Microsoft's mysterious Origami: A challenge to iPod?

Microsoft's mysterious Origami: A challenge to iPod?
SAN FRANCISCO - Microsoft has registered a mysterious website called www.origamiproject.com and is all set to announce a new gadget if rumors are to be believed. The site does not bear the name of the software behemoth, but promises to reveal all on 3/2/06.

"Hello. Do you know me? Do you know what I can do? And where I can go? Or how I can change your life? You will ... learn more on 3.2.06," an animation on the site asked. It is being speculated that Redmond is all set to release a handheld device perhaps as a rival to Apple's iPod. Microsoft executive Richard Scoble confirmed this rumor of a new device in his blog last week, "I do know that Origami is the code name for a new kind of device," he wrote.

A video clip on the site was traced to Digital Kitchen LLC, of which Microsoft is a client. The New York Times reports that the president of consumer electronics firm Envisioneering, Richard Doherty, has received an invitation for a briefing on Thursday, "It's a 'technology' we've been invited to see," Mr. Doherty was quoted as saying. "That could be all kinds of things. But a device that is near to shipping would be surprising.

If Microsoft was working with any of the major chip makers on a new device, it would be a long shot that that piece of information would not slip out until the product was almost ready." But Microsoft spokesman Frank Shaw denied that there was a planned announcement on Thursday, but said there was "an industry event" next month. Apple has also scheduled a press meet on February 28 to reveal "fun new" products. Perhaps Redmond is hoping to copy Apple's style, which is known for its secrecy.