Is Microsoft building its own smartwatch?
2012 patent suggests Microsoft will focus on health and fitness with “Surface Smartwatch”
Unsurprising news of the day: Microsoft is most likely working on a smartwatch.
A patent filed by the company in 2012 describes a “wearable personal information system” focussed on health and fitness (a little like the Samsung Gear Fit). The device uses GPS and other sensors to track movement and activity, including heart rate, without the need for external add-ons.
Interestingly, the main part of the device can be removed from a wristband and inserted inside other fitness equipment or a docking station.
READ MORE: Samsung Gear Fit review
While activity tracking seems to be the main purpose of the device, it will also offer a music player and telephone and messaging apps, much like other smartwatches. We imagine it would act as a companion device to a smartphone (most likely a Windows phone), but the patent does mention an independent data connection, meaning there’s a possibility it won’t need to piggyback on a phone’s 3G or 4G connection.
Microsoft is holding event in New York on 20th May, at which it is expected to launch a smaller range of Surface tablets. Could there be a surprise guest in the form of this smartwatch too? Not too long until we find out…
[Via PC Advisor]
Sam Kieldsen
Contributor 
