Microsoft plays teasing game with Origami

Microsoft's Origami seems certain to be a new operating system designed for a portable computer

Microsoft is playing its cards very close to its chest over the forthcoming launch of Project Origami, following the release of another teaser video on its website. 

It seems certain that the product is a new operating system designed for a portable computer, since the video indicated that Origami can be used anywhere.

Origami is likely to be a cut down version of Windows XP or CE to be used in Intel's forthcoming ultra mobile PC, probably without a keyboard. 

"A lot of Japanese manufacturers are leading the way on this new form factor, " said Scott Richardson, general manager of Intel's Broadband Wireless Division.

"We'll be building in wireless support as standard, and by 2007 we'll hope to have all devices with ports for Sim cards that can connect via cellular and act as an authenticator for the user."

More details will be announced at CeBIT next week but even these are expected to be sketchy.

Some bloggers already claim to have images of the new product leaked onto the web from Microsoft's advertising agency Digital Kitchen, but Redmond has played down the suggestions. 

"While Origami is a concept Microsoft has been working on with partners, please know that the video seen on Digital Kitchen's website is a year old and represents our initial exploration into this form factor, including possible uses and scenarios," said a Microsoft spokeswoman.

"However, we are excited to share more details about the evolution of the Origami concept in the coming weeks, so stay tuned."

Gizmodo gadgets blog: Origami is just the UMPC?