- Smart Personal Objects Technology
Smart Personal Object Technology (SPOT) is
Microsoft 's initiative to attempt to create "smart" software and hardware that will personalize household electronics and everyday devices to make their uses more versatile.The SPOT technology implements the use of
MSN Direct services. The service is delivered across the United States and Canada over a network that is based on FM radio broadcast signals in about 100 metropolitan areas.Smart
wristwatch es are the first SPOT-based application. MSN Direct Watch makers include watch companies such asTissot ,Swatch ,Suunto , andFossil . At the moment SPOT technologies include the watches and just recentlycoffeemaker s byMelitta . It is also planned in the future to use SPOT technology inalarm clock s andweather stations.Future
The future of SPOT seems to be questionable, [ [http://www.theinquirer.net/default.aspx?article=40369 "The INQUIRER Top 5 Tech Wristwatches - The timepieces that time forgot"] , The Inquirer,
15 June 2007 ] as there has been little publicity for the technology since 2005. Suunto has quietly dropped its line of SPOT watches (the n-series) some time after their release. [ [http://www.suunto.com/suunto/main/article_1column.jsp?ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=1408474395903579&CONTENT%3C%3Ecnt_id=10134198673939780&searchAccessories=false&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=1408474395903551&bmUID=1182952033644&bmLocale=en_US "Products no longer in production"] , Suunto.com website] As of April 23, 2008 the line has been officially discontinued. [ [http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/23/spot-watches-r-i-p-2004-2008/ "SPOT watches, R.I.P.: 2004 - 2008"] , Engadget,23 April 2008 ] While the MSN Direct service will continue to support the already sold SPOT smart watches. [ [http://www.slashgear.com/microsoft-drop-spot-watch-project-2411322.php Microsoft drop SPOT watch project] ]ee also
*
DirectBand
*.NET Micro Framework MSNDirect was contacted by phone today and caller was told that Microsoft has discontinued support of the Smart Watch line. Reason given was that its applications have been duplicated by the Smart Phone which performs online reception functions of news, weather, sports, stock market quotes, etc. that are identical or superior to those featured by the Smart Watch. Virtually everyone seemingly has a cell phone. Fewer and fewer people are wearing wrist watches.External links
* [http://www.spotstop.com/ spotstop.com] news and reviews of SPOT technology
* [http://www.msndirect.com/ MSN Direct service website]References
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