Microsoft to unveil Halo-capable handheld device on March 2
by James Ransom-Wiley 
{ Feb 27th 2006 at 4:30PM }
The Seattle
Post-Intelligence reports on a video of a portable
Microsoft device (referred to as "Origami")
that was spotted on DigitalKitchen LLC's website. Among other functions previewed in the video, is the
device's ability to play games, specifically, a version of Halo (pictured).Microsoft has acknowledged that the video reflects "a concept we've been working on with partners," but warns that the video is dated and does not represent the product's current state. The keyword is "concept," which suggests that the Halo footage was added to demonstrate the Origami's capabilities. As such, this is not evidence that the game will be featured on the device. But, according to OrigamiProject.com, Microsoft is poised to make a major announcement this Thursday, March 2. Stay tuned.
It should be noted that the Origami appears to be a mobile PC, rather than a portable gaming device or media player. The device does not look to compete with Nintendo or Sony on the handheld gaming front, nor does it look to upstage Apple in the portable media market.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Kevin @ Feb 27th 2006 4:36PM
This will be so awesome! I would love to play Halo on the go!!!!
Exo @ Feb 27th 2006 4:45PM
I wouldnt play games on that pos. I dont care what the system can do, there is now way you can control games well with that thing
fawazr @ Feb 27th 2006 4:47PM
This would be so awesome to have a portable fridge that can play Halo! Seriously, even the actors can't manage to disguise how awkward it is to wield that thing. And for an ad that's all about conveying freedom, this thing does not seem very travel friendly. It looks like an ugly cross between a tablet pc and an iPod, yet not as focused or satisfying as either. I'll wait for Apple to get it right.
Gonzo @ Feb 27th 2006 4:50PM
I would hope that this wasn't meant to compete with the psp or ds. It's bigger than both of them put together. I guess that would go with the pattern of the home consoles too huh?
Then again if it's a mobile pc that can play xbox games (or even just the state of the art computergames), then I'm impressed. If microsoft really applied themselves they could mop the floor with nintendo and sony in handhelds.
I can tell you right now, there's no way that thing's fitting in my pocket.
S!mon @ Feb 27th 2006 4:51PM
Wow so fugly.
LunarDuality @ Feb 27th 2006 4:52PM
Everyone seems to be missing the fact that this site appeared around a week ago and at the bottom of the page it says "Week 1 - Week 2 - Week 3". Thus, the March 2nd part of the site will probably *not* be a major announcement. It'll probably be more info, and more teaser till the "Week 3" part of the site goes live. Just cuz it says "find out more on 3-2-06" doesn't mean that March 2nd will be a "major" announcement.
And if anything, that Halo game was the PC version. I highly doubt this product will come anywhere near the Xbox brand.
Nintendohaw @ Feb 27th 2006 4:59PM
u people are dumb, Halo is a PC game also durrr, Gee is it possible this is just a mini tablet PC instead of a Handheld console? DURRRRRR duh =p
Cheebo @ Feb 27th 2006 5:01PM
The only thing that looks good about that thing is the size of the screen.Everything else looks like crap
Stu L Tissimus @ Feb 27th 2006 5:03PM
How do we know it plays games? I haven't seen the video, but isn't it possibly that the video is just showcasing that Origami can, perhaps, play gameplay footage of Halo?
HOLY CRAP THAT'S BIG @ Feb 27th 2006 5:05PM
HOLY GOD, THAT THING IS HUGE! It's essentially a laptop that you have to hold upright?! I hope they are kidding. There is no way holding something that bulky upright could be comfortable and you KNOW it has to be heavy.
Joey @ Feb 27th 2006 5:05PM
Looks cool. Sort of like a more durable/rugged laptop with a touch screen. Tablet PC like. Though...
the proprietary nature of this thing, and more than likely the cost (assuming over $1000) will be DETREMENTAL to it's adoption. It's too bad they don't make something like this, with some lower grade hardware for smaller tasks, and smaller games. Something that would cost around $200-300, you could use for wireless msn on the go, mapping, playing some legacy games... etc.
