Windows on smartwatches: users can count on these data watches

The Agent Smartwatch with Windows support. Image: agentwatches.com (screenshot)

Like Apple, Samsung and Sony, Microsoft is also working on a smartwatch, according to rumors. A networked data watch from Agent that supports Windows systems is definitely close to market launch. With the new gadgets, wearers can send text messages, record videos, make phone calls, surf the internet and use apps. And read the time at the same time. What exactly can Windows users expect? Here are the most important rumors and facts about Windows-compatible smartwatches.

Last summer, the news that Microsoft's Xbox team was working on an official Windows smartwatch caused a sensation. The supposed rumor situation in mid-2013 looked like this:

• It is designed to run on a modified version of Windows 8 and function completely independently of smartphones, tablets or PCs.
• LTE will be used for data transmission.
• The first prototypes are to be made of aluminum oxynitride, an extremely resistant, transparent material that has so far been used primarily by the military in armored vehicles.

Surface team to work on Microsoft's smartwatch

And since then? Unfortunately, things have been pretty quiet around the Microsoft watch. While countless other manufacturers have also announced smartwatch projects or rumors point to them. Examples include: Smamsung Galaxy Gear, Apple's iWatch, Pebble Watch, Motorola Watch, Sony Smartwatch, Metawatch, Sony Ericcson Smartwatch, Cookoo Watch and a few more (on www.smartwatch-faq.de there's a list).

Despite the tense calm, some rumors about the Microsoft smartwatch are doing the rounds: Allegedly, it is no longer the Xbox team but the Surface department that is now in charge.

The reason for this is said to be structural changes to the hardware teams. But what impact will this have on the development of the smartwatch?

Standalone smartwatch or Windows peripheral device?

One assumption: The Microsoft watch could be more of a Windows extension than a stand-alone fitness device.

The cooperation with Adidas and Nike and the marketing of Kinect as a sports device speak against this. Nevertheless, it looks as if the restructuring will make the watch more of a smart extension of Windows smartphones and tablets.

In short: Microsoft's smartwatch will probably display emails, chats and messages from social networks as well as control music and videos.

All of this is conjecture, mind you, as Microsoft has yet to make an official announcement, provide exact technical specifications or even a release date.

Smartwatch from Agent: Windows partner soon in stores

However, the Agent Smartwatch, one of the few watches to support Windows Phone 8 in addition to iOS and Android, should soon be available.

The Product financed via Kickstarter displays calls, alarms and notifications and controls music playback. Another practical feature: if the connected smartphone is out of reach, the watch starts to vibrate - a good protection against accidental abandonment and theft.

Technically, the smartwatch dwarf from Agent has a lot to offer:

• Bluetooth 4.0 is used for data transmission
• An ARM Cortex-M4 processor with 120 megahertz works inside, supported by a more economical co-processor that takes over the calculations in sleep mode
• The 1.28-inch screen offers a resolution of 128 x 128 pixels, has a light sensor and is said to be particularly resistant to reflections
• The long battery life of 7 days should also be one of the technical highlights,
• a replaceable battery and
• the option of wireless charging.
• The Agent smartwatch is also waterproof, so you won't miss a thing even when splashing around.

The support of the .NET Micro Framework, which also allows developers to combine the smartwatch with other devices such as heart rate monitors via Bluetooh, should ensure a sufficient supply of apps.

The price is expected to be around 200 US dollars. The release date for Europe is still unknown.

Article image above: agentwatches.com (screenshot)