Another 'in-the-know' says Microsoft's wearable will be a wristband, not a watch

Another 'in-the-know' says Microsoft's wearable will be a wristband, not a watch
Redmond getting the band together?

Speculation continues to mount that Microsoft will launch a fitness tracking wristband, rather than a smartwatch before the year is out.

Corroborating reports from last weekend, the well-connected Paul Thurrott of the Winsupersite has 'confirmed' Redmond will serve up a Samsung Gear Fit-style device, with a similar price point, in Q4.

Thurrott suggested the difference will merely be in the form factor, with notifications from smartphones and live date from the device appearing on a longer, slimmer display rather than a more traditional watch face.

The blogger goes along rumours claiming the device will include a multitude of health-oriented sensors, tracking variables like steps, heart-rate and the like.

Equal opportunities

Thurrott's sources also back up perhaps the most significant rumour; that Microsoft's offering will be compatible with Windows Phone, Android and iOS.

This inclusive approach would differ from Google's Android Wear platform, which only runs on a around a quarter of Android devices - those with Android 4.3 and above.

It's also likely to differentiate from the forthcoming Apple iWatch or iBand tracker, which is only expected to pair with iOS devices.

Would a platform agnostic Microsoft smartwatch tempt you away from your smartphone OS loyalties? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below

Chris Smith

A technology journalist, writer and videographer of many magazines and websites including T3, Gadget Magazine and TechRadar.com. He specializes in applications for smartphones, tablets and handheld devices, with bylines also at The Guardian, WIRED, Trusted Reviews and Wareable. Chris is also the podcast host for The Liverpool Way. As well as tech and football, Chris is a pop-punk fan and enjoys the art of wrasslin'.