Microsoft entering the smartwatch market

Microsoft is getting ready to jump on the smartwatch bandwagon.

According to a report by Forbes, the software giant is working on a piece of wearable technology that will sync not only with Windows Phone handsets, but with iOS and Android devices as well.

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The release date for the device is still being decided, but Microsoft is apparently aiming for a summer 2014 launch of its new watch. The new piece of hardware would resemble that of Samsung’s Gear Fit in terms of physical look, and would have enough battery power to last users two days before needing a recharge.

The watch will also be able to continuously monitor your heart rate, according the Forbes’ sources.

Forbes was told by Microsoft that the company had nothing to share. FanSided has reached out to the Redmond-based company for a comment on the report.

If the report proves accurate, Microsoft would join a market that had been previously dominated by Samsung and Sony. It would also be joining the likes of Motorola, LG and Apple as companies looking to carve their own chunk out of the smartwatch mountain.

By going cross-platform with its devices connectability, Microsoft could become a major player in the market. The ability to purchase one smartwatch, and not have to worry if it will work with your phone, should you switch operating systems, is something that could win over many people looking at the devices.

It also signals that Microsoft knows it’s Windows Phones aren’t succeeding in the way that the company had hoped. Microsoft’s line of handsets is expected to have just a 3.5% share of the global market by the end of the year while Android is forcasted to dominate the market with an 80.2% share.

Mike’s Musings: As someone who likes to switch operating systems on my phone with every new device, the idea of only needing one smartwatch is something that really interests me. If this report turns out to be true, then I think I may have found my first smartwatch.