Origami Project unfolds

By Steve Malone

Posted on 1 Mar 2006 at 10:17

The 'secret Microsoft project', which has got the Internet rumour mill abuzz, may not be quite what it seems. Rumours suggest that Microsoft is not planning to publicly release any details tomorrow (Thursday).

However, some details are emerging of what Origami will be. The project will be a smaller and lighter 'ultramobile' PC running Windows XP. It is expected to be a 'slate' style of computer with built in WiFi. A keyboard is an optional extra so most of the navigation will either be via a stylus or simply the user's finger.

Microsoft has assembled a number of OEMs who are expected to show off their versions of the machines at the launches. Prices are expected to be in the region of £3-500 pounds.

However, don't expect everything to be revealed on 'March 2nd'. According to Microsoft sources the trailed date for revelation turns out to be merely a date when more of the tease will be revealed. While the company does indeed plan to show more of the Origami project to a select group of analysts on the 2nd, the rest of us will have to wait until later this month, possibly via an announcement at CeBit

The Origami Project site was uncovered by diligent bloggers a few days ago. The rumour mill hit full swing when a WHOIS on the site revealed that it was owned by Microsoft.

The promise of a 2 March announcement set off a fever of speculation as to what the project might be with the smart money, well, the more respected money being on some kind of iPod killer PDA device. The speculation for an iPod/iTunes competitor was fuelled by the appearance of the Origami website, which takes a page out of Apple's tease style of product launches.