New Microsoft smartwatch to work as a fitness band across different mobile platforms

New Microsoft smartwatch to work as a fitness band across different mobile platforms[Photo credit: Microsoft]

Microsoft is planning to unveil a wearable device sometime in the coming weeks, sources told Forbes.

According to the report, the upcoming device will take the form of a smartwatch that is capable of tracking and monitoring the heart rate of its user as well as "work across different mobile platforms." As such, it is expected to work well not only with Windows devices but with gadgets running on iOS and Android as well.

The Windows smartwatch has been reported to last up to two days when fully charged, which can be a more favorable feature compared to current smartwatches running on Android, such as those of Samsung and Motorola. It can even reportedly outperform the newly unveiled Apple Watch that can only last up to one day after a single charge.

Specifically, the smartwatch has been deemed as a fitness band that has a wide range of functions. As it connects to a smartphone, it can then show notifications and other details from the Internet.

As a fitness tracker, the smartwatch comes with sensors for monitoring motion, such as for the calories burned and the activity performed.

This is not the first time that Microsoft will be releasing a smartwatch as the tech giant released the Spot smartwatch in 2004, equipped with FM radio for sending news and other information. However, it failed to appeal to the public.

To name a few, Samsung, LG and Motorola have already engaged in designing and releasing smartwatch devices over the past year, although some of these have reportedly failed to gain the attention of the public.  

Apple also unveiled the highly-anticipated Apple Watch, which will be released to the public in spring of 2015.

Meanwhile, Microsoft apps have now been made available for the Android Wear smartwatches by Google as extensions to its Android apps for smartphones and tablets.