Microsoft smartwatch reportedly coming in October to compete with iWatch

Though we first heard murmurs about a possible Microsoft smartwatch in **April last year**, we have only been seeing more concrete rumours in the past few months. After reports about the company being in talks with suppliers about design and its plans to rope in a always-on **heart rate sensor** and support for Android, here’s another tidbit about the device. A new report by BGR states that Microsoft doesn’t want to be late to the smartwatch party and could launch its new wearable as early as October.   Microsoft was terribly late in updating its smartphone OS, after Apple’s and Android’s initial success and it possibly plans to not make the same mistake when it comes to wearables. Interestingly, Apple is also rumoured to launch its highly anticipated **iWatch in October**. Apple’s iWatch is expected to work in tandem with the upcoming iPhone and a new fitness-based app. The fitness-focussed iWatch is expected to dive into mass production this month and a mainstream launch is slated for October.   Reports claim that Microsoft will also be building a wearable with health and fitness features.  The company doesn’t want to limit the support for WP devices and the device is also rumoured to support Android.  So, a cross-platform functionality and always-on heart rate monitor coupled with some other improved fitness features, would possibly work for Microsoft. With Kinect in tow, it could also introduce some gesture-enabled features for the smartwatch. However, it is too early to say if it would be enough to take on Apple’s  iWatch or indeed Android Wear.   Along with  **Apple’s iWatch**, Microsoft’s smartwatch will also compete with a slew of Google  **Android Wear**-based  **smartwatches** and the current crop of smartwatches from Samsung, Pebble and Sony.  Google’s first batch of Android Wear based smartwatches were announced at I/O -  LG G watch and Samsung Gear Live. Besides, Motorola will also launch the Moto 360 with aggressive pricing and  **Acer** has already given us a glimpse of its upcoming smart band. Samsung is also believed to be working on a  **standalone watch-phone**.