MSN Smart Watches

Yes! I can get a watch just like Dick Tracy had. (Now all I need is a flying car, and I'm all set.) Well, the watch is almost like Dick Tracy's; for now it's a receive-only device, but it's still cool. Starting in the fall of 2003, Microsoft began rolling out its MSN Direct service, which delivers information to MSN Direct wireless wristwatches via the Direct Band Network.

Subscribers can get personalized weather, sports scores, stocks, appointment reminders, personal messages, and more, all delivered to MSN Direct enabled watches. The watches aren't big clunky looking things either; they're being made by Fossil and Abacus. In fact, Fossil is making the "Fossil Wrist Net Dick Tracy" watch, a stylish revisiting of the super-sleuth's wrist communicator.

The Direct Band Network initially covers the 100 largest cities in the U.S. and Canada. It works by broadcasting MSN Direct information on FM radio sub carrier channels. These FM channels are sometimes used by FM radio stations to broadcast their call letters, and occasionally song titles for display on newer car radios. MSN Direct is leasing this space to broadcast the MSN Direct service to enabled devices. Right now that means watches, but additional devices may be available in the future.