Should Microsoft Release A Smartwatch To Compete With Apple Watch And Android Wear?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3mXtGKIOyU

Microsoft is already in the wearable space with their Microsoft Band. Initially, Microsoft released it in limited quantities, and recently they have started to slowly expand its availability. While Apple and Google are moving towards smartwatches, Microsoft is restricting itself with fitness oriented Band. Yes, Microsoft Band is more than jut a fitness wearable, but it is not a smartwatch.

When you consider the recently announced and released smartwatches like Apple Watch or Android Wear device, they are more sophisticated devices with internal storage, full app platforms on which developers can write their own apps. In fact, Microsoft now has four official apps for Apple Watch. Yes, developers can write Microsoft Band apps, but it is too limited and restrictive for developers. Also, developers need to write their apps for Microsoft Band in C language unlike .Net or XAML or any web based platform.

With Windows 10, Microsoft is promoting that write once and run it across all display sizes right from smartphones to Xbox. Microsoft is ignoring the smartwatch platform for now. The Metro design language along with Live Tiles will be a great combo for a smartwatch platform. Back in 2004, Microsoft released a SPOT watch partnering with Tissot, take a look at it in the video above. During the time of its release, it was the most advanced smartwatch in the market. Hopefully, Microsoft will come back strong with their own smartwatch hardware and smartwatch platform in the coming years.

Take a look at the concept images of Windows for wearables below,

What do you think? Should Microsoft jump into smartwatch market?