Microsoft's handheld to be revealed on March 2?

***wraggster*** · February 28th, 2006, 00:35

A rumour from Gamespot:

<blockquote>What we heard: Ever since CES in January, rumors have been circulating that Microsoft may soon enter the handheld market. Most of these sprang from a BusinessWeek article, which cited an anonymous source inside the Redmond, Washington-based software colossus as "working on plans to develop its own portable digital media device to rival the iPod." Speaking hypothetically, Xbox marketing chief Peter Moore said any such device would also have gaming functionality. "It can't just be our version of the iPod," he told the magazine.

At the same time, one of Microsoft's signature teaser Web sites sprouted up at the URL www.origamiproject.com. Via some slick flash animation, the site asks visitors "Do you know me?" "Do you know what I can do?" "Do you know where I can go?" It then promises that, "You will ... Learn more on 3.2.06."

Given the looming launch of Windows Vista, many assumed the site was part of the effort to help hype Microsoft's new PC operating system. However, over the weekend, reports surfaced that Project Origami is actually the code name for a new portable that combines media-player and PC functionality.

The evidence came in the form of a video clip that was uncovered on the Web site for the film-production company Digital Kitchen. The clip, which has since been taken down, showed a "concept device ... noticeably larger than the iPod and somewhat bigger than Sony's PlayStation Portable," according to the Post-Intelligencer. The video also "shows people using the device not only as a music player, but also as a miniature personal computer for accessing the Internet, sending e-mail, editing photos and playing video games."

What games, you ask? A copy of the video viewed by GameSpot clearly shows a user playing what looks like a handheld version of Halo in a train station, and an image in the Post-Intelligencer's gallery of stills also shows the Bungie game on the portable's screen. Unlike the side-scrolling spin-offs that were once rumored to be coming to portables, the Origami Halo looks much like the same graphic-intensive first-person shooter that has become legendary on the Xbox and PC.

[UPDATE] However, it remains unclear when--or if--gamers will be able to get their hands on a mini Master Chief. Instead of busting out the usual "Microsoft does not comment on rumors or speculation" boilerplate, reps for the company admitted the video was legit. "While 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," a Microsoft rep told GameSpot.

Though reps wouldn't comment on the Halo footage specifically, their references to "possible uses and scenarios" means the footage was likely for demonstration purposes only. "Everything in the video was 100 percent pure concept, so take nothing as an indication of what may or may not be in any such final product," a source close to Microsoft told GameSpot. "I'm sure they just took some Halo footage and stuck it in there since it's a Microsoft property."

So will the portable device have gaming functionality? Hopefully we'll know soon. The reps also said that details on the Origami Project would be revealed "in the coming weeks." Maybe they should have said "the coming days," as the date on the origamiproject.com is this Thursday--less than 72 hours away. Bogus or not bogus?: Not bogus that something is getting unveiled on March 2--and we can't wait to see what it is. </blockquote>

So are Microsoft going to release their own handheld, check out the screens in the comments and give your verdict

**Illegal Machine** · February 28th, 2006, 00:45

very interesting to say the least

I wonder what the homebrew POV is? among other things.

**slayer2psp** · February 28th, 2006, 00:50

umm i hope they make a portable game system the more the better

**CoderX** · February 28th, 2006, 03:17

O it will have full 32bit application support
And will likely be a open system, expecting some sort of windows Vista Moble

I doubt it will rival the psp in gaming (Just look at the shape

)
but it does have a keyboard that many of us are realy looking for

In short, its a realy small laptop, noting more, nothing less

**AlexanderPSP** · February 28th, 2006, 03:19

O_O it's cuz they know that they aren't earning $$$. They are the only one that haven't made handheld consoles.

**Onetonbullet** · February 28th, 2006, 03:25

AHYEAAAAHYEES!!!
Utter and absolute sweetness. I'll be doing backflip pelvic thrusts over this for hours...

**CoderX** · February 28th, 2006, 03:29

Originally Posted by AlexanderPSP

O_O it's cuz they know that they aren't earning $$$. They are the only one that haven't made handheld consoles.

XBOX360 will have a one year advanate on game sales agenst the ps3

Not to mention a much longer market share.
Also they are more protected agenst Iso's

Still hasnt been hacked.

If you try the system automaticly patchs any exploit, Its like the thing has AI
Iv made exploits, but after one-two executions, the system patches it.

Its crazy.

But dont worry MS is getting plunty of $$$$$$ from the 360

**Gage525** · February 28th, 2006, 03:48

Ithink that its too big I mean it lookslike it has good graphics and looks like it'll play cd's
and DVD's but looks like a bigger "SEGA Gamegear" or a laptop

**Hidavi** · February 28th, 2006, 04:20

its just a little handheld PC. I saw it already at engadget.com
It looks too uncomfortable to even really play with. MSFT isn't ready yet.

**Voltron** · February 28th, 2006, 04:44

I hope those pictures don't reflect the final design. That is not gamer friendly at all. Too big, not ergonomically practical for a gaming machine. Sure it'll probably pack some serious portable power under the hood but I don't think it will be a PSP killer.