Captain Obvious @ Feb 27th 2006 5:06PM
Why is it that every single comment on here is commenting about the looks of what has been clearly disclaimed as an old prototype? Did everyone just look at the picture and start to flame before they read the part where it says "the video is dated and does not represent the product's current state." Come on!
Desert @ Feb 27th 2006 5:06PM
Wow, I guess they didn't learn anything from the POS PSP I have. Full 3D console games DO NOT WORK for portable gaming!
MosquitoControl @ Feb 27th 2006 5:11PM
I'm not surprised people are so against this thing, I mean, it is Microsoft.
But there's a LARGE group of people dying for this. Me, for instance. I have a 15.4 inch laptop. I don't need it, it's used exclusively to take notes in class. It's bulky and annoying, but it is cost prohibitive to switch to something lightweight. If I can hook a notebook sized keyboard up to this I'd be in heaven. No more 7 lbs notebook squeezed in with several heavier lawbooks. Just something light and easy.
Or, take people like my parents. They tend to spend their time at night in bed reading or watching TV. Now the internet is eating into that time. With this they could surf the internet and watch TV in the same place. Convenient. Even better - my mom could do online games like Sudoku without being in the office. More time with my father.
A laptop can't do this - you can't use it while laying in bed.
A tablet could do this, but they're bulky and cost prohibitive.
This is NOT for major gaming. Get yourselves a DS. This is NOT for media on the go. Get yourselves an iPod.
This is for COMMUNICATION. It's a portable web browser and instant messenger. And it'll be great for that. Browse the internet in the airport without having to boot up your laptop. Keep in touch with people over AIM while sitting on your couch rather than being tied to the room the desktop is in.
Great, if pulled off right. The screen needs to be bright outdoors. It needs to be able to run AIM. And the browser needs to be efficient on the small screen.
But this is the type of device everyone will need, and the type that could eventually displace desktops for many, many people (unless that whole pay-for-time central computing system people predicted 10 years ago comes about, haha.)
The1 @ Feb 27th 2006 5:16PM
Good thought...Horrible design.
Draco @ Feb 27th 2006 5:24PM
I was expecting MS to sell a Desktop PC using the 360 chipset (simply because they actually own their own hardware for once).
I guess that wont happen, maybe they managed to put in that chip in here, but it would be a beast on power, maybe there is a huge lithium ion battery taking up the entire bottom portion of the device to allow for a couple hours of life?
AnonMan @ Feb 27th 2006 5:29PM
This is actually a Samsung ultraportable tablet PC running XP Tablet edition.
I was shown it by the Samsung product manager last week. It as not yet been announced.
It is running the PC version of Halo.
Josh @ Feb 27th 2006 5:34PM
How hideous. I hope for MS's sake that this is not representative of the final product. Man, it has to be heavy.
Of course it is not a gaming device, and any PC games would suck on it anyway, because it is probably much too underpowered to run any remotely modern, because of the total lack of keys and mouse without an additional keyboard or mouse, control would be very difficult, and because it must be so heavy.
And man, that thing must be heavy...
Adam Carrico @ Feb 27th 2006 5:39PM
It has to be a tablet PC.
Look at it, would you want to control a game with those buttons? Also, it is a dumbed down version of Halo (probably PC) with no radar. Looks nice though.
If Microsoft did make a portable gaming device, then it wouldn't be smart to do it now, right after the 360 has launched. Wait a year or so, maybe E3 of '07, but not this soon.
Frank @ Feb 27th 2006 5:45PM
Wow, most you on here are complete idiots
Jay @ Feb 27th 2006 5:51PM
the level of stupidity scares me. This is NOT a gaming machine. This is what happens when a Pocket PC grows up, or a Tablet PC gets shrunk. Nothing more, nothing less. It IS ugly. That's a given. Those guys need Apples designers.
