News has come out that Microsoft will enter the smartwatch game this coming fall with an offering of its own. And why not? Already the software maker has released its own hardware in the realm of tablets and kinda-sorta in the realm of smartphones. Rumors about this smartwatch offering have been varied, with the latest rumors of a fitness tracker among the more disturbing. But, given the landscape of the smartwatch space, Microsoft could have a major opportunity with its smartwatch offering.
First of all, Microsoft has to make this more than just a fitness tracker. In fact, fitness tracking can’t even be a priority for this device. The reason for this is simple – there’s already a bunch of fitness trackers on the market and Microsoft would just be late to the party…again. What’s more, companies that actually know about and have reputations grounded in fitness make the other fitness trackers out there. Nike is the prime example. That’s not a desirable position to be in.
It can be more
Plus, we’ve already shown that a smartwatch is so much more capable than just counting steps. It’s a waste of wrist real estate to dedicate functionality that is relevant to a pretty small portion of the populace, relatively speaking. Should fitness tracking be relevant to a greater portion of the populace? Absolutely, but that’s a discussion for another publication.
So, let’s assume that Microsoft is not going to make that colossal mistake and will actually produce something that is useful to those of us who are not counting calories. Let’s look at the opportunity that is presenting itself in big freaking neon letters that Microsoft would be foolish to ignore.
Boundless opportunities
Almost every smartwatch on the market today has a major limitation that could inhibit its growth potential. On the one hand, the Pebble is the leader in the smartwatch industry – for now. But its e-ink display while very thrifty in the battery category, cannot hold a candle to Android Wear’s beauty and versatility. Android Wear on the other hand is locked to only Android carrying consumers. The iWatch will likely (there hasn’t been any confirmation either way) fall into that same category of monotheism. The Samsung line of smartwatches (with the exception of the Gear Live) are even more laughably stuck to other Samsung hardware.
Windows Phone doesn’t have a smartwatch, nor does it have a smartwatch that is even compatible with it. Ok, Pebble thumpers, I hear you. There is an app for the Pebble, but it’s pretty limited and not even in the conversation in my eyes. Microsoft surely will not make the mistake of designing and implementing a smartwatch that is only compatible with its own hardware. All rumors have pointed to it being compatible with all platforms. This would be a great decision for Microsoft.
The pieces are there
Windows Live tiles would actually be a pretty great interface for a smartwatch. Constantly updating tiles showing Facebook, Twitter, email, etc would be great for glancable information which is generally what one does with a watch – glance. Plus bringing that tile interface to Android and iOS users is a great way to introduce them to the platform. As they glance at their watch and see live tiles 100+ times a day (according to Google’s own numbers), they would become used to the interface. Then, when that two-year contract comes up, maybe the user can make a different, and in my humble opinion better, choice.
Every phone platform now has voice integration, and most of those already interface with cars, headphones, etc. It should be (speaking as a non-developer) possible to tie into those interfaces to bring voice control that is platform agnostic to a smartwatch platform. Google and Apple probably could too, but why would they? They are both sitting very pretty on their platforms that have dominated the industry. Microsoft has every reason to try and bring this and Cortana to a smart device that works with anything.
Evolving
The smartwatch industry is brand new and evolving. It can be a confusing time for consumers who are interested in getting a smartwatch, and the more Microsoft can do to alleviate that confusion by making a watch that works with everything, the better. But it will only be better if it is relevant to all smartphone users – not just those on a single platform and not just those who can bench 60% of their body weight.
The ball is in Microsoft’s court. It can’t afford to be late to the fitness party, and it cannot afford the arrogance of other offerings. Making a smartwatch that is useful and accessible to everyone is the only way it can succeed.
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