus, an onscreen QWERTY keyboard, or a more traditional external USB keyboards.
Microsoft says other built-in features might include Ethernet, Bluetooth, Wi-fi, compact flash and SD readers, GPS, fingerprint reader, webcam and more.
This is not Microsoft’s first dip into the mobile market. In the late nineties they attempted to tackle the then-leader Palm with Windows CE. However, creating a whole new category of PC obviously creates a whole new computer segment needing operating systems and other software.
When building UMPC-optimised applications, software developers who “already target Windows XP will be able to utilize existing Windows development knowledge”.
Microsoft envisages that this segment will fulfil the need of permanently carrying a device for Internet connectivity, gaming, communication and other features. It remains to be seen if consumers agree with the creation of this new segment.
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