Watch Out, Google: Microsoft Said to Be Testing Glass-Like DeviceAs the wearable tech market heats up, the tech giant is reportedly experimenting with a heads-up device of its own.
ByJason Fell•
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While still in its early days, thewearable techmarket is heating up. And nowMicrosoftis said to be working on a heads-up display of its own -- possibly similar toGoogle Glass.
The tech giant is testing eyewear prototypes and has asked several suppliers in Asia to provide cameras and other key components, according to a report in theWall Street Journal. Microsoft is "determined to take the lead in hardware manufacturingto make sure the company won't miss out on the opportunities in the wearable gadget market," a person familiar with the testing told the paper.
TheWall Street Journalreported in April that Microsoft wasworking on a smartwatchwith a 1.5-inch display. Samsung recently released the Samsung Galaxy Gear smartwatch. Apple, Google and LG are all rumored to be working on smartwatch devices as well.
Related:Get Ready: Wearable Tech Is About to Explode
The market for wearable tech -- including eyewear, smartwatches and internet-connected devices worn on other parts of the body -- is picking up steam. By 2017, companies are expected to ship more than 64 million wearable technology devices, according to a recent report from Swedish telecom market researcher Berg Insight. That includes 35 million smartwatches, a significant bump from the 400,000 that are expected to be sold this year.
Whether Microsoft is simply experimenting or actually intends to bring a smartwatch or heads-up device to market is unclear. A press representative for Microsoft did not immediately return a phone call seeking comment.
