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What's up with Microsoft's Origami project?
Feb. 24, 2006

Rumors are running around the web about a new Microsoft gadget codenamed "Origami" that will unfold on March 2nd. Interestingly, in 2001 National Semiconductor showcased a concept prototype device called Origami, which it said could morph into eight different types of gadgets by folding and pivoting.

"I do know that Origami is the code-name for a new kind of device," Microsoft evangelist Robert Scoble said on his blog.


News flash


Further information on Origami has surfaced -- read the latest update here:

Origami fever spreads



National's Origami concept prototype

National described its Origami prototype as "a flexible device that "folds and unfolds to perform eight popular consumer electronics functions in one easy-to-use device." The device was said to be 7.5 x 4 x 1.5 inches in size, weighed roughly 10 ounces.

National claimed its Origami prototype could fold and pivot into various configurations to provide the following eight functions:
  • digital camera
  • video camcorder
  • smartphone
  • MP3 player
  • PDA
  • Internet access and Internet picture frame
  • email access
  • video conferencing
The Origami prototype was based on the company's Geode SC3200 processor and ran Microsoft's Windows XP Embedded operating system, National said.

A larger view of National's Origami prototype showing three of its eight configurations is available here.

AMD's PIC
National subsequently sold its line of Geode processors to AMD, which appears to have inherited National's enthusiasm for futuristic Geode-based concept prototypes such as the Personal Internet Computer (PIC) shown here.

More, errr, info...

Further rumors -- such as speculation that Origami will be wearable (a spinoff of SPOT?), or that it is the small mini-tablet showcased by Bill Gates at WinHEC last spring (photo at left), or that it's an iPOD-and-Blackberry killer rolled into one -- can be found on Scoble's blog, as well as at Designtastesgood.com, Thatedeguy.com, NetworkWorld.com, Todd Bishop's Microsoft blog at the Seattle Post Intelligencer, and at WindowsForDevices sister site Microsoft-Watch.

Also, be sure to check out Microsoft's Origami Project website for obscure but tantalizing hints of what is to come.


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