Well, the video Scoble is set to premier on Channel 9 tonight (interview and demo with the Origami Creator, Otto Berkes) is available for download on msdn right now.
This is the first official video from Microsoft detailing the actual product. It checks in at 37 minutes and 28 seconds and features an interview with the head of Microsofts Ultra Mobile PC Group, Otto Berkes.
[b]Lots of Details about the Origami Products to be released soon revealed below:[/b]
1) Otto is holding the Samsung ultra mobile PC we posted shots of earlier. He said this is one of the pre-production units in the Ultra Mobile PC class that will be going to market in the next few months.
2) Hey Look, its the form-factor from the original leaked promo vid:
[img]https://www.umpcportal.com/origami/images/otto/otto2.jpg[/img]
3) Otto says you will be able to run PhotoShop on this, although he wasn’t too emphatic with it. He confirmed that you can [b]run any Windows application on the device[/b], some make more sense than others.
4) Plan is to eventually take applications made for desktops and notebooks and create specialized versions optimized to run on ultra mobile PCs. Specifically, to utilize the [b]touch-screen abilities[/b] of these new devices, so you can navigate with your fingers.
5) This is just the first-generation. There is a road-map for future products. This future vision is the Haiku model that Gates showed at the last WinHEC (Pictured half-way down this post). There is still a lot of hardware and software work to do before they get to that point.
6) Back to talking about the first-generation devices. [b]Processing power in the 1 GHz[/b] class, full x86 compatible architecture. Integrated graphics capabilities [b](DirectX 7, DirectX8 Level)[/b]. You’re not going to run Halo 2 on this generation.
7) All of them will be [b]XP Tablet Edition and come with a stylus[/b]. Otto’s handwriting leaves a lot to be desired, as seen below:
[img]https://www.umpcportal.com/origami/images/otto/otto4.jpg[/img]
8) The Samsung model has a [b]USB port on the left-side and one on the right-side[/b] that you could use for a USB keyboard. Some models will also have integrated docking connectors that could potentially connect to a full-sized keyboard and full-sized monitor. There is also a [b]VGA connector on the side[/b] and you could run the External monitor on the high resolutions you would expect.
9) No exact number given on the number of Origami manufacturers, because the number is increasing on a regular basis.
10) No answer on the price, waiting till the products are announced, but the [b]expected price-range is $599-999[/b]. [b]Weighs 2 pounds[/b].
More analysis below.11) The device is very quiet, runs silent, stays cool, lightweight.
12) [b]Native resolution is 800×480[/b]. * Otto takes a break to answer his cell phone, haha * [b]7-inch display[/b]. Same size you would see in some dvd players and automotive units you can buy.
13) [b]New software is expected to ship with the Origami[/b].
14) Auo-scaling should help with scaling apps made for a larger resolution.
15) [b]Battery-Life will depend on the specifics of the hardware[/b], what CPU and what speed, and the battery capacity. The batteries are removable. They are exploring extended battery life for certain units.
16) They expect [b]units to get smaller in the next generations[/b] and keep the same functionality.
17) Some talk about the oQo and how it is great for enterprise use but here is some concerns with usability based on its size and price. The goal for Origami was to find a sweet spot between usability and price.
18) We learn a little about Otto. He joined Microsoft about 13 years ago. Was part of the original XBox team. He was interested in the Ultra Mobile world.
19) Scoble’s son wants one becuase carrying a heavy laptop around class can get annoying (I agree).
20) The connectors and periphreal abilities will vary from machine to machine. This particular unit has: [b]WiFi, BlueTooth, Ethernet Connector, Compact Flash slot, USB, VGA Port, Power, Hold Button (media player), volume, headset jack, another VGA Port, auxillary power, dual-microphones (performs noise-reduction) which makes it a great VOIP tool.[/b]
21) [b]There is not built-in GPS[/b], but you can plug a GPS in, like a bluetooth enabled GPS receiver.
22) With [b]bluetooth you can connect to the internet through your phone[/b].
23) They are working with the media center team to work on scenarios to take advantage of the device, possibly to use as a controller.
24) [b]Able to play quite a few PC games with DirectX 7/8 capabilities[/b] (And now, you can play while you’re sitting on the toilet).
25) Expect to see quite a few accessories, [b]including docking solutions, car solutions, battery solutions, keyboards, carrying-cases (man purses?)[/b]
26) They expect [b]these devices to support Vista on this hardware[/b], but not the glass interface (or leading-edge graphic features). Will be upgradeable to Vista.
27) They have harddrives. Capacity will depend on whether it is a 1.8 inch drive to 2.5 inch drive, but [b]anything to 30 gigs to 120 gigs[/b].
28) Has stereo speakers and supports SRS technology.
29) Has a stand on the back, so you can prop it up on your desk and watch Desperate Housewives.
30) The primary way to get movie content will be downloading it from the internet. You can also transfer it from another PC.
31) Hey look, Otto just picked up the prototype we originally leaked here a few days ago, and they expect units based on this prototype to be on the market as well:
[img]https://www.umpcportal.com/origami/images/leakedproto.jpg[/img]
32) Otto is quite pleased with this device. Given the amount of time and hardware limitations, he is very happy with how the first-generation turned out.
Thanks for all the info Otto and Scoble!
