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James Peter
28 Feb, 2006

Microsoft to release a handheld?

GBA Rumour | Code-named ‘Origami’.
Microsoft recently published a link on their website to www.origamiproject.com. In typical viral style, the site reveals very little information, with an indication of more to come over the following weeks.

The following text is found on the website;
hello.....
do you know me?
do you know what i can do?
and where i can go?
you will.....
learn more on 3.2.06 . . .


We can presume that 3.2.06 is in the American date format, and hence expect to hear more on this Thursday, March 2nd.

Halo?

Halo?
Close
In the meantime, some Engadget readers have found a video from advertising agency Digital Kitchen that shows the device in action. Microsoft have since confirmed via email that “Origami is a concept we've been working on with partners, please know that the video seen on Digital Kitchen's web site is a year old and represents our initial exploration into this form factor, including possible uses and scenarios”.

Amongst the rumours floating around, The Mercury News has reported that a ‘person familiar with the Origami project said that the introduction is imminent’. They also mentioned that the ‘handheld is a slate with a 7-inch diagonal touch screen’ and ‘it weighs less than three pounds’.

It even drives your car!

It even drives your car!
Close
It would be highly unlikely that Microsoft will release a branded product. With the exception of the Xbox, they tend to avoid hardware production. However what’s most interesting is that the video from Digital Kitchen shows the handheld playing Halo. With a huge touch screen the device could be in direct competition with the Sony PSP and Nintendo DS. We will have more over the next few days.

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20 Comments
7 years ago
"hello.....
do you know me?
do you know what i can do?
and where i can go?
you will.....
learn more on 3.2.06 . . . "

Is this a portable gaming device or a "dial-a-girlfriend" advertisment?
7 years ago
Looks to me more like a pocket-PC upgrade rather than a direct competitor to the PSP or the DS, who solely rely on games to market themselves.
7 years ago
Also didn't mention (since I couldn't remember the source) but it's supposed to be $500-$800 US and runs Windows XP.

PDA games are generally crap. If this has enough graphic power to run Halo-type games it would put it in competition to the PSP. If I could get something that does everything the PSP does AND runs an OS I'd get it over a dedicated gaming handheld anyday. Then again I've been looking for an excuse to buy a PDA icon_razz.gif
7 years ago
Cerebral wrote
Looks to me more like a pocket-PC upgrade rather than a direct competitor to the PSP or the DS, who solely rely on games to market themselves.
That's because it is (a portable PC). And despite speculation of it playing Xbox games, it's the PC version of Halo that is being played.

Edit: v Well yeah, of course not. It's obviously just PR crap mixed in to show off what the product can display/do - much like the promotion video for the Revolution.
7 years ago
BTW - don't forget it isn't actually playing Halo. The vid is concept only.
7 years ago
So big... *sakes head*
7 years ago
Microsoft just don't get industrial design. That thing is hideous.
7 years ago
Even at a concept, that thing is UGLY! Yikes! icon_eek.gif
7 years ago
Will somebody please think of the children! icon_cry.gif That thing is gonna scar people.
7 years ago
Cerebral wrote
competitor to the PSP or the DS, who solely rely on games to market themselves.
hey... don't forget UMD's! icon_lol.gif
7 years ago
theory wrote
Cerebral wrote
competitor to the PSP or the DS, who solely rely on games to market themselves.
hey... don't forget UMD's! icon_lol.gif
No, we will never forget UMDS. icon_razz.gif
7 years ago
That is the ugliest looking handheld I have ever seen. It's cool that it's powerful and all, but it looks retarded. Come on MS, be a bit creative!
7 years ago
You know, it might just be a new tablet PC. After all, Halo was released on PC, so it being played on the thing doesn't imply it's part of the xbox line.
7 years ago
GTPod wrote
That thing is gonna scar people.
especially if someone drops it...
7 years ago
It's a monster! *runs from the room*
Seriously though, what are they thinking? I thought they said they weren't going to make a handheld? I suppose it's just a glorified PDA..
7 years ago
It reminds me of Atari Lynx. It is too big to bring anywhere.
7 years ago
The thing looks monstrous. I can imagine the packaging that comes with it *stifles laughter*
7 years ago
Not an update - has even less info than we do.

However; http://www.origamiproject.com/2/ the offical site has updated. Nothing new though.
7 years ago
Ah, I just read the big thing saying "Rumour" and compared it with Fairfax's "Confirms" headline.

My bad icon_razz.gif
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