Images of the so-called "Xbox Watch" have surfaced before, but this is the first time we've been able to see the device powered on (no chargers seem to exist for this thing.)
The pictures come via Hikari Calyx on Twitter, showing off an extremely early version of the Xbox Watch in a powered-on state. At this stage, the device only sported four apps, "Workout," "GPS," "Settings," and a USB debugger for developers.
This device preceded the Microsoft Band, and might have been a response to how well Nintendo was able to position console gaming as a fitness option, back during the Wii Fit craze. We believe that the technology developed for the "Xbox Watch" eventually got rolled into the Microsoft Band, which, of course, also got cancelled.
With devices like Kinect and the Band, and apps like Microsoft Health and Xbox Fitness, Microsoft seemed to be really interested in creating its own fitness ecosystem in previous years. Now, Microsoft points to its partnerships with companies like FitBit, who recently released a fitness program app for Xbox and Windows 10.
Image via SuomiMobiili
The Microsoft Band was a cool product, but launching it under the Xbox brand in conjunction with fitness-orientated games might have given it a bigger boost with consumers. Either way, it looks as though Microsoft's interest in wrist-mounted wearables is probably over, for now.
