Microsoft is preparing to unveil
a handheld multimedia device designed to take on
Apple's iPod and the Sony PSP, according to reports.
Microsoft operating systems already
run on mobile devices
Called Origami, it is thought to boast a touch
screen, wireless web access, and to play music, videos
and games.
A slick advertisement for the embryonic product
and an official teaser site are available online.
Microsoft confirmed it had been working on
Origami, but insisted no date had been set for an
official launch.
Speculation about Origami grew as Apple launched
the latest innovation in its iPod range.
The California company launched iPod Hi-Fi, a
speaker system designed to put the portable music
players in living rooms as well as coat pockets.
It also unveiled the latest version of its Mac
Mini computer, boasting an Intel processor and the
ability to stream media content from other computers
on a local network.
What is Starforce?
Starforce is a software copy protection tool
installed by PC game publishers, which is designed to
prevent the casual copying of retail CDROM
applications. It installs as a hidden device driver,
without the end-user's knowledge or consent
