Meet the Ultra-Mobile PC

Post ImageThe picture is now pretty clear on what Origami is and isn’t, and what the goals for the project are. Judging from some of the comments out in the blogosphere, lots of people are disappointed after the device was so well-hyped. I guess that was to be expected – the hype was almost at “Apple levels”! I am just disappointed with the battery life, but otherwise, Origami seems pretty cool. First, Engadget explains what Origami is:

Origami is a term originated from [Microsoft’s Otto] Berkes that doesn’t necessarily refer to a device or specific hardware specification, per se, but to an ultramobile PC running Windows Tablet (or Vista, later) and enhanced Microsoft Touch Pack (a suite of apps and utilities meant to optimize using Windows by touch, and not necessarily only by stylus).

Sounds like the official name of the device is “Ultra-Mobile PC” (or UMPC), which now has a website up at Microsoft.com. So what the heck is an Ultra-Mobile PC? Here’s how Microsoft describes it:

The Ultra-Mobile PC is a new kind of computer. It combines the power of Windows XP with mobile-ready technologies that make it easy to access and use your software on the go.

With small, lightweight, carry-everywhere hardware designs, you can connect and communicate, accomplish any task anywhere and at any time, and be entertained and informed wherever life takes you.

Marketing fluff yes, but also helpful in trying to understand the goal. Seems to me that the UMPC is sort of the evolution and merger of the laptop, the tablet pc, and the pocket pc. Actually, I think the UMPC is a replacement for the Pocket PC more than anything. The fact is, I’d much rather have my tablet with me than a pocket computer, because I can do anything on my tablet. The UMPC changes things, giving me a smaller form factor without sacrificing capability.

Basically, I think the UMPC is a great idea. If it had better battery life, ran Windows Vista, and was cheaper, I’d definitely be trying to get one. Hopefully the devices improve over the next year or so. Not everyone thinks the UMPC is a great idea though, like Om Malik:

So finally Microsoft Origami (or what it would be) has been brought to light… and my first reaction, for crying out loud, yet another digital device?

My view on any new digital and mobile device is that – both Microsoft and Intel – should stop thinking Windows and try developing a new platform.

I don’t know, Windows has done pretty darn well as a platform so far! Let’s hope Vista will really deliver in the mobile and power areas to make these devices even better.

If you want to see the device in action, Channel 9 has a 37 minute video with the architect. Jupiter Research analyst Michael Gartenberg has a really good early review up too. Oh, and if you were keeping track of the Origami website, week 3 is now up and they have a new community site too.

Google buys Writely

Post ImageI didn’t see this one coming, but it seems Google has purchased Writely, a web-based word processing app. I guess the deal isn’t that surprising given that there has always been speculation Google would build an online competitor to Microsoft Office.

“We haven’t yet figured out all the details,” Writely said on its site. “Coming to Google will eventually give us a leg up on getting things done that we just haven’t been able to with our tiny team.”

A Google representative confirmed the deal in an e-mail. “We acquired Writely for the innovative technology and talented team,” Google said in a statement. “We’re thrilled to have them here.” The purchase price was not disclosed.

I think Google probably purchased them more for the team than the technology. Personally, I don’t think using a word processor online would be a great experience, but I suppose if they can make it work there’ll be a market. Writely has received lots of positive attention thus far, so that’s a bonus for Google.

Read: CNET News.com

Origami Revealed!

Post ImageEngadget has lots of cool news and pictures on the Origami devices today:

So we managed to get our hands on a Samsung Q1 / Origami device set to roll tomorrow here at CeBIT. Don’t ask how, but it’ll be awhile before we recover from the brutal caning we just received. From the five minutes we spent with it we can tell you, well, it’s an XP Tablet PC with a 7-inch display. Sorry, that’s about it, nothing earth-shattering here folks.

Okay, so the description doesn’t sound cool, but go take a look at the pictures! There’s a few more at CNET News.com too.

