SPOT Devices to Use FM-Based Network

The first Smart Personal Objects Technology (SPOT) product, a wristwatch that will receive data over an FM-based network, was demonstrated by Chief Software Architect Bill Gates at the 2003 Consumer Electronics Show in January. By teaming up with the radio broadcast industry for the wireless network, Microsoft hopes to sell large volumes of inexpensive wireless data devices without involving the wireless phone industry. The network could also evolve into an important part of Microsoft’s overall device strategy, providing a way for devices to continue receiving data when they are not in range of a two-way network, for instance.

What Is SPOT?

SPOT provides a way for low-power devices with inexpensive processors to receive text data over a low-bandwidth, one-way wireless network. Although demonstrations have involved a variety of different types of data, including news headlines, sports scores, and stock quotes, the first goal of SPOT will be to make the devices perform their primary function better. For example, the SPOT watches will synchronize themselves with atomic clocks run by agencies such as the U.S. Naval Observatory. Other demonstrated ideas for SPOT devices include alarm clocks and refrigerator magnets that could display information such as real-time traffic reports and weather information. Gates said that the devices will be able to receive software updates as well.