“Microsoft is testing prototypes of Web-connected wearable devices similar to Google Glass, but the technology is far from ready,” notes the San Diego Times. “A source told the Wall Street Journal that Microsoft is asking Asian component manufacturers to supply cameras and other technology for the eyewear, but the device may never reach mass production. Microsoft is "determined to take the lead in hardware manufacturing to make sure the company won't miss out on the opportunities in the wearable gadget market," the source told the WSJ. This latest device is yet another in Microsoft’s efforts to expand its product base from software and PCs to mobile devices such as the Windows smartphone and Surface RT tablet. Wearable technology, be it watches, bracelets, eyewear or something else entirely, represents the next wave of hardware innovation. It isn’t the first rumor of Microsoft developing eyewear either; rumblings of augmented reality gaming glasses have been kicked around since the leak of Project Fortaleza last year.” Read more.
The Wall Street Journal reported: “Microsoft may have missed the first boat on smartphones but it refuses to be left behind in the race to launch wearable devices. The company is testing prototypes for Internet-connected eyewear similar to Google's Glass, people familiar with the matter told The Wall Street Journal, underscoring the company’s ambitions to go head-to-head with Google, Samsung and Apple on devices. Last month, Microsoft struck a $7 billion deal to acquire Nokia’s cellphone business in a bid to catch up in a market dominated by Samsung and Apple. Microsoft also has launched the Surface tablet computer and continues to test its own touch-enabled watch, people familiar with the matter have said. Research firm Gartner expects the market for wearable smart electronics to be a $10 billion industry by 2016. Last month, Samsung unveiled the Galaxy Gear, a digital watch that can run apps and interact with its own family of smartphones.” Read more.
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