A later post reveals that the UI for the device has been found on the CeBIT website, and it includes pictures of a circular keyboard meant for thumb typing. Interesting idea, but I wonder how it works in practice.

Read: Engadget

Windows Live Updates

Post ImageYou might have heard today that Microsoft released a bunch of updates to the Live.com services. For one thing, the search is much improved and I love the new interface! Searches load pretty quickly too. The great thing is that there is no more “page 1” or “page 2” or results. Instead, you simply scroll down through the results. While scrolling may not sound like the best interface, it’s a start towards something better. Perhaps the only thing I don’t like about the search is that the URL is kind of ugly. A search for “mastermaq” for example, looks like this: http://www.live.com/#q=mastermaq&offset=1. Not bad, but could be better.

Also announced today is Live Clipboard which enables “PC to web structured data exchange”. Basically its a simple way of transferring data between your computer and the web. The technology is Microsoft CTO Ray Ozzie’s baby, so chances are it’ll be good. Lots of commentary out there on Live Clipboard.

Live.com is starting to look more and more interesting, though I am still somewhat concerned with the branding.

First glimpse of Origami device?

Post ImageThis is the week we’ll find out more about Microsoft’s secretive Origami project. Intel today showed off some prototypes of the so-called “Ultra Mobile PC” devices and they look pretty good:

As earlier reported, the first devices have a 7-inch touch screen, standard x86 processors, and can run full versions of desktop operating systems including the Windows XP variant being used for Origami.

In later generations, probably next year or later, the devices could have the pocket size, all-day battery life, and $500 price that Microsoft and Intel are aiming for, Graff said in an interview.

Apparently these first devices will only get three hours of battery life, which is actually worse than my 12.1″ Toshiba Portege tablet. I think the concept is really great, and the price point is getting much, much better, but I’d rather have a Vista-based device that can last all day long. Should be interesting to see what Microsoft announces on Thursday.

Sounds like they are really going for the average consumer with this device too:

Intel also found in its testing that the devices appeal to active mothers, who, the chipmaker learned, have schedules similar to corporate road warriors.

I can’t figure out why Yahoo is featured so prominently in the pictures, as to my knowledge they don’t really have anything to do with this new platform. I mean obviously they must have paid for some attention, but certainly there could have been something more relevant to display.

Read: CNET News.com

Google GDrive

Post ImageIf a company provided the ability to store all of your data online, would you use it? Would you choose to allow your computer to be essentially just a local cache of your data stored elsewhere? Google thinks you might:

Google is preparing to offer online storage to Web users, creating a mirror image of data stored on consumer hard drives, according to company documents that were mistakenly released on the Web.

“With infinite storage, we can house all user files, including emails, web history, pictures, bookmarks, etc and make it accessible from anywhere (any device, any platform, etc),” the notes in the original Google presentation state.

Chief Executive Eric Schmidt in his presentation made a cryptic comment that one goal of Google was to “store 100 percent” of consumer information.

Personally, I don’t think I’d use such a service, at least not for all of my data. Maybe an array of services, from different companies, in different locations, so that the potential for abuse or data loss is reduced. I realize I make that statement in 2006, when in five years things may be very different and it would seem natural to store things primarily online. I still can’t quite fathom everyone using only one service though.

Read: CNET News.com

Paramagnus and Business Plan Success

Post ImageEverything is public now, so it’s time for an update on our business plan competitions! As you may recall, Dickson and I entered Paramagnus into two business plan competitions – VenturePrize and Wes Nicol. We had back to back presentations in February, and have been waiting patiently to find out how we did. We’ve known for a couple days now, but it was announced today that we’re a finalist in the VenturePrize competition, and we won first place in the local portion of the Wes Nicol! Congratulations especially to our fellow finalists in VenturePrize, and indeed to all of the competitors we’ve met thus far. We’ve learned so much already!