Right. Anyone seeing the big problem here?
A device, no bigger than 10 inches, with a battery that can run the PC version of Halo? I severely doubt it. That is not going to happen for at least a few more years. Unless, of course, Bungie or whoever made the PC/Mac port have pressed the optimise button, the game runs like a dog.
Nice machine. It won't run Halo.
Mikeawesome @ Feb 27th 2006 6:04PM
Hm. I don't think it's terribly ugly, but I wouldn't buy it yet. I think if they DO in fact announce it on Thursday, and it's a different/more sleek design, I'd definitely be on board. I'd at least watch to see what happens with it. Not to mention Microsoft's release of Vista later in the year. I mean, this thing could benefit from that Microsoft Connect thing and maybe stream music from your PC remotely, just like it shows someone controlling their PC remotely on it.
It has potential to be a great handheld PC, the perfect middle-ground between Pocket PC and Tablet PC. It could soften up users to the idea of a tablet PC, or it could at least draw in consumers because of the fact that it's got a great deal of functionality and it's very portable.
Should it be released, and the price is right, this could be a hit with businesses and consumers alike.
Tommy @ Feb 27th 2006 6:09PM
Anyone see in the screenshots a quarter of a circle replacing the section where Start would be? Nobody remember Bungie talking about working on 'Radial input'?
See that click wheel rip off on it?
There's definatly a connection somewhere in that.
I agree with most in that it's the next gen tablet. However for gaming it would have to be really quite good. Especially with battery concerns too. My only real problems with it are the battery life and price point.
brandon @ Feb 27th 2006 6:20PM
I say why bother with the tablet pc/pocket pc market. Only handful of people buy the expensive things. Having had experience with both, one is constantly reminded of the limitations, either in imput, versatility, or power. I never saw much of a point in having a tablet pc, when a small notebook computer can do so much at a cheaper price. Pocket pcs seem nice, but they end up gathering dust after the novelty rubs off and you find you dont have much of a reason for owning one.
Microsoft will probably not delve into portable gaming anytime soon, they have to get the console business stable enough first, not to mention making a bigger presence outside the US, before they even remotely consider handhelds.
joshua @ Feb 27th 2006 6:22PM
if apple made it, you guys would be jumping for joy
King @ Feb 27th 2006 6:23PM
Stop your bitching and actually read the damn post by Joystiq. It clearly states that....
"Microsoft has acknowledged that the video reflects "a concept we've been working on with partners," but warns that the video is dated and does not represent the product's current state"
dsub @ Feb 27th 2006 7:02PM
Poor Design? I just don't understand. DO ANY OF YOU GUYS READ THE POSTS BEFORE COMMENTING?
King is right. It's stated clear as day.
"Microsoft has acknowledged that the video reflects "a concept we've been working on with partners," but warns that the video is dated and does not represent the product's current state."
DUH.
Sorry to be a dick, but seriously, sometimes I think people are so eager to talk shit about MS/Sony/Nintendo that they just glance at the title and picture and then their uneducated biased opinions take over.
chris @ Feb 27th 2006 7:35PM
I guess we'll just all have to get bigger pockets.
Jon @ Feb 27th 2006 7:41PM
Why did Joystiq even post this on here. This is a totally non gaming related device. This should never have been posted on a gaming related site.
UrDUMB @ Feb 27th 2006 8:49PM
Wow u people are dumb. Did you notice the words "CONCEPT", and the phrase "the video is DATED". That thing could use some refining though, which im sure will/should happen...
Kye @ Feb 27th 2006 9:21PM
I wonder what the battery time is like...
~~~wavy imagination lines~~~
*Several friends are sitting about remniscing about the great games of yesteryear when Kye runs out unto the porch... "Guys it's finally done loading, lets unplug it from the mains and have a that multiplayer battle we've been dreaming about...
