Microsoft Smartwatch Said to Launch in October With Wristband Design

With Google’s first Android Wear devices now out in the wild and available for pre-order it looks like the smartwatch race has officially kicked off. Apple is expected to unveil the long-rumored iWatch later this year, and now we’re hearing that Microsoft could announce its own wearable device around the same time this October.

The news comes from Tom’s Hardware, which offers new information about the alleged smartwatch and backs up earlier claims surrounding the device. Beyond its alleged October launch, the biggest news here is about Microsoft’s design. Apparently the device will look more like Nike’s now-defunct FuelBand than some larger devices like Samsung’s Gear lineup or the G Watch.

Microsoft’s smartwatch will still include a display apparently, and the source claims the screen is located inside the wrist. The report also adds that the device will include 11 sensors and should work on multiple platforms, meaning you’ll be able to sync it with an iPhone or Android device. Microsoft will apparently offer an open API as well. Finally, the source claims Microsoft’s new wearable UI looks pretty “slick,” though it’s still unclear how much it may resemble the company’s Live Tile UI found on the latest versions of Windows and Windows 8.1.

We’re interested to see Microsoft’s take on the smartwatch, and hopefully we’ll get an official look at the rumored device later this year. If Redmond’s new product really does sync with both iOS and Android it could help bridge a gap that few other companies can.