We’re now preparing for the final VenturePrize showdown which takes place at the annual EEDC luncheon on March 22nd. We’ll be among the first people to see the brand new extension to the Shaw Conference Centre. The following day we need to be in Ottawa for the national component of the Wes Nicol competition, so it’ll be a very busy two days! We’re looking forward to it.

Actually the next few weeks will be busy. We did a brief interview tonight that will air on CBC Radio tomorrow morning. Tomorrow afternoon we’re filming our three minute video that will be shown at the luncheon on the 22nd. We’re presenting to a class at the University next Friday. Over the next two weeks we’ll be putting together an “insider’s blog” for our experience in VenturePrize. And of course we’ve got to update our business plan, prepare our second presentations, and keep our business running (not to mention school, volunteering, etc). And it won’t stop there – we’ve already got interviews and the like lined up into April. Definitely good for the business!

We’ve met a lot of people lately, and while it was nice to meet all of you, sometimes it’s hard to get down contact information or remember everyone. If you’d like to get in touch, you can reach me via email or at 780.619.3864. Or of course you can simply subscribe 🙂

Notes for 3/5/2006

Here are my notes for today:

  • I still can’t quite believe that we did some upgrades this week and didn’t encounter any problems! I guess we’re getting better at planning for these types of things.
  • I hung out with my Dad yesterday on his way back from San Francisco. He’s got some really great pictures up in Flickr from his trip.
  • Can’t wait to find out more on Origami. There’s an interesting video at YouTube on it too.
  • Ever have french fries from Costco? They’re so addicting, and probably so bad for you…
  • Looks like Crash has won the Oscar for Best Picture. I didn’t watch the ceremonies this year, and judging by some of the polls on sites like Canoe, neither did a lot of other people.
  • Went to see the Rush last night with my Dad and Tom. They lost again, 15-11. We have a decent team, but we get way too many penalties, and I question the coaching sometimes.
  • Tomorrow is the public announcement of the VenturePrize finalists, and the result of the Wes Nicol should be made public this week too.

Happy Birthday Mom!

Today is my Mom’s birthday, and since she doesn’t have a blog, you can leave a nice comment for her on this post. My Dad is coming into Edmonton tonight, back from San Francisco, which means my Mom is all alone! Well, no family at least – I understand she’s being taken out for dinner by some friends though, enjoy Mom!

Origami running Windows XP? Why not Vista?

Post ImageToday is the day we found out a few more details about Microsoft’s secretive Origami Project. The gadget has been a popular topic in the blogosphere lately, with lots of speculation on what it is and what it is not. According to CNET News.com, the device is a mini tablet running Windows XP:

Microsoft refused to go into details, but offered up a statement saying: “As promised on the OrigamiProject.com website, we are offering more details today about Origami, including that it is a new category of mobile PCs that will run Windows XP. We’re excited to share more information with you on March 9.”

The device isn’t anything real new – Microsoft bigwigs like Gates and Ballmer have talked about such devices in the past. What is new is that we’re close to seeing such a device, and not just a concept. But running Windows XP? In the year of Windows Vista? What a wasted opportunity.

Most experts and analysts did not expect a device like Origami any time soon, and I most certainly did not, so there’s no reason to think that Microsoft had to rush its development. So why run Windows XP? The largest challenge facing Microsoft in the next couple of years is articulating to people why they should upgrade to Windows Vista. Why wouldn’t you have a new, interesting, and easy-to-talk-about device like Origami run the latest and greatest to show off what Vista is capable of? Price point for the device maybe, but still. Imagine Vista running on Origami. The early adopters buy them, and take them everywhere they go, exposing more and more people to Windows Vista. More people are going to feel they need Windows Vista if they see it in action, in the real world, than if they see an advertisement.

I think Windows XP is a great operating system, but this new device is a great opportunity to drum up interest in and support for Windows Vista. Why waste it?

Read: CNET News.com