Microsoft says ‘me too’ to emerging smartwatch market

Microsoft is the latest company to make a play for the increasingly overcrowded smartwatch market.

According to a report in the Wall Street Journal, the company is believed to be one of several major electronics firms, including LG, Samsung and Google, to be working on developing a smartwatch.

The interest in the product category follows the release of the Pebble Watch and persistent rumours of work on an “iWatch” by Apple.

Microsoft has reportedly asked key suppliers in Asia to ship components for smartwatch development, although it is unclear whether the company will proceed with the project.

The company had released a smartwatch nearly a decade ago, which used radio frequencies to broadcast headlines or sports scores to the wrists of consumers, although the product was discontinued due to a lack of consumer demand.