*he unplugs the charger*
...Im gona show you who the real Master Chief...
is".
...?
..."WFT!?"
nstynsty @ Feb 27th 2006 9:37PM
I'm starting to think I should skip all this crap, get a tablet PC, get a couple nice emulators for it, and just sit back and chill. I already embarked on the PSP and DS journey but enough is enough. Do you think that mobile handhelds will one day replace home consoles? Maybe..... I mean who needs a 8 piece stereo when you could have an ipod, a serious radio unit, and a nice amp with speakers. THings are changing but it seems that a norm will never be reached. Technology is always evolving but it needs to be something that people can grasp and at this point I don't wanna rely on a computer for every single thing. Might sound old fashion but the phrase "they don't make them like they used to" is very true with many things (especially lathes).
Mario @ Feb 27th 2006 9:54PM
NO!!! WHy so BIG!!! Ok, make it smaller and give it a nice ipod like touch like the psp and revolution and 360 are doing. Then it will be good.
GlitchCog @ Feb 27th 2006 10:41PM
Wow. I said they'd make a portable like this a while ago, but I was joking. The pic I made up seems to be about the right size though...
http://matt.yanos.com/games13.php
Jonn @ Feb 28th 2006 12:20AM
I just like the idea of having something I can take notes on and draw on.
>2. I wouldnt play games on that pos. I dont care what the system can do, there is >now way you can control games well with that thing
Funny, that's exactly what was said about the Gameboy. Y'know, the best selling console, ever? Also, this is not a gaming system.
>7. u people are dumb, Halo is a PC game also durrr, Gee is it possible this is just >a mini tablet PC instead of a Handheld console? DURRRRRR duh =p
Did you read the article? Specifically, the last paragraph?
>22. Anyone see in the screenshots a quarter of a circle replacing the section >where Start would be? Nobody remember Bungie talking about working on >'Radial input'?
>See that click wheel rip off on it?
>There's definatly a connection somewhere in that.
Why is it that when a company uses a competitor's successful idea, it's called a ripoff?
dsub @ Feb 28th 2006 4:00AM
"I'm starting to think I should skip all this crap, get a tablet PC, get a couple nice emulators for it, and just sit back and chill. I already embarked on the PSP and DS journey but enough is enough. Do you think that mobile handhelds will one day replace home consoles? Maybe..... I mean who needs a 8 piece stereo when you could have an ipod, a serious radio unit, and a nice amp with speakers. THings are changing but it seems that a norm will never be reached. Technology is always evolving but it needs to be something that people can grasp and at this point I don't wanna rely on a computer for every single thing. Might sound old fashion but the phrase "they don't make them like they used to" is very true with many things (especially lathes)."
I agree. I have a GBA, but most of the time I just take my laptop with my chock full o' emulators. I've got a little portable folding gamepay I bring with me and play away in the car and in between classes. A tablet PC with similar functionality would be an A+ for me. As far as the whole 8-piece stereo thing goes...I recently bought a Samsung Home Theater In a Box that is a single, tiny unit that pumps out 800W of power, has a booming subwoofer, 5 DVD changer and the best feature...a USB port on the front of the unit where you plug in an iPod, or any other USB device and play music in pure digital quality right through the unit. It displays the ID3 info on the screen/TV too. Was only $250.
Tommy @ Feb 28th 2006 7:31AM
Just saying it's a simple user input mechanisim which Apple used. Though it is the next step up from radial input used on old style phones.
Austin @ Feb 28th 2006 11:23AM
I told myself i wouldnt comment until the announcement but i just cant help it.
An MS portable has a snowballs chance in hell without halo. They know it, i know it, sony/nintendo and maybe even you are starting to actualy think about it. Come on you can do it!(not you corky)
When/if this prototype becomes the realization of our FPS wet dreams it will probably be a spin off after H3 or 7 or what ever they call the franchise by 2015.