Origami is the code name for Microsoft's Ultra-Mobile PC project. Partnering with hardware manufacturers, our goal is to create a small touch-screen PC that people can use in more places for more things. In our first release, we are launching with three of our OEM partners who are offering Ultra-Mobile PCs with the Microsoft Touch Pack. For the Touch Pack, we focused on making it easier to interact with a small touch-screen computer running Windows XP.
Ultra-Mobile PCs are a new class of computer that is optimized for mobility. With a screen size of 7 inches or less, Ultra-Mobile PCs can be slipped into a purse or a small bag for ultimate portability. A touch-screen, a tablet pen, and a D-pad give you a variety of input options while you are on the move. Built-in Bluetooth gives you the option of staying connected wherever you go. Running Windows XP Tablet PC Edition, Ultra-Mobile PCs have the full capabilities of the Windows operating system in one of the smallest packages yet.
The Touch Pack includes a number of programs and features that were all designed for easy targeting with your finger on the touch screen.
- Program Launcher — A customizable interface that let's you quickly get to the programs and web sites you use the most. In addition to changing the categories and the shortcuts in Program Launcher, you can also change the background to one of the images we provided or to one of your own.
- Brilliant Black — A Windows Media Player skin designed to make it easier to target the user interface with your finger.
- DialKeys — A program by Fortune Fountain Ltd. that gives you a way to input text on the touch-screen computer.
- Touch Improvements — A group of settings that make Windows easier to use and view on an Ultra-Mobile PC.
- Sudoku — A touch- and pen-optimized version of this popular number game.
The community site is a place to learn more about Ultra-Mobile PC hardware and software, including the Microsoft Touch Pack. This site is for people who own Ultra-Mobile PCs and want to ask questions or share their knowledge with others. This site is also for people who are interested in getting an Ultra-Mobile PC and want to learn more about them. Finally, this site is a place where you can get help with your Touch Pack problems and can give us feedback on our project.
The
Origami Project team is a small team of people dedicated to creating and improving the user experience for the Ultra-Mobile PC. We're developers, program managers, testers, and designers, and we spend our days (and some nights) helping to make truly mobile computing a reality. We want to hear from you.
To find out more about Ultra-Mobile PCs and available hardware, check out
www.microsoft.com/umpc.
Samsung, Asus, and Founder will manufacture UMPCs based on Intel microprocessors. PaceBlade Japan (PBJ) announced a UMPC, known as the SmartCaddie, that uses a VIA Technology chip. Samsung and Founder should have units available in the second quarter of 2006. Asus should be available shortly after that. A release announcement will be coming soon from PBJ. Some devices may not be available in all markets. Samsung has a demo with features and specs of their UMPC, the Q1. Go to their
product showcase for Hannover, and click on the Ultra Mobile PC link on the right. Check out
www.microsoft.com/umpc for updates on available UMPC hardware and specs.
Pricing is determined by the manufacturers, but we are anticipating UMPCs to fall initially in the $600 to $1200 range, depending on features. As more units are sold, prices should come down. We believe that through careful choice of components, it is possible to sell UMPCs for $500.
The mimimum requirements for UMPC are a maximum screen size of 7" diagonally, a touch panel, and a minimum display resolution of 800x480. Beyond these requirements, it is up to the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) to decide what hardware features they want to include. We are anticipating that units will have Ethernet, WLAN, Bluetooth, and USB 2.0. Units will also have microphones for voice recording and speech recognition and speakers for audio playback, and some units may have built in GPS, 3G, and an instant-on media mode.
UMPCs that meet the Vista hardware requirements will be compatible with the new operating system. We are beginning to test the new UMPC devices with the Beta versions of Vista to identify any compatibility issues.
In general, if a program runs on Windows XP, it will run on the UMPC as long as the device meets the program's minimum hardware requirements. The smaller screen size and resolution may cause some clipping on programs, but the units support increasing the resolution, which in most cases will solve the problem. Some manufacturers may include hardware buttons to give you quick access to different resolutions. Standard resolutions include, but are not limited to, 800x480, 800x600, and 1024x600.
Lots of folks saw the Digital Kitchen video that showed someone playing Halo on what looked like a UMPC. The video, which was intended for viewing by Microsoft employees only, showed our ultimate goal of running all Windows software on this ultra-mobile form factor. However, in this first release, you’ll probably be primarily limited to casual games.