[image:508 align=right hspace=5 vspace=5 size=medium]The Origami Project website is doing exactly what is was designed to do--spread curiosity like wildfire. Microsoft appears to be at the helm of this mysterious viral marketing campaign in an effort to build hype for what might be a new device in the portable realm. The site doesn't say much more than some cryptic messages, but it does give dates: "Learn more on 3.2.06..."
A video featuring the device appeared on the website of Digital Kitchen, a video production company that has done work for Microsoft in the past. The video shows the Origami being used as a media player, photo organizer, PDA, and GPS system. The device is even being used to play Halo. Although it was pulled from Digital Kitchen's site shortly after this story broke, it is available on YouTube.
Microsoft responded when a spokeswoman told Silicon.com that the video was dated. "While Origami is a concept we've been working on with partners," she said, "please know that the video seen on Digital Kitchen’s web site is a year old and represents our initial exploration into this form factor, including possible uses and scenarios."
What does this mean for Apple and their stronghold on the mobile media market? Probably not much. From the looks of the video, the Origami will probably have a steeper price tag than the iPod. We can speculate all day, but if we want the facts, we'll all have to sit tight for a few more days.
[UPDATE 3/2/06: The Origami project website now says, "find out 3.9.06." That's enough Microsoft. We know your secret.]
[UPDATE 3/3/06: According to Gizmodo, the Origami may be a piece of software that will run on Intel's new Ultra Mobile PC (UMPC), rather than a device itself.]
portable halo..... could there be another heaven beyond Oblivion perhaps?