Microsoft enters handheld scene with the "Origami"

**D Mac** · 03-06-2006, 09:08 PM

http://www.neoseeker.com/news/story/5408/

Marketing Agency Digita lKitchen posted media of what appears to be a first-party, Microsoft handheld games/media device dubbed the "Origami". What we see isn't exactly akin to a portable Xbox console, but it does put weight behind Microsoft's supposed bid to produce its own handheld. Preliminary footage suggests the device could feature touch-screen input with stylus, peripheral keyboard support, and console button controls.

Next-Generation has confirmation from Microsoft that such a project does exist and is in development (http://www.origamiproject.com/2/) but any other information floating around is outdated:

The device shown on DigitalKitchen looked like a downsized tablet PC capable of web browsing, GPS functionality, photo editing, messaging and perhaps most notably, gaming; Halo was shown running on the device.

While the video does show Halo in action, it's questionable how gaming-centric the device will be, just judging by its size (it's not nearly as portable as the DS or PSP) and wide range of applications shown in action. But then again, the device depicted is said to be an early version.

Before we read too much into this, Microsoft has been always been in the portable computing sector. It wouldn't surprise us if this Origami device was another attempt to give this market a boost, as opposed to challenging Nintendo and Sony's portable console markets outright. Hopefully we'll find out the real deal behind it all this March 2nd, when the device will be unveiled.

Update 2006-03-02: If you were skeptical over whether Microsoft's Origami could be related to the Xbox in any fashion, your doubts are confirmed. Associated Press reports explain that while the fine points of the Origami will remain under wraps until later this month, it definitely won't be a handheld console in the vein of the GBA, DS and PSP.

Instead, it will be marketed as an "ultra portable" PC/PDA with (limited) support for PC gaming.

03-06-2006, 09:08 PM	#1
D Mac Posts: 21,603	Microsoft enters handheld scene with the "Origami" http://www.neoseeker.com/news/story/5408/ Marketing Agency Digita lKitchen posted media of what appears to be a first-party, Microsoft handheld games/media device dubbed the "Origami". What we see isn't exactly akin to a portable Xbox console, but it does put weight behind Microsoft's supposed bid to produce its own handheld. Preliminary footage suggests the device could feature touch-screen input with stylus, peripheral keyboard support, and console button controls. Next-Generation has confirmation from Microsoft that such a project does exist and is in development (http://www.origamiproject.com/2/) but any other information floating around is outdated: The device shown on DigitalKitchen looked like a downsized tablet PC capable of web browsing, GPS functionality, photo editing, messaging and perhaps most notably, gaming; Halo was shown running on the device. While the video does show Halo in action, it's questionable how gaming-centric the device will be, just judging by its size (it's not nearly as portable as the DS or PSP) and wide range of applications shown in action. But then again, the device depicted is said to be an early version. Before we read too much into this, Microsoft has been always been in the portable computing sector. It wouldn't surprise us if this Origami device was another attempt to give this market a boost, as opposed to challenging Nintendo and Sony's portable console markets outright. Hopefully we'll find out the real deal behind it all this March 2nd, when the device will be unveiled. Update 2006-03-02: If you were skeptical over whether Microsoft's Origami could be related to the Xbox in any fashion, your doubts are confirmed. Associated Press reports explain that while the fine points of the Origami will remain under wraps until later this month, it definitely won't be a handheld console in the vein of the GBA, DS and PSP. Instead, it will be marketed as an "ultra portable" PC/PDA with (limited) support for PC gaming.