Microsoft and Swatch to offer wrist watches with MSN services

Posted on Thursday, October 21 2004 @ 23:39 CEST by Thomas De Maesschalck
Microsoft and watch maker Swatch say they are offering a new line of wireless data watches, bringing the era of Dick Tracy wristwatch radios one step closer.

The watches offer news, sports, weather and stock quotes, among other snippets of content, via Microsoft's MSN Direct wireless data service. Twice the number of information channels of earlier Microsoft-based models are available.

Known as the "Paparazzi" line, the computerised Swatches also offer local entertainment updates through a deal with publisher Time Out, as well as a chance to meet celebrities.

The watches come with three levels of service. Each comes free with local weather, news headlines and stock index levels. For $40 (22 pounds) a year, users can receive more weather data, personalised news and sports scores, stock quotes, horoscopes and the like. For $60 annually, they can receive instant messages and calendar reminders from their PC if they use Microsoft Outlook software

Read more at Reuters


About the Author

Thomas De Maesschalck

Thomas has been messing with computer since early childhood and firmly believes the Internet is the best thing since sliced bread. Enjoys playing with new tech, is fascinated by science, and passionate about financial markets. When not behind a computer, he can be found with running shoes on or lifting heavy weights in the weight